Long-term albumin infusion improves survival in patients with cirrhosis and ascites: an unblinded randomized trial.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of long-term albumin administration on survival, recurrence of ascites and onset of other complications.


METHODS
One hundred consecutive patients admitted for first-onset ascites were randomized to receive diuretics plus human albumin 25 g/wk in the first year and 25 g every two wk thereafter (group 1) or diuretics alone (group 2). The primary endpoint was survival without liver transplantation. Secondary endpoints were recurrence of ascites and occurrence of other complications.


RESULTS
Median follow-up was 84 (2-120) mo. Albumin-treated patients had significantly greater cumulative survival rate (Breslow test=7.05, P=0.0078) and lower probability of ascites recurrence (51% versus 94%, P<0.0001). Chronic albumin infusion resulted in a mean increase in survival of 16 mo.


CONCLUSIONS
Long-term albumin administration after first-onset ascites significantly improves patients' survival and decreases the risk of ascites recurrence.
Romanelli
Roberto-Giulio
RG
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florence School of Medicine, Viale Morgagni, 85-I-50134 Florence, Italy. r.romanelli@dmi.unifi.it
La Villa
Giorgio
G
Barletta
Giuseppe
G
Vizzutti
Francesco
F
Lanini
Fabio
F
Arena
Umberto
U
Boddi
Vieri
V
Tarquini
Roberto
R
Pantaleo
Pietro
P
Gentilini
Paolo
P
Laffi
Giacomo
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000418:Albumins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001201:Ascites / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D012306:Risk; D015996:Survival Rate
D000418:Albumins