Postoperative outcome in major abdominal trauma: is the treatment of hypoalbuminemia beneficial?

Background It had been suggested that the use of fluids containing albumin in critically ill patients may increase the absolute risk for death when compared with crystalloids. Objective The aim of this study was to compare the effect of albumin infusion versus conservative therapy on both serum albumin concentration (SAC) and patient outcome in case of postoperative hypoalbuminemia after exploration laparotomy for major abdominal trauma. Patients and methods Sixty-four patients with major abdominal trauma who had undergone exploration laparotomy were studied. In addition to patient’s demographic data, serial postoperative SAC and intra-abdominal pressure up to the seventh day were measured. Moreover, clinical, laboratory, and radiological follow-up was conducted to evaluate the morbidity until patient discharge from the hospital. The mortality rate was also recorded. Results There were no significant differences between patients who received albumin (group A) for the treatment of hypoalbuminemia and those who did not receive albumin (group B) as regards length of ICU stay (P=0.33), first postoperative day SAC (P=0.99), total complications (P=1), and individual postoperative complications [hemodynamic instability with vasopressor requirement (P=0.74), abdominal compartment syndrome (P=1), multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (P=1), and anastomotic leak (P=1), acute respiratory distress (P<0.6), and mortality (P=1)]. However, SAC was significantly higher on the third, fifth, and seventh day postoperatively in group A than in group B (P<0.001). Conclusion Postoperative treatment of hypoalbuminemia in major abdominal trauma had no benefit as regards morbidity and mortality.