The Use of Serum Albumin as a Prognostic or Nutritional Marker and The Pros and Cons of IV Albumin Therapy

Serum albumin is a poor nutritional marker, but it is a good prognostic marker correlating with morbidity and mortality. However, IV albumin administration in hypoalbuminemic patients does not decrease tube feeding‐associated diarrhea or intolerance, nor does it improve clinical outcome, so it is not cost‐effective. In selected situations, colloid solutions may be helpful; however, nonprotein colloids are preferred and rarely is IV albumin indicated.