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.