Nutrition in clinical practice : official publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
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Albumin is the predominant product of hepatic protein synthesis and one of the more abundant plasma proteins. Among its multiple physiologic roles, it plays an essential part in the generation of colloid-oncotic pressure. In the United States, the indications for which albumin therapy are considered include hypovolemia or shock, burns, hypoalbuminemia, surgery or trauma, cardiopulmonary bypass, acute respiratory distress syndrome, hemodialysis, and sequestration of protein-rich fluids. ⋯ At the same time, these valuable reviews seem to have documented the advantages of albumin therapy in the management of ascites and clarified the use of albumin in volume resuscitation. More studies have been recommended to investigate the use of albumin in different doses and its role in hypoalbuminemia. This article will provide an overview of albumin metabolism, use of albumin for volume expansion, the potential therapeutic role of albumin in liver disease, and the role of albumin therapy in nutrition.
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Significant weight loss is a common complication of a major burn injury. Before the modern era of early enteral nutrition support, such a complication contributed significantly to impaired wound healing, raised risk of infectious morbidity, and ultimately increased mortality. ⋯ The burn patient characteristically demonstrates an increase in energy expenditure after the initial injury and period of resuscitation. Studies have demonstrated that early institution of enteral feeding can attenuate the stress response, abate hypermetabolism, and improve patient outcome.