Roles of albumin in patients with chronic liver disease: Evidence-based medicine

Abstract

This article details the roles of albumin in patients with chronic liver disease especially cirrhosis according to evidence-based information. In addition, this review includes the summary of several guidelines for albumin use in patients with chronic liver disease including those who are undergoing large volume paracentesis (more than 5 litre), those with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), and those with hepatorenal syndrome (HRS), which occurred mainly in decompensated cirrhotic patients and acute liver failure. The physiologic functions of albumin and the other potential indications of albumin in cirrhotic patients are also mentioned.