A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 38 trials reporting death as outcome. There were 1 958 deaths among 10 842 trial participants.
For hypovolaemia, the relative risk of death following albumin administration was 1.02 (95% CI 0.92 to 1.13). This estimate was heavily influenced by the results of the SAFE trial which contributed 75.2% of the information (based on the weights in the meta-analysis). For burns, the relative risk was 2.93 (95% CI 1.28 to 6.72) and for hypoalbuminaemia the relative risk was 1.26 (95% CI 0.84 to 1.88). There was no substantial heterogeneity between the trials in the various categories. The pooled relative risk of death with albumin administration was 1.05 (95% CI 0.95 to 1.16).
Another Cochrane review [Abstract] 2 included 69 studies with 30 020 participants comparing colloids to crystalloids in patients requiring volume replacement. There was no clear evidence that colloids (starches, dextrans, gelatins, and albumin) reduce the risk of death, compared to crystalloids, in patients with trauma, burns or following surgery (table T1).
| Outcome | Relative effect(95% CI) | Risk with crystalloids | Risk with albumin (95% CI) | Number of participants(studies)Certainty of the evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-cause mortality (at end of follow-up) | RR 0.98(0.92 to 1.06) | 254 per 1000 | 249 per 1000(234 to 270) | 13 047(20)Moderate |
| All-cause mortality (at 90 days) | RR 0.98(0.92 to 1.04) | 259 per 1000 | 254 per 1000(239 to 270) | 12 492(10) Moderate |
| Transfusion of blood products | RR 1.31(0.95 to 1.80)290(3 | 281 per 1000 | 368 per 1000(267 to 506) | 290(3) Very low |
| Renal replacement therapy | RR 1.11 (0.96 to 1.27) | 201 per 1000 | 223 per 1000(193 to 255) | 3028(2) Low |
Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by study limitations (inadequate allocation concealment).
Primary/Secondary Keywords