Albumin. 2. Guidelines for clinical use

PARTLY on the basis of the physiologic information given in part 1 and partly on the basis of empiric observations derived from uncontrolled clinical administration, it is believed pertinent to propose guidelines for the contemporary therapeutic use of albumin, an important plasma protein. The guidelines for this biologic are designed to assure appropriate use. Certain principles were followed in preparation of the recommendations. (1) It was believed that the selection of proper clinical circumstances for the therapeutic use of albumin should not be dictated by arbitrary or pragmatic restrictions but rather by the education of physicians in its normal physiologic function. (2) Although only a few specific disorders regularly require the use of albumin, a broad diversity of pathologic complications may justify its occasional use. (3) Many clinical disorders exist in which there is incomplete or conflicting data on the effectiveness of albumin therapy. (4) Still other disorders exist in