From the Research
The recommended infusion time for 50 milliliters (mL) of Albumin 25% is 1-2 hours, with a maximum infusion rate not exceeding 2-3 mL per minute. When administering Albumin 25%, it's essential to infuse it slowly to minimize the risk of adverse effects such as circulatory overload, pulmonary edema, or rapid changes in blood pressure. Patients should be monitored during the infusion for signs of cardiovascular overload, including increased blood pressure, elevated heart rate, jugular vein distention, or respiratory distress. If these symptoms occur, the infusion should be slowed or temporarily stopped. The relatively slow infusion rate is necessary because Albumin 25% is a concentrated colloid solution that rapidly expands plasma volume by drawing fluid from interstitial spaces into the bloodstream. For patients with cardiac or renal impairment, an even slower infusion rate may be appropriate, and close monitoring is essential throughout administration.
Some key points to consider when infusing Albumin 25% include:
- The infusion rate should be tailored to the individual patient's needs and response to the infusion 1.
- Monitoring for signs of circulatory overload is crucial, as this can be a significant complication of Albumin 25% infusion 2.
- The use of Albumin 25% can result in significant plasma volume expansion, which can be beneficial in certain clinical situations, but also requires careful monitoring to avoid adverse effects 3.
- The most recent and highest quality study on this topic is from 2023, which highlights the importance of careful infusion rate management and monitoring in patients receiving Albumin 25% 1.
In terms of specific infusion rates, the evidence suggests that a rate of 2-3 mL per minute is a reasonable starting point, but this may need to be adjusted based on individual patient factors and response to the infusion. It's also important to note that the infusion time may need to be longer or shorter depending on the specific clinical situation and patient response. Overall, the key is to infuse Albumin 25% slowly and carefully, with close monitoring for signs of adverse effects, in order to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks of this treatment.