Human Albumin Utilization in Patients Admitted to a University-affiliated Hospital in Iran

Abstract

Background: As an essential human protein and an expensive biological drug, albumin is, in several cases, prescribed without an appropriate indication. This study determined the compatibility of albumin administration with the current standard protocols in a university-affiliated hospital in Iran. Methods: A total of 151 patients admitted to a university-affiliated hospital in Iran from June 22, 2016, to 2017 participated in the present cross-sectional study. The demographic information of the patients (age, gender, and ward), the reason for albumin prescription, and details of its use were recorded (the total amount prescribed, the duration of albumin therapy, dosage, or frequency). The compliance of the albumin administration with the current guidelines (appropriate vs. inappropriate) was checked and confirmed by a senior clinical pharmacist. Results: Sixty-six (43.7%) patients were female and 85 (56.3%) were male. The Mean±SD age of the patients was 53.98±25.34 years. Among the patients receiving albumin, patients with infectious diseases, burn injuries, and operations were the most frequent cases. Generally, 171 vials were administered inappropriately during the study. Also, the inappropriate administration of albumin was most common among infectious disease specialists, followed by internists and general surgeons, resulting in $35878.5 wastage (each vial is around $33.5 in Iran). Conclusion: The logical administration of albumin should be based on the appropriate guidelines and clinical needs of the patients. In a majority of the cases, albumin was prescribed inappropriately and at an alarming rate. These results indicate the need for educational programs and appropriate policies for physicians prescribing albumin.

Keywords

• Albumin
• Clinical pharmacist
• Drug utilization review
• Inappropriate prescribing