Evaluation of Human Albumin Use Pattern in a Referral Teaching Hospital

Albumin is generally used in hypovolemic conditions and due to its high cost and
complicated manufacturing process, its appropriate use is a vital issue to be considered. The aim of
this study was to evaluate the pattern of Albumin prescription in Imam Khomeini teaching hospital
in Urmia, Iran.country.
Methods: This study was carried out between December 2014 to December 2015 in the Imam
Khomeini hospital, affiliated to Urmia University of Medical Sciences, using pre-designed forms
covering demographic data and clinical and laboratory information that was completed by the
educated pharmacist on a daily observational basis.
Results: A total of 202 patients were selected with the mean age of 55.9±20.5 years, including
53% male patients. The highest prescription percentages were for patients with the diagnosis of
Gastrointestinal Cancers (10.9%) while most of the patients were admitted in burn ward (16.3%).
Overall 2755 Albumin 20% vials equal to almost 3030 million Rials were used while only 79
(39.1%) of the prescriptions were appropriate. Hypoalbuminemia was responsible for the highest
number of inappropriate indications.
Conclusion: Our results showed a low percentage of acceptable prescriptions which highlights the
necessity for reviewing and supervising the utilization of Albumin in this hospita