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In My Opinion: Serum Albumin Should be Maintained During Neurocritical Care

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Abstract

Hypoalbuminemia is common among critically ill/injured patients and is strongly associated with increased morbidity and mortality in the patients with and without neurological conditions. Normal serum albumin is important as the primary intravascular antioxidant, in transporting a variety of hormones, medications and electrolytes, in providing colloid osmotic pressure during trans-compartmental fluid movement, in enhancing organ and tissue blood flow, and in supporting acid–base balance. Studies of albumin administration during intravascular resuscitation have not addressed potential longer term benefits to sustaining serum albumin concentrations during critical care. Evidence for such benefit is present although additional prospective studies are needed.

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  1. Departments of Neurosurgery and Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston Medical School, 6431 Fannin Street, MSB 7.154, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    David J. Powner

  2. Vivian L. Smith Center for Neurological Research, Houston, TX, USA

    David J. Powner

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Correspondence to David J. Powner.

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Powner, D.J. In My Opinion: Serum Albumin Should be Maintained During Neurocritical Care. Neurocrit Care 14, 482–488 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12028-011-9513-z

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