Albumin is a protein found naturally in the blood that helps maintain blood volume and pressure. It's given to burn patients because they often lose large amounts of albumin through damaged skin and tissues. This loss can lead to a condition called hypoalbuminemia, which can cause fluid to leak out of blood vessels and into surrounding tissues, resulting in swelling and a decreased blood volume.
Albumin helps to prevent this by increasing the oncotic pressure in the blood vessels, which draws fluid back into the bloodstream and helps maintain blood volume. This can be especially important in the early stages of burn shock, when patients are at risk for fluid loss and organ damage.
Here are some of the key reasons albumin is given to burn patients:
- Volume expansion: Albumin helps to expand the blood volume, improving blood flow and circulation.
- Reduced mortality: Some studies suggest that albumin may reduce mortality in burn patients, though more research is needed.
- Reduced compartment syndrome: Albumin can help to reduce the risk of compartment syndrome, a condition where pressure builds up in a muscle compartment, leading to tissue damage.
- Increased oncotic pressure: Albumin increases oncotic pressure, which helps to pull fluid back into the bloodstream and reduce swelling.
While albumin is often used in the treatment of burn patients, its effectiveness is still being debated. Some studies have shown benefits, while others have found no significant improvement in outcomes.
