Albumin administration in neonatal care

Aim of the study. The aim of this survey was to evaluate studies on albumin supplementation in preterm and term infants in order to reach conclusions that might ameliorate further handling of this drug frequently used in neon atology. Results. For the indication of arterial hypotension and hemodilution in pol ycythaemia no advantage has been proven compared to crystalline solution. P ostnatal prevention of hypovolaemia, respiratory distress syndrome,clinical ly uneventful hypoalbuminaemia and oedemas in the preterm infant do not jus tify albumin supplementation. There are no data proving that the administra tion of albumin or pasteurised plasma solutions to preterm and term newborn s have any advantage concerning mortality or long term prognosis. Therefore , it is necessary to study the supplementation of albumin in randomised and controlled trials to identify patients who may profit from an albumin ther apy. Taking into account the risk of infection and the high cost, we recomm ened caution with the use of albumin and if possible, to decide in favour o f an alternative therapy.