Side Effects of Intravenous Human Albumin
Mar 22, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Guoqiang
Introduction
In clinical practice, the decision to use human serum albumin—including its concentration, dosage, and infusion rate—must be made by the physician based on the patient’s condition and therapeutic requirements. During infusion of human serum albumin, hypersensitivity reactions may occur in patients allergic to albumin or any of its excipients, manifesting as adverse effects such as fever, flushing, and rash.
Human serum albumin (HSA) is a blood-derived pharmaceutical product sourced from human plasma. It is commonly used to treat patients with hypovolemia or hypoalbuminemia. It may also be administered in cases of severe burns or hemorrhagic shock. Below, we address the potential adverse effects associated with HSA infusion.
Adverse Effects of Human Serum Albumin Infusion
In clinical practice, the decision to administer HSA—and the selection of concentration, dosage, and infusion rate—must be made by a physician based on the patient’s specific condition and therapeutic requirements. If a patient is allergic to albumin or any of its excipients, hypersensitivity reactions may occur, including fever, flushing, and skin rash. Rapid infusion may lead to intravascular volume overload and subsequent pulmonary edema. Therefore, HSA is contraindicated in patients with hypertension, acute cardiac disease, or heart failure.
It is also important to note that, because HSA is derived from human plasma, pathogen screening is performed during manufacturing, and viral removal and inactivation steps are incorporated into the production process. Nevertheless, a theoretical risk of transmitting certain infectious diseases cannot be entirely eliminated.
The use of HSA must always involve careful risk–benefit assessment; it should only be administered when clinically necessary and never used indiscriminately. Mild allergic reactions may be managed with corticosteroids; however, if a severe allergic reaction occurs, HSA infusion must be discontinued immediately. During infusion, patients exhibiting signs of significant dehydration must receive adequate concurrent fluid replacement.
Patients should avoid foods known to provoke allergic reactions—particularly seafood such as fish, shrimp, and crab—which should be consumed sparingly or avoided altogether. Instead, they may consume fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as easily digestible foods.
The above outlines the potential adverse effects associated with human serum albumin infusion. We hope this information is helpful to you.
