Albúmina en cirrosis: perspectiva inflamatoria / Albumin in cirrhosis: inflammatory perspective

La albúmina sérica humana es la proteína más abundante en el plasma, su estructura molecular le confiere estabilidad, pero también flexibilidad para ligar y transportar un amplio rango de moléculas. Su función oncótica es la propiedad más reconocida que la lleva a introducirse en la terapéutica médica como un expansor de volumen. Sin embargo, en los últimos años se le han adicionado funciones con carácter antioxidante, inmunomodulador y de estabilización endotelial, que hacen presumir que su impacto terapéutico está más allá de sus funciones volumétricas. En los últimos años, específicamente en la cirrosis y la falla hepática aguda sobre crónica, se ha tenido un cambio en el paradigma fisiológico, desde una perspectiva netamente hemodinámica hacia una perspectiva inflamatoria, en donde las funciones oncóticas y no oncóticas de la albúmina están alteradas y tienen un carácter pronóstico en estas entidades. Este conocimiento creciente, desde una perspectiva inflamatoria, hace que se fortalezca el uso terapéutico de la albúmina sérica humana desde las indicaciones tradicionales como prevención de la disfunción circulatoria posparacentesis, prevención y tratamiento de lesión renal aguda, hasta las discusiones para administración a largo plazo en pacientes cirróticos con ascitis.

Human serum albumin is the most abundant protein in plasma, with a molecular structure that provides stability while also allowing flexibility to bind and transport a wide range of molecules. Its oncotic function is the most recognized property, leading to its introduction in medical therapy as a volume expander. However, in recent years, additional functions with antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and endothelial stabilization properties have been identified, suggesting that its therapeutic impact extends beyond its volumetric functions. Specifically, in cirrhosis and acute-on-chronic liver failure, there has been a shift in the pathophysiological paradigm from a purely hemodynamic perspective to an inflammatory perspective, where both oncotic and non-oncotic functions of albumin are altered and have prognostic significance in these conditions. This growing understanding from an inflammatory perspective strengthens the therapeutic use of human serum albumin, not only for traditional indications such as the prevention of post-paracentesis circulatory disfunction, prevention and treatment of acute kidney injury, but also for discussions regarding long-term administration in cirrhotic patients with ascites.

Análise de custos de pacientes cirróticos descompensados recebendo albumina a longo prazo versus tratamento médico padrão nos sistemas de saúde público e privado do Brasil / Albumin versus standard medical treatment in brazilian public and private healthcare systems

ABSTRACT Background: Cirrhosis is one of the final stages of chronic liver disease. Common causes of cirrhosis include alcoholism and viral hepatitis infections. Cirrhosis can progress from an asymptomatic, compensated phase to decompensation and the appearance of overt symptoms. There is no specific treatment for decompensated cirrhosis. The ANSWER trial positioned long-term albumin infusions as a potential treatment for patients with cirrhosis and uncomplicated ascites. Objective: This study assesses the economic impact of albumin infusions following the ANSWER trial regimen in Brazilian patients with decompensated cirrhosis from the public and private healthcare systems perspectives. Methods: The incremental cost per patient per year was calculated for standard medical treatment (SMT) plus long-term albumin infusions versus SMT alone. Costs of diuretics and albumin were obtained from Banco de Preços em Saúde and the Drug Market Regulation Chamber. Costs for complication and procedures were gathered from the published literature. Costs were transformed to 2021 Brazilian reals (BRL). Incidences of clinical complications and treatments were gathered from the ANSWER trial. Univariate sensitivity analysis was performed by increasing and decreasing all inputs by 20%. Results: The cost per patient per year was 118,759 BRL and 189,675 BRL lower for patients treated with SMT and albumin (compared to SMT only) for the public and private healthcare systems, respectively. The additional cost of albumin was offset by reduced complications and treatments (149,526 BRL and 249,572 BRL, respectively). The univariate sensitivity analysis showed cost savings for both healthcare systems in all the scenarios assessed. Conclusion: This economic analysis suggests that, if the ANSWER trial clinical outcomes translate into real-world effectiveness, addition of albumin infusions to SMT in patients with decompensated cirrhosis may lead to cost savings for the public and private healthcare systems in Brazil.

RESUMO Contexto: A cirrose representa o estágio final da doença hepática crônica. Causas comuns de cirrose incluem alcoolismo e infecções por hepatite viral. A cirrose pode progredir de uma fase compensada assintomática para descompensação e aparecimento de sintomas evidentes. Não há tratamento específico para cirrose descompensada. O estudo ANSWER demonstrou que a administração de albumina a longo prazo pode representar um potencial tratamento para pacientes com cirrose e ascite não complicada. Objetivo: Nosso estudo avalia o impacto econômico da administração de albumina a longo prazo seguindo o protocolo do estudo ANSWER em pacientes brasileiros com cirrose descompensada, sob a perspectiva dos sistemas de saúde público e privado. Métodos: O custo incremental por paciente por ano foi calculado para o tratamento médico padrão (SMT) associado a administração de albumina a longo prazo comparado a SMT apenas. Os custos de diuréticos e albumina foram obtidos no Banco de Preços em Saúde e na Câmara de Regulação do Mercado de Medicamentos. Os custos de complicações e procedimentos foram coletados da literatura publicada. Os custos foram transformados em Reais de 2021 (BRL). As incidências de complicações clínicas e tratamentos foram coletadas do estudo ANSWER. Uma análise de sensibilidade univariada foi realizada aumentando e diminuindo todas as variáveis em 20%. Resultados: O custo por paciente por ano foi de R$ 118.759 e R$ 189.675 menor para pacientes tratados com SMT e albumina (comparado apenas com SMT) para os sistemas de saúde público e privado, respectivamente. O custo adicional da albumina foi compensado pela redução de complicações e tratamentos (149.526 BRL e 249.572 BRL, respectivamente). A análise de sensibilidade univariada mostrou redução de custos para ambos os sistemas de saúde em todos os cenários avaliados. Conclusão: Esta análise econômica sugere que, se os resultados clínicos do estudo ANSWER se confirmarem no mundo real, a administração de albumina associada ao SMT em pacientes com cirrose descompensada pode levar a redução de custos para os sistemas de saúde público e privado no Brasil.

Homologous Assay Development for Detection of Dexamethasone using HRP as Label Enzyme

Background: Dexamethasone is a synthetic corticosteroid similar to cortisol produced naturally by the adrenal glands. As an anti- inflammatory and immunosuppressive agent, it is used in many diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and allergic anaphylactic shock, and its suppression test to diagnose Cushing's syndrome. Its further use includes its administration before antibiotics in bacterial meningitis, antitumor treatment, for treatment of glucocorticoid resistance, Addison抯 disease, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The drug is abused by using it in animal husbandry as a growth promoter and in horse sports to enhance their performance. Methods: In this study, the development of homologous ELISA using Dexamethasone-21-hemisuccinate (DEX-21-HS)-Bovine serum albumin antiserum and Dexamethasone-21-hemisuccinate (DEX-21-HS)-Horseradish peroxidase enzyme conjugate has been done. The n-hydroxysuccinimide ester method was used to prepare the immunogen and enzyme conjugate. Results: The sensitivity 0.25 ng/mL, affinity 2.8x10-8 L/mol and ED50 4.98 ng/mL of the assay were found. The cross-reactivity of the assay was checked and found with three steroids (Corticosterone- 1.13%, Progesterone- 2.25% and Prednisolone- 6.3%) out of 48 structurally related steroids. Then, analytical variables of the developed assay were studied, such as recovery (98.55% to 105.08%), precision (Inter and Intra- assay coefficient of variation <9.28%), correlation (R2= 0.98) by utilizing a commercially available Dexamethasone kit for comparison. Conclusion: This study concluded that low-cost indigenous ELISA for Dexamethasone had been developed, which can give results within 75-80 minutes.

Albúmina sérica predictor de resultados intrahospitalarios en pacientes admitidos a la UCIN del Hospital de la Mujer / Serum albumin predicator of intrahospital outcomes in patients admitted to the NICU of the women's hospital

INTRODUCCIÓN: En el estrés metabólico existe una sobreproducción proteica de reactantes positivos de la fase aguda y en el hígado, se frena la síntesis de otras proteínas, incluyendo la albúmina, denominadas Reactantes Negativos de la Fase Aguda. Los rangos de referencia precisos para la hipoalbuminemia patológica han resultado difíciles de determinar en los recién nacidos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Descriptivo de corte transversal en 494 recién nacidos. Se realizó un análisis exploratorio de los datos con estadística descriptiva mediante el paquete estadístico SPSS v.20. RESULTADOS: 494 neonatos fueron seleccionados, 39% fueron prematuros tardíos, 27% reportó hipoalbuminemia en sus diferentes grados que se correlacionaron con los días de internación en UCIN (p=0,0001), necesidad y tiempo en ventilador mecánico (p=0,001), con la mortalidad (p=0,001) y patología infecciosa (p=0,001). DISCUSIÓN: La incidencia acumulada de sepsis no confirmada por hemocultivo fue de 54%, La hipoalbuminemia tiene asociaciones importantes con la evolución y pronóstico en pacientes pediátricos. La PCR no tiene correlación en el estudio (p=0,232) y solo fue reactiva en 4 pacientes (0,8%). CONCLUSIONES: El nivel de albúmina sérica reportada en las primeras 24 horas de ingreso a la UCIN es un predictor para los resultados intrahospitalarios (tiempo y requerimiento de ventilación mecánica), mortalidad neonatal, sepsis neonatal y enfermedad de membrana hialina. Su determinación sérica debe ser incluida en la lista de exámenes de laboratorio solicitados a su admisión y la PCR al ingreso debe ser excluida por su pobre sensibilidad como sugiere la SIBEN.

INTRODUCTION: In metabolic stress, there is a protein overproduction of positive acute phase reactants and in the liver, the synthesis of other proteins, including albumin, called negative acute phase reactants is slowed down. Precise reference ranges for pathologic hypoalbuminemia have proven difficult to determine in neonates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive cross section in 494 newborns. An exploratory analysis of the data with descriptive statistics was carried out using the statistical package SPSS v.20. RESULTS: 494 neonates were selected, 39% were late preterm, 27% reported hypoalbuminemia in its different degrees that correlated with the days of hospitalization in the NICU (p=0.0001), need and time on a mechanical ventilator (p=0.001), with mortality (p=0.001) and infectious pathology (p=0.001). DISCUSSION: The cumulative incidence of sepsis not confirmed by blood culture was 54%. Hypoalbuminemia has important associations with outcome and prognosis in pediatric patients. CRP does not correlate the study (p=0.232) and was only reactive in 4 patients (0.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Serum albumin level reported in the first 24 hours of NICU admission is a predictor for in-hospital outcomes (time and requirement of mechanical ventilation), neonatal mortality, neonatal sepsis, and hyaline membrane disease. Its serum determination should be included in the list of laboratory tests requested upon admission and the PCR upon admission should be excluded due to its poor sensitivity, as suggested by SIBEN.

Proteinuria y síndrome nefrótico / Proteinuria and Nephrotic Syndrome

Introducción: El síndrome nefrótico es una patología que afecta el complejo glomerular del riñón, se caracteriza por una proteinuria mayor 3500 mg/d. De acuerdo a la respuesta de los esteroides se puede clasificar en síndrome nefrótico en esteroide resistente o esteroide sensible. Objetivo: Determinar la relación que existe entre la proteinuria y las variantes del síndrome nefrótico en adultos. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, tipo serie de casos, con una población de 28 pacientes. Se recolectaron y se procesaron los datos a través del software Epi-Info 7,2TM; la frecuencia simple, la media estadística, prueba t de Student, y el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson. Resultados: En el análisis combinatorio de los fármacos adyuvantes para síndrome nefrótico, el grupo que utilizó antiproteinúricos pero no estatinas, demostró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre la proteinuria postratamiento media del grupo de síndrome nefrótico esteroideo resistente (6202 mg/d) vs síndrome nefrótico esteroideo sensible (65,9 mg/d) (valor de p 0,418). Existe una correlación negativa entre los niveles proteinuria postratamiento y el nivel de albúmina sérica postratamiento (r = - 0,7 valor de p < 0,00001). Conclusiones: Se demostró la ausencia de asociación entre la proteinuria inicial y las variantes de síndrome nefrótico esteroide sensible y esteroide resistente (valor de p = 0,8)(AU)

Introduction: Nephrotic syndrome is a pathology that affects the glomerular complex of the kidney, characterized by proteinuria greater than 3500 mg/d. According to the response to steroids, nephrotic syndrome can be classified as steroid-resistant or steroid-sensitive. Objective: To determine the relationship between proteinuria and the variants of the nephrotic syndrome in adults. Methods: A descriptive, retrospective, case series type study was carried out with a population of 28 patients. The data was collected and processed through Epi-Info 7.2TM software; simple frequency, statistical mean, student's t-test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: The statistically significant difference was obtained in the antiproteinuric and non-statin group, between the mean post-treatment proteinuria of the steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome group (6202 mg/d) in comparison to steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome (65.9 mg/d) (p value 0.0418). There is negative correlation between post-treatment proteinuria levels and post-treatment serum albumin level (r= -0.7 p value <0.00001). Conclusions: The absence of association between initial proteinuria and steroid-sensitive and steroid-resistant variants of nephrotic syndrome was demonstrated (p value=0.8)(AU)

Pork-cat syndrome as cause of anaphylactic reaction to well-cooked meat / Síndrome gato-porco como causa de reação anafilática à carne cozida

Pork-cat syndrome is a rare clinical syndrome that can cause lifethreatening reactions. Occuring in patients allergic to cat dander, it involves cross-reactivity between cat and pig serum albumin. Cat allergy usually precedes food allergies, suggesting primary sensitization to cat serum albumin. Since these proteins are thermolabile, the reaction tends to be more severe in undercooked meat. A 27-year-old woman with persistent moderate-to-severe rhinoconjunctivitis since childhood reported 2 immediate mucocutaneous reactions after eating small amounts of pork. Skin prick tests with commercial extracts showed sensitization to pork, and prick-to-prick tests confirmed sensitization to raw pork and raw beef. Specific IgE was positive for pork, and ISAC microarray also showed sensitization to Fel d 2. SDS-PAGE and IgE immunoblotting assays were performed with raw and cooked pork extract and detected in a 60 kDa band. In the immunoblotting-inhibition assays, cat serum albumin completely inhibited IgE binding to pork extract. The patient underwent 2 oral food challenges with well-cooked pork and beef, both causing an anaphylactic reaction. The patient's history and in-vivo and in-vitro tests led to a diagnosis of pork-cat syndrome with clinical cross-reactivity to another mammalian serum albumin. This case should stimulate oral food challenges with other well-cooked mammalian meats in patients with this syndrome to establish a tolerance threshold and avoid possible unexpected anaphylactic reactions.

A síndrome gato-porco é rara e ocorre em doentes alérgicos ao pêlo de gato, envolvendo reatividade cruzada entre as albuminas séricas (AS) de gato e de porco. Normalmente, a doença respiratória a pêlo de gato precede a alergia alimentar, sugerindo uma sensibilização primária à albumina sérica de gato. Uma vez que estas proteínas são termolábeis, as reações tendem a ser mais graves com carnes menos cozidas. Mulher de 27 anos com rinoconjuntivite persistente moderada a grave desde a infância que refere duas reações imediatas mucocutâneas após ingestão de pequenas quantidades de carne de porco. Os testes cutâneos por picada com extratos comerciais mostraram sensibilização à carne de porco e os testes prick-to-prick confirmaram sensibilização à carne de porco e de vaca cruas. A IgE específica (sIgE) foi positiva para carne de porco, e o ensaio ISAC mostrou sensibilização a Fel d 2. Foram realizados ensaios de immunoblotting SDS-PAGE IgE com extratos de carne de porco crua e cozidas que detectaram uma banda de 60 kDA. Nos ensaios de inibição por immunoblotting a albumina sérica de gato produziu uma inibição total da ligação da IgE ao extrato de carne de porco. A doente realizou duas provas de provocação oral com carne de porco e de vaca cozidas, ambas positivas com desenvolvimento de reação anafilática. A história clínica, os testes in-vivo e in-vitro levaram ao diagnóstico de síndrome gato-porco com reatividade cruzada clínica a outras albuminas séricas de mamíferos. A síndrome gato-porco é rara e pode causar reações fatais. Este caso frisa a importância da realização de provas de provocação oral com outras carnes de mamíferos bem cozidas em doentes com esta síndrome, de forma a estabelecer um limiar de tolerância e evitar possíveis reações anafiláticas inesperadas.

Prognostic value of serum albumin and C-reactive protein levels in the elderly for assessing morbidity and mortality in a tertiary care center

Introduction: There is an increased population of elderly globally due to advancement of technology in health care. Elderly individuals are susceptible to various diseases, owing to deficits in nutrition or healthy lifestyle. Serum albumin and C‑reactive protein (CRP) are found to be sensitive to nutritional status as well as inflammation. This study is an attempt to analyze the prognostic value of CRP and serum albumin and analyze its usefulness as a prognostic marker in assessing morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. Methodology: One hundred patients above the age of 65 years and were admitted to the emergency care facilities of our tertiary care center were recruited for the study. Serum albumin and CRP estimation was done on the day of admission along with Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and was follow-up till discharge. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate relationship between the serum values and CCI scores. Results: It was observed that 83.3% (10/12) of deaths occurred in those with low serum albumin levels, and 91.6% (11/12) with high CRP levels. The hazard ratio shows a 6% increased probability of death with one unit increase in CRP, whereas a one unit increase in serum albumin value decrease the probability of death. Conclusion: The present study concludes that low serum albumin and high CRP levels at the time of admission in the elderly population are associated with high CCI scores, longer hospital stay, and increased risk of mortality, demanding their estimation in the elderly in emergency and acute care facilities.

Correlation between serum uric acid/albumin ratio and large atherosclerosis stroke, its severity and short-term outcome / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective:To investigate the correlation between serum uric acid to albumin ratio (UAR) and large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA), its severity and short-term outcome.Methods:Patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to the Department of Neurology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from September 2017 to August 2022 were retrospectively enrolled. They were classified into LAA and non-LAA according to the TOAST etiological criteria. Patients with LAA were further divided into mild stroke group (≤8) and moderate to severe stroke group (>8) according to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at admission, and good outcome group (≤2) and poor outcome group (>2) according to the modified Rankin Scale score at discharge. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the correlation between UAR and LAA, its severity and short-term outcome. The predictive value of UAR for poor outcomes in patients with LAA was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results:A total of 4 178 patients with acute ischemic stroke were enrolled, including 2 751 males (65.8%), aged 61.95±10.73 years. There were 2 000 (47.9%) patients with LAA, including 1 112 (55.6%) mild stroke and 888 (44.4%) moderate to severe stroke; 813 (40.65%) had good short-term outcomes and 1 187 (59.35%) had poor outcomes. UAR in the LAA group was significantly higher than that in the non-LAA group ( P<0.05). In patients with LAA, the UAR of the moderate to severe stroke group and the short-term poor outcome group were significantly higher than that of the mild stroke group and the short-term good outcome group, respectively (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the UAR was an independent risk factor for LAA (odds ratio [ OR] 1.043, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 1.016-1.071; P=0.002), its severity ( OR 2.000, 95% CI 1.860-2.151; P<0.001), and short-term poor outcomes ( OR 1.456, 95% CI 1.379-1.537; P<0.001). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of UAR for predicting short-term poor outcomes in patients with LAA was 0.727 (95% CI 0.704-0.750; P<0.001). The optimal cutoff value was 6.62, and the sensitivity and specificity were 86.6% and 56.7%, respectively. The area under the curve of UAR for predicting short-term poor outcomes in patients with LAA was greater than that predicted solely by uric acid and albumin. Conclusions:UAR is associated with LAA, its severity and poor prognosis, and has higher predictive value for poor outcomes in patients with LAA.

Fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio predicts the outcome of patients with acute ischemic stroke receiving intravenous thrombolysis / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective:To investigate the correlation and predictive value of fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) and clinical outcomes after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke.Methods:Patients with acute ischemic stroke received intravenous thrombolysis treatment at Fuyang People's Hospital from November 2019 to August 2022 were retrospectively included. Their clinical, imaging, and laboratory data were collected. After 3 months of onset, a modified Rankin Scale was used for clinical outcome evaluation and a score >2 were defined as poor outcome. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the correlation between FAR and poor outcome. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of FAR on adverse outcomes after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Results:A total of 162 patients were included. There were 114 patients (70.4%) in the good outcome group and 48 (29.6%) in the poor outcome group. Univariate analysis showed that the baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, fasting blood glucose, fibrinogen, and FAR in the poor outcome group were significantly higher than those in the good outcome group, while the serum albumin was significantly lower than that of the good outcome group (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the baseline NIHSS score (odds ratio [ OR] 1.176, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 1.082-1.227; P<0.001), fasting blood glucose ( OR 1.206, 95% CI 1.018-1.430; P=0.030), and FAR ( OR 1.448, 95% CI 1.449-1.824; P=0.002) were the independent risk factors for poor outcome. The ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of FAR for predicting poor outcomes was 0.706 (95% CI 0.616-0.796). When the FAR cutoff value was 8.06, the sensitivity and specificity were 66.7% and 78.2%, respectively. Conclusion:There is a significant correlation between FAR and outcomes after intravenous thrombolysis therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Higher FAR has certain predictive value for poor outcomes of patients.

Correlation between serum albumin and outcomes of successful recanalization after mechanical thrombectomy in patients with anterior circulation ischemic stroke / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective:To investigate the correlation between serum albumin and hypoalbuminemia (HA) and the outcome after endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (EMT) in patients with stroke caused by acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion.Methods:Stroke patients caused by acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion received EMT treatment at the Department of Emergency Stroke, the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University from June 2020 to August 2022 were retrospectively included. The demographic information, baseline clinical data, endovascular treatment parameters, and clinical outcomes of the patients were collected. HA was defined as serum albumin <35 g/L within 24 h of admission, and poor outcome was defined as the modified Rankin Scale score >2 at 90 d after onset. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent influencing factors for poor outcomes. Results:A total of 177 patients were included, with a median age of 66 years, and 126 (71.19%) were males. Thirty-nine patients (22.03%) had HA, and 119 (67.23%) had poor outcomes. The proportion of pulmonary infection in the HA group was significantly higher than that in the non-HA group ( P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that lower serum albumin (odds ratio [ OR] 4.102, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 1.316-16.451; P=0.028), postprocedural neurological deterioration ( OR 6.326, 95% CI 1.263-48.318; P=0.042) and pulmonary infection ( OR 5.873, 95% CI 1.028-24.452; P=0.018) were significantly independently associated with the poor outcomes. Conclusions:The HA group has a higher incidence of postprocedural pulmonary infection. Lower serum albumin, postprocedural neurological deterioration and pulmonary infection are the independent risk factors for the poor outcomes in patients with anterior circulation ischemic stroke who had successful recanalization after EMT.

Uso de albúmina a largo plazo en el paciente cirrótico. Revisión sistemática / Long-term use of albumin in the cirrhotic patient. Systematic review

Introducción. La cirrosis constituye la etapa final de la enfermedad hepática crónica, con una alta mortalidad, y puede deberse a diferentes etiologías. La albúmina tiene tres indicaciones bien establecidas: la prevención de la disfunción circulatoria inducida por paracentesis, la peritonitis bacteriana espontánea y el síndrome hepatorrenal, sin embargo, su uso a largo plazo es controvertido. El objetivo de esta revisión fue identificar si el uso prolongado de la albúmina tiene efectos beneficiosos en el tratamiento de pacientes cirróticos. Metodología. Se realizaron búsquedas en la base de datos de PubMed, empleando los siguientes términos: ("Liver Cirrhosis"[Mesh]) AND ("Serum Albumin"[Mesh] OR "Serum Albumin, Human"[Mesh]). Se excluyeron los artículos que no cumplieron con la temática y aquellos que tenían más de 5 años de antigüedad, a excepción de aquellos relevantes para la revisión. Resultados. Se ha demos-trado en varios estudios realizados en los últimos 4 años, que la administración prolongada de albúmina reduce la mortalidad en el paciente cirrótico. Además, resulta en una disminución en ingresos hospitalarios por complicaciones de la cirrosis, disminución de la necesidad de para-centesis y menor uso de albúmina para otras indicaciones ya establecidas, lo que contrarresta los costos derivados de la terapia. Conclusión. Se concluye con base en la evidencia presenta-da, que el uso de albúmina a largo plazo podría resultar beneficioso en pacientes con cirrosis hepática descompensada. No obstante, es necesario abordar otros aspectos de la terapia en estudios posteriores

Introduction. Cirrhosis is the final stage of chronic liver disease, has a high mortality and can be due to different etiologies. Albumin has three well-established indications: prevention of circulatorydysfunction induced by paracentesis, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and hepatorenal syndrome, however, its long-term use is controversial. The objective of this review was to identify if the prolonged use of albumin has beneficial effects in the treatment of cirrhotic patients. Methodology. PubMed database was searched using the following terms: ("Liver Cirrhosis"[Mesh]) AND ("Serum Albumin"[Mesh] OR "Serum Albumin, Human"[Mesh]). Articles that did not meet the topic and those that were more than 5 years old were excluded, except for those relevant to the review. Results.It has been shown in several studies within the previous 4 years, that prolonged administration of albumin reduces mortality in cirrhotic patients. In addition, it results in a decrease in hospital ad-missions due to complications of cirrhosis, a decrease in the need for paracentesis and less use of albumin for other established indications, which offsets the costs derived from therapy. Conclusion. It is concluded based on the evidence presented, that the long-term use of albumin could be beneficial in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. However, other aspects of the therapy need to be addressed in further studies

Value of albumin-related ratios in predicting the risk of death in patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure / 临床肝胆病杂志

‍ ObjectiveTo investigate and compare the value of albumin-related ratios ［total bilirubin-to-albumin ratio （TAR）， creatinine-to-albumin ratio （CAR）， prothrombin time-international normalized ratio-to-albumin ratio （IAR）， neutrophil count-to-albumin ratio （NAR）， and red blood cell distribution width-to-albumin ratio （RAR）］ in predicting the short-term prognosis of patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure （HBV-ACLF）. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for 354 patients with HBV-ACLF who were admitted to Department of Infectious Diseases， The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University， from June 2017 to February 2022， and according to their prognosis at 3 months of follow-up， they were divided into survival group （n=272） and death group （n=82）. Related indices were recorded for all patients， including age， sex， complications， and the results of routine blood test， liver function， and coagulation for the first time after admission， and albumin-related ratios and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease （MELD） score were calculated. The t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between groups， and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distribution continuous data between groups； the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. The Spearman correlation test was used to investigate the correlation between albumin-related ratios and MELD score. The Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the association of MELD score， TAR， CAR， IAR， NAR， and RAR with poor prognosis. The area under the ROC curve （AUC） was used to as sess the accuracy of albumin-related ratios and MELD score in predicting the short-term prognosis of HBV-ACLF patients， and the De-Long test was used for the comparison of AUC. ResultsCompared with the death group， the survival group had significantly lower MELD score （Z=-8.071， P<0.001）， TAR （Z=-6.695， P<0.001）， CAR （Z=-4.463， P<0.001）， IAR （Z=-7.912， P<0.001）， NAR （Z=-4.061， P<0.001）， and RAR （Z=-4.788， P<0.001）. MELD score was positively correlated with CAR （r=0.616， P<0.001）， IAR （r=0.733， P<0.001）， TAR （r=0.657， P<0.001）， NAR （r=0.392， P<0.001）， and RAR （r=0.380， P<0.001）. The multivariate regression analysis of MELD score and albumin-related ratios showed that high TAR （odds ratio ［OR］=1.014， 95% confidence interval ［CI］： 1.008 — 1.020， P<0.001） and high IAR （OR=22.052， 95%CI： 6.937 — 70.103， P<0.001） were independent risk factors for death. The ROC curves were plotted for albumin-related ratios and MELD score to evaluate their discriminatory ability for mortality， and the results showed that MELD score， TAR， CAR， IAR， NAR， and RAR had an AUC of 0.794， 0.744， 0.663， 0.788， 0.648， and 0.674， respectively， among which MELD score had the highest sensitivity of 86.59% and CAR had the highest specificity of 77.57%. TAR combined with IAR had an AUC of 0.809， with a sensitivity of 76.8% and a specificity of 71.3%. Subgroup analysis of HBV-ACLF showed that TAR combined with IAR had the highest AUC values of 0.884 and 0.733， respectively， in patients with type A or type C HBV-ACLF. ConclusionTAR and IAR can be used as simple and effective prognostic tools to predict the 90-day mortality of HBV-ACLF patients.

High level expression of recombinant human serum albumin in CHO cells and optimization of its culture technology / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#ObjectiveTo achieve efficient expression of human serum albumin(HSA)in Chinese hamster ovary(CHO)cells and optimize its culture technology,so as to lay a foundation of the large-scale production of HSA.MethodsThe eukaryotic expression vector of HSA was constructed by gene recombination technology,and then electrotransfected into fully suspended CHO cells. The monoclonal cell lines with stable and high expression of HSA were screened by G418 and limited dilution method. By adding glucose,sodium butyrate and supplementalmedium to the basal medium,the cell culture process was optimized to improve the expression of HSA. Finally,the scale-up culture verification was carried out in a 5 L bioreactor.ResultsThe recombinant expression vector pcDNA3.1-HSA was successfully constructed and expressed in fully suspended CHO cells. After two monoclonal screening,the secondary monoclonal cell lines CHO-rHSA-7H2A9 and CHOrHSA-7H2D12 were obtained with high HSA expression of 29. 37 mg/L and 25. 26 mg/L respectively. The HSA expression level reached about 100. 00 mg/L by optimizing the culture process and wasfinally increased to 166. 16 mg/L in the 5 L bioreactor,which was about 30 times higher than that in the supernatant of the first monoclonal cells.Conclusion The high level expression of HSA in CHO cells was achieved,which laid a foundation of the further large-scale production of HSA in the field of biological products and solving the market supply problems.

The effect of enhanced recovery after surgery protocols combined with laparoscopic radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) and intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD).Methods:A total of 83 patients who received LRC+ ICUD in Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from March 2014 to September 2020, were divided into 2 groups based on different perioperative management, including 29 ERAS cases and 54 conventional recovery after surgery (CRAS) cases. The ERAS group included 26 males and 3 females , with an average age of (62.07 ± 9.26) years. There were 26 patients with ASA class Ⅰ-Ⅱ, 3 patients with ASA class Ⅲ, 4 patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and 7 patients had a history of abdominal surgery in ERAS group. The CRAS group included 44 males and 10 females , with an average age of (61.59 ± 10.16) years. There were 50 patients with ASA class Ⅰ-Ⅱ, 4 patients with ASA class Ⅲ, 9 patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and 10 patients had a history of abdominal surgery in CRAS group. There were no statistically significant differences in the baseline characteristics between the two groups. The patients in both groups underwent LRC+ ICUD procedures. The perioperative results and complications between the two groups were compared.Results:In the ERAS group, there were 20 patients who underwent Bricker ileal conduit surgery and 9 patients who underwent Studer orthotopic ileal neobladder surgery. Pathological staging included 3, 3, 7, 7, 5 and 4 cases in stage T a, T is, T 1, T 2, T 3 and T 4a, respectively. There were 23, 2, 3 and 1 patient with pathological stage N 0, N 1, N 2 and N 3, respectively. Pathological diagnosis included 3 cases of low-grade urothelial carcinoma, 24 cases of high-grade urothelial carcinoma, and 2 cases of other histological subtypes. In the CRAS group, there were 31 patients who underwent Bricker ileal conduit surgery and 23 patients who underwent Studer orthotopic ileal neobladder surgery. Pathological staging included 5, 3, 12, 9, 15 and 10 patients in stage T a, T is, T 1, T 2, T 3 and T 4a, respectively. There were 35, 6, 7 and 6 patients with pathological stage N 0, N 1, N 2, and N 3, respectively. Pathological diagnoses included 6 cases of low-grade urothelial carcinoma, 45 cases of high-grade urothelial carcinoma, and 3 cases of other histological subtypes. There were no statistically significant differences ( P>0.05) in surgical methods, pathological staging, or pathological types between the ERAS and CRAS groups. ERAS group presented less albumin loss [(25.73±8.63)% vs. (32.63±9.05)%, P=0.001], shorter hospital stay [9(7, 13)d vs. 12(9, 16)d, P=0.006], less 30-day overall complications [55.2% (16/29) vs. 83.3% (45/54), P=0.009]. In multivariable analysis, maximum albumin loss≥20% was independently associated with 30-day minor complications ( P=0.049), and maximum albumin loss ≥25% was independently associated with hospital of stay≥10 days ( P=0.038), respectively. Conclusions:For patients who received LRC+ ICUD, ERAS was associated with reduced perioperative albumin loss, shorter length of stay, less 30-day complications, accelerated recovery time, improved clinical outcome and less albumin injection.

The relationship between albumin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and the degree of coronary artery disease in children with Kawasaki disease / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To explore the relationship between serum albumin (ALB), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and coronary artery disease in children with Kawasaki disease (KD).Methods:120 KD children diagnosed in the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical College from December 2016 to November 2021 were selected as the research objects. They were divided into observation group (KD with coronary artery disease) and control group (KD with coronary artery disease) according to whether they had coronary artery disease, with 60 cases in each group; the serum ALB, ESR, PLR, NLR values of the two groups of children were compared. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the value of the above indicators in diagnosing KD children with coronary artery disease. The serum ALB, ESR, PLR, NLR levels of KD children with different degrees of coronary artery disease were analyzed.Results:The main manifestations of coronary artery disease in 60 children with KD combined with coronary artery disease were left main coronary artery and left anterior descending branch widening [56.67%(34/60)], left main coronary artery and left anterior descending branch widening [20.00%(12/60)], left anterior descending branch widening [16.67%(10/60)], left main coronary artery widening [11.67%(7/60)]. The serum ALB in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group ( P<0.05), and ESR was significantly higher than that in the control group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in serum PLR and NLR between observation group and control group (all P>0.05). The sensitivity, specificity and area under curve (AUC) value of serum ALB in diagnosing coronary artery disease in KD children were 73.61%, 78.42% and 0.813 respectively; The sensitivity, specificity and AUC of ESR in diagnosing coronary artery disease in KD children were 88.36%, 83.14% and 0.892 respectively; The sensitivity, specificity and AUC value of ESR combined with ALB in diagnosing coronary artery disease in KD children were 90.67%, 97.54% and 0.953 respectively. Among 60 children with KD complicated with coronary artery disease, 39 were diagnosed as coronary artery dilatation and 21 had coronary artery aneurysm. The serum ALB of children in the coronary artery aneurysm group was significantly lower than that in the coronary artery dilatation group ( P<0.05), and ESR was significantly higher than that in the coronary artery dilatation group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in PLR and NLR between the coronary artery aneurysm group and the coronary artery dilatation group (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Children with KD and coronary artery disease have lower serum ALB levels and higher ESR level. The above two indicators are of great value for the diagnosis of children with KD and coronary artery disease.

Comparative study of prevalence of hypothyroidism in cirrhotic patients and normal individuals

Background: Alcoholic cirrhosis has worse prognosis than primary billiary cirrhosis and cirrhosis due to hepatitis. The risk of death due to all cause is increased 12-fold with cirrhosis. Alcoholic liver cirrhosis develops between 10-20% of individuals who drink heavily for a decade or more. Chronic hepatitis B is probably the most common cause of cirrhosis worldwide. The aim and objective of thisstudy was tocompare the prevalence of hypothyroidism between cirrhotic patients andnormal healthy individuals.Methods: The present study constitutes of 50 patients with cirrhosis of liver who met our inclusion criteria. They were selected from the patients admitted in medical wards and gastroenterology ward of RNT medical college, Udaipur.Results: Majority of patients were of serum albumin level class III about 67%. Increased TSH level as compare to level of serum albumin in cirrhotic patients. When serum albumin level decreases then percent of TSH level increases. Majority of patientswere from serum bilirubin class III (71%). Majority were from serum bilirubin class III about 70%. Conclusions: All cirrhotic patients should undergo for evaluation of endocrinological evaluation as these patients are associated with development of hypothyroidism. After diagnosis the treatment of endocrinological disorder especially hypothyroidism may increase survival.

C-Reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio as A Novel Inflammatory-Based Marker for 30-Day Mortality in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Abstract Objective: We aimed to investigate whether C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) predicts the early and late mortality in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Methods: This study was retrospectively designed and includes 170 TAVR patients with a mean age of 78.4±7.1 years. Patients were divided into 2 groups as those who died and those who survived, taking into account the follow-up period. Complete blood count, serum CRP and serum albumin were obtained on admission. The CAR value of all patients was calculated and the relationship of CAR with early (≤30 days) and late mortality (>30 days) was evaluated. Results: The median follow-up period was 19 [7-31] months (maximum 66 months). Early mortality was observed in 20 (11.8%) patients, whereas late mortality was observed in 39 (22.9%) patients, most of them male (61.1%, P=0.04). Non-survivors had greater CAR value, higher baseline serum CRP level and lower baseline albumin level than survivors (P<0.01, for all parameters). According to multivariate analysis models, CAR (HR: 1.020, P<0.01) and TVAR score (HR: 1.294, P<0.01) were found to be independent predictors of early mortality while CRP and albumin were not. The area under the curve (AUC) for CAR was 0.73 with a P <0.01. A CAR >15.6 predicted the early mortality with 80% sensitivity and 57% specificity. Conclusion: The novel inflammatory marker CAR can be used as a reliable marker in predicting 30-day mortality in patients undergoing TAVR.

A study of serum albumin levels in acute coronary syndrome and its correlation with clinical outcome

Background:Coronary artery disease(CAD)is major cause of death and mortality in the developed world. Coronary atherosclerotic disease involves the epicardial coronary arteries and may manifest as an acute or chronic coronary syndrome. Acute coronary syndrome(ACS) arises from atherosclerotic plaque rupture leading to coronary thrombosis and/or spasm. Methods:The present study was conducted in department of medicine, Guru Nanak Dev hospital attached to government medical college, Amritsar from May 2021 to December 2021. This was a prospective observational study in which a total of 50 patients of ACS were enrolled. Serum albumin levels of the patients were recorded and clinical outcomes based on the albumin levels were compared between the patients.Results:The patients with low serum albumin levels had worse outcomes. The mean serum albumin level of STEMI and NSTEMI patients in hypoalbuminemia group was 2.88±0.11 g/dl and 3.15±0.26 g/dl (p=0.047). The mean serum albumin levelof patients having mortality in hypoalbuminemia group was 2.87±0.06 g/dl and those who didn’t have mortality was 3.19±0.21 g/dl (p=0.013). The mean serum albumin level of patients developing new onset heart failure in hypoalbuminemia group was 2.85±0.06 g/dl and those not developing had 3.11±0.19 g/dl (p=0.021).Conclusions:We conclude that ACS patients presenting with hypoalbuminemia are more likely to develop worse outcomes in the form of heart failure, cardiogenic shock and mortality. ACS patients presenting with low serum albumin levels have more chances of developing STEMI.

Predictive value of serum amyloid A/albumin level in activity and prognosis of systemic lupus erythematosus / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To investigate the predictive value of serum amyloid A/albumin (SAA/ALB) in the activity and prognosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Methods:97 SLE patients initially diagnosed in Jincheng People′s Hospital from January 2018 to December 2020 were selected. According to whether the SLE disease activity index (SLE-DAI) was ≥5, SLE patients were divided into active and stable periods. The clinical data of active and stable SLE patients were compared. The independent influencing factors of active SLE were analyzed by logistic regression. The predictive value of SAA, ALB, SAA/ALB on active SLE and severe active SLE was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve; Kaplan Meier survival curve was used to analyze the prognosis of patients with different SAA/ALB.Results:There were 97 SLE patients, including 64 in active phase and 33 in stable phase.Compared with the stable phase, the SLE-DAI, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and α-Hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (α- HBDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), SAA, SAA/ALB≥0.52 mg/g, urinary microalbumin/creatinine (ACR) in SLE patients of active phase were all higher, while the ALB, albumin/globulin (A/G) and complement (C3) levels were all lower, with statistically significant difference (all P<0.05). LDH, SAA/ALB ≥0.52 mg/g, A/G≥1.18 and C3≥0.60 g/L were all independent influencing factors of active SLE, and the OR were 1.321, 1.401, 0.744 and 0.663 respectively (all P<0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of SAA and SAA/ALB in predicting active SLE were 0.755 and 0.861, respectively. AUC SAA/ALB>AUC SAA, with statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). The AUC of ALB in predicting stable SLE was 0.743. The AUC of SAA and SAA/ALB in predicting severe active SLE were 0.699 and 0.746, respectively. AUC SAA/ALB>AUC SAA, with statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). The AUC of ALB in predicting non severe active SLE was 0.671. Among the 64 active SLE patients, 21 had poor prognosis. The AUC of poor prognosis predicted by SAA/ALB was 0.736, and the best cut-off value was 0.78 mg/g. There was significant difference in the duration of remission between the high and low SAA/ALB groups (χ 2=6.507, P<0.05). Conclusions:SAA/ALB ≥0.52 mg/g was an independent factor for active SLE. SAA/ALB had a high predictive value for active SLE, severe active SLE and poor prognosis.