Function of human serum albumin and its application in therapy of critical illness / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Human serum albumin (HSA) is a small molecule, non-glycosylated, negatively charged serum protein, and due to its flexible structure it possesses multiple functions, such as it acts as a carrier in the plasma by binding and transporting various substances, helps preserve the integrity of vascular endothelium, and it also possesses functions of anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, protection of organ function, and maintenance of colloid osmotic pressure. HSA has been used as a therapeutic agent for critical ill patients for a long time. Comprehensive and meta analysis based on previous studies revealed that HSA has a certain effect in lowering incidence of complications in the treatment of critical disease. For some diseases, like sepsis, hepatocirrhosis complicated with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, etc., the use of HSA can significantly improve the prognosis of the patient, however, its positive role in reducing overall mortality rate is still undetermined.