Albumin infusion rate and plasma volume expansion: a randomized clinical trial in postoperative patients after major surgery

BACKGROUND: Optimal infusion rate of colloids in patients with suspected hypovolemia is unknown, and the primary objective of the present study was to test if plasma volume expansion by 5% albumin is greater if fluid is administered slowly rather than rapidly. METHODS: Patients with signs of hypoperfusion after major abdominal surgery were randomized to intravenous infusion of 5% albumin at a dose of 10 ml/kg (ideal body weight) either rapidly (30 min) or slowly (180 min). Plasma volume was measured using radiolabeled albumin at baseline, at 30 min, and at 180 min after the start of infusion. Primary outcome was change in plasma volume from the start of infusion to 180 min after the start of infusion. Secondary outcomes included the change in the area under the plasma volume curve and transcapillary escape rate (TER) for albumin from 180 to 240 min after the start of albumin infusion. RESULTS: A total of 33 and 31 patients were included in the analysis in the slow and rapid groups, respectively. The change in plasma volume from the start of infusion to 180 min did not differ between the slow and rapid infusion groups (7.4 ± 2.6 vs. 6.5 ± 4.1 ml/kg; absolute difference, 0.9 ml/kg [95%CI, − 0.8 to 2.6], P = 0.301). Change in the area under the plasma volume curve was smaller in the slow than in the rapid infusion group and was 866 ± 341 and 1226 ± 419 min ml/kg, respectively, P < 0.001. TER for albumin did not differ and was 5.3 ± 3.1%/h and 5.4 ± 3%/h in the slow and in the rapid infusion groups, respectively, P = 0.931. CONCLUSIONS: This study does not support our hypothesis that a slow infusion of colloid results in a greater plasma volume expansion than a rapid infusion. Instead, our result of a smaller change in the area under the plasma volume curve indicates that a slow infusion results in a less efficient plasma volume expansion, but further studies are required to confirm this finding. A rapid infusion has no effect on vascular leak as measured after completion of the infusion. TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT2013-004446-42 registered December 23, 2014. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s13054-019-2477-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.