Parenteral Albumin Therapy in Burn Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Administration of albumin for burn patients and its effects on mortality and morbidity has been debated for along time. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of albumin administration on wound healing, length of hospital stay, weight change, and mortality of burn patients. Methods: Two matched groups of patients from Shiraz Burn Care Center were randomly selected. The patients in one group received parenteral albumin in addition to high protein diet and the other group received only high protein diet. The length of hospital stay, healing time, mortality, serum albumin, transferrin levels, and weight loss were compared. Results: A total of 141 patients were selected; 71 patients in control group and 70 patients in albumin group. There were no significant differences in mortality (P=0.97), length of hospital stay (P=0.45), and healing time (P=0.25) in two groups. The patients who survived had significantly higher serum transferrin level (128 mg/dL versus 102 mg/dL). Conclusion: Parenteral albumin administration did not have a significant effect on mortality, length of hospital stay, and healing time in burn patients