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Copyright ©The Author(s) 2021.
World J Hepatol. Apr 27, 2021; 13(4): 421-432
Published online Apr 27, 2021. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i4.421
Table 1 Characteristics of studies on long-term albumin infusion in decompensated cirrhosis patients
No
Ref.
Country
Study design
Follow-up duration1
Study population
Exclusion criteria
Duration of albumin infusion (d)
Sample size
Child-Pugh Score (A/B/C)
MELD score (albumin vs SMT)1
Intervention
Control
1Wilkinson and Sherlock[70], 1962EnglandSingle centre, non-randomized 22 moCirrhosis patients with ascites despite 6 wk of dietary and diuretic therapyHCC61616NANAAlbumin 25-100 g until serum colloid oncotic pressure 38-40 cm of waterSMT
2Gentilini et al[71], 1999ItalySingle centre, randomised controlled trial3 yrAdult cirrhosis patients with ascites after 1 wk of bed rest and low sodium dietRenal or cardiac failure, HCC or other malignancies, HE (grades 2-4), infections, gastrointestinal bleeding or DIVC10951260/67/59NAAlbumin 12.5 g/dSMT
3Romanelli et al[72], 2006ItalySingle centre, randomised controlled trial84 mo (2-120)Adult cirrhosis patients with ascitesActive alcohol abuse; previous ascites (grades 2 and 3) or HE; cardiac, respiratory or renal impairment; diabetes; refractory ascites; HCC or other malignancies; gastrointestinal bleeding; infections or DIVC14401000/46/54NAAlbumin 25 g weekly in the first year, 25 g every two weeks thereafterSMT
4Caraceni et al[11], 2018ItalyMulticentre, randomised controlled trial18 moAdult cirrhosis patients with medically controlled uncomplicated ascites Refractory ascites, recent decompensation, TIPS, HCC, liver transplantation, ongoing alcohol abuse, extrahepatic organ failure and albumin use for the treatment of ascites within one month54043164/282/85 12 (10–15), 13 (10–16)Albumin 40 g twice weekly for 2 wk, and 40 g weekly up to 18 moSMT
5Sola-Vera et al[40], 2003SpainMulticentre, randomised controlled trial1 yrCirrhotic patients with ascites on the liver transplantation waiting listArterial hypertension; treatment with psychotropic drugs or antibiotic; TIPS; cardiac or respiratory failure; previous or currently listed for liver transplant; HIV or HCV infection, contraindications to midodrine365196NIL16 ± 6.2, 17 ± 6.0, Midodrine 15-30 mg/d and Albumin 40 g/15 d for 1 yrSMT
6Di Pascoli et al[13], 2019ItalyNon-randomised, prospective studyMean 408 +/- 394 dAdult cirrhosis patients with refractory ascites HCC beyond Milan criteria or severe extrahepatic diseases 72070CTP 9.3 ± 1.7; 9.5 ± 1.615.2 ± 5.4, 14.9 ± 5Human albumin 20 grams twice per weekSMT, LVP when indicated
7China et al[75], 2018United KingdomMulticentre randomised controlled trial6 moAdult cirrhosis patients hospitalised with acute decompensation and hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin < 30 g/L)Advanced HCC; heart failure14828NANAAlbumin 20-80 g/d until serum albumin ≥ 35 g/LSMT