Albumin administration for refractory ascites in cirrhotic patients

A recent article published in Liver International reported that long-term administration of albumin to cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites improved survival and reduced inpatient hospitalization (1). In addition to reducing complications associated with liver cirrhosis, such as ascites and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), long-term albumin administration also reduced complications such as hepatic encephalopathy and non-SBP infection. These findings indicated that long-term albumin infusion therapy may benefit cirrhotic patients, not only by improving hemodynamics but also by enhancing the scavenging of toxic substances, thereby improving patient prognosis.