Evaluation of human Albumin Use Pattern in a Referral Teaching Hospital

Background: Albumin is generally used in hypovolemic conditions and due to its high cost and complicated manufacturing process, its appropriate use is a vital issue to be considered. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pattern of Albumin prescription in Imam Khomeini teaching hospital in Urmia, Iran. Methods: This study was carried out between December 2014 to December 2015 in the Imam Khomeini hospital, affiliated to Urmia University of Medical Sciences, using pre-designed forms covering demographic data and clinical and laboratory information that was completed by the educated pharmacist on a daily observational basis. Results: A total of 202 patients were selected with the mean age of 55.9±20.5 years, including 53% male patients. The highest prescription percentages were for patients with the diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Cancers (10.9%) while most of the patients were admitted in burn ward (16.3%). Overall 2755 Albumin 20% vials equal to almost 3030 million Rials were used while only 79 (39.1%) of the prescriptions were appropriate. Hypoalbuminemia was responsible for the highest number of inappropriate indications. Conclusion: Our results showed a low percentage of acceptable prescriptions which highlights the necessity for reviewing and supervising the utilization of Albumin in this hospital. J Pharm Care 2019; 7(3): 44-51. Methods: This study was carried out between December 2014 to December 2015 in the Imam Khomeini hospital, affiliated to Urmia University of Medical Sciences, using pre-designed forms covering demographic data and clinical and laboratory information that was completed by the educated pharmacist on a daily observational basis. Results: A total of 202 patients were selected with the mean age of 55.9±20.5 years, including 53% male patients. The highest prescription percentages were for patients with the diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Cancers (10.9%) while most of the patients were admitted in burn ward (16.3%). Overall 2755 Albumin 20% vials equal to almost 3030 million Rials were used while only 79 (39.1%) of the prescriptions were appropriate. Hypoalbuminemia was responsible for the highest number of inappropriate indications. Conclusion: Our results showed a low percentage of acceptable prescriptions which highlights the necessity for reviewing and supervising the utilization of Albumin in this hospital. J Pharm Care 2019; 7(3): 44-51.