Abstract
The albumin deficit (AD) of 13 malnourished patients with serum albumin concentrations (SAC) of less than 3.0 grams per deciliter was estimated using a simple equation. The AD was replaced over a period of 24 to 72 hours as a component of the formulation of total parenteral nutrition (TPN). AD was estimated assuming a volume of distribution of 3 deciliters per kilogram of actual body weight and a minimum acceptable SAC of 3.5 grams per deciliter. The mean AD was 200 ± 94 grams (x ± standard deviation), the average dose administered was 206 ± 97 grams. TPN regimens provided 42.0 ± 8.5 nonprotein kilocalories per kilogram with a nonprotein calorie to nitrogen ratio of 125 to 150:1. The SAC increased from 2.36 ± 0.38 grams per deciliter to 3.46 ± 0.26 grams per deciliter immediately after replacement. At follow-up study, the SAC at 6.4 ± 1.5 days yielded a SAC value of 3.35 ± 0.30 grams per deciliter, indicating no significant decrease from immediate replacement values. AD can be easily estimated, rapidly replaced and maintained with adequate nutritional support.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 359-362 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | Surgery Gynecology and Obstetrics |
| Volume | 163 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| State | Published - Dec 1 1986 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
- Obstetrics and Gynecology