Paolo Caraceni1,2, Marco Pavesi3, Maurizio Baldassarre1,2, Mauro Bernardi1, Vicente Arroyo3. 1. a Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences , Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy. 2. b Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA) , University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy. 3. c European Foundation for the study of Chronic Liver Failure (EF-CLIF) , Barcelona , Spain.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The administration of human albumin (HA) in patients with decompensated cirrhosis is still debated. The European Foundation for the Study of Chronic Liver Failure (EF-CLIF) promoted an online survey to assess its use across Europe. METHODS: Hepatologists were invited to participate to an electronic questionnaire based on multiple-choice questions divided in 6 different areas. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed to analyze the responses. RESULTS: One hundred-one hepatologists (36% non-EF-CLIF member), belonging to 86 centers (25% non-academic hospitals) completed the survey. The vast majority of participants prescribe HA for the evidence-based indications supported by international guidelines, while a proportion of them consider HA administration useful for other complications currently not supported by solid scientific evidence. Participants show a good level of knowledge about the non-oncotic properties of the molecule, while HA prescription does not appear to be restricted by health authorities in most centers, at least for the evidence-based indications. CONCLUSIONS: The present survey indicates that hepatologists across Europe present adherence to international guidelines and highlights the areas where solid scientific data are awaited to achieve a more appropriate HA prescription in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.
BACKGROUND: The administration of human albumin (HA) in patients with decompensated cirrhosis is still debated. The European Foundation for the Study of Chronic Liver Failure (EF-CLIF) promoted an online survey to assess its use across Europe. METHODS: Hepatologists were invited to participate to an electronic questionnaire based on multiple-choice questions divided in 6 different areas. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed to analyze the responses. RESULTS: One hundred-one hepatologists (36% non-EF-CLIF member), belonging to 86 centers (25% non-academic hospitals) completed the survey. The vast majority of participants prescribe HA for the evidence-based indications supported by international guidelines, while a proportion of them consider HA administration useful for other complications currently not supported by solid scientific evidence. Participants show a good level of knowledge about the non-oncotic properties of the molecule, while HA prescription does not appear to be restricted by health authorities in most centers, at least for the evidence-based indications. CONCLUSIONS: The present survey indicates that hepatologists across Europe present adherence to international guidelines and highlights the areas where solid scientific data are awaited to achieve a more appropriate HA prescription in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.
Entities:
Keywords:
Cirrhosis; complication of cirrhosis; human albumin; non-oncotic properties; oncotic properties; survey