Evaluation of albumin consumption and adherence to FDA approval guideline in patients admitted to the intensive care unit ward of Vali-e-Asr and Razi Hospitals of Birjand, 2022

Background and Aims: Albumin is a biological and expensive medicine obtained from blood in a limited way and through a difficult production process.With reference to some studies conducted in Iran regarding the incorrect use of this drug, the present study aimed to assess the albumin consumption and evaluate compliance with FDA approval guidelines in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) of Vali Asr and Razi Birjand hospitals in 2022. Materials and Methods:In this descriptive-analytical study, 140 hospitalized patients receiving albumin in the ICU ward of Birjand hospitals were included.The demographic information of the patients, conformity of administration and dosage with instructions, and the side effects of albumin were recorded from the patients' files in the relevant checklist.Results: The mean age of the patients was 67.316.9years.In terms of gender, 54.3% of the studied patients were male.The most common cause of albumin administration was hypovolemia.Moreover, 95.7% of the cases of albumin administration in patients and the prescribed dose in 69.3% of them were in accordance with FDA guidelines.There was a significant difference in the indication of albumin administration according to the specialty of the attending physician (P=0.01). Conclusion:As evidenced by the results of the present study, 95.7% of the prescription indications and 69.3% of the dosage of albumin were in accordance with the FDA guidelines.Therefore, preparing a protocol for rational albumin use and holding training workshops for relevant specialists can be useful for improving the correct prescription of this essential and expensive medication.