Albumin versus crystalloid prime solution for cardiopulmonary bypass in young children

To determine the effects of adding 5% albumin to the cardiopulmonary bypass prime on perioperative fluid status and fluid management in young children.

Prospective randomized study.

Single university hospital.

Pediatric patients of <14 kg undergoing cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass.

Patients received a 5% albumin prime or a crystalloid prime. Perioperative fluid intake, output, and daily weights were recorded. Serial hematocrits, colloid osmotic pressures, and serum albumins were measured. Outcomes and complications were documented.

There were 86 patients aged 3 days to 4 yrs; 44 patients had an albumin prime and 42 had a crystalloid prime. Patients in the albumin group had a net negative fluid balance at the end of cardiopulmonary bypass compared with a net positive fluid balance in the crystalloid group. Patients in the albumin group had significantly higher serum albumins and colloid osmotic pressures and gained less weight postoperatively. However, their hematocrits were lower, and more patients in the albumin group received packed red blood cells. By 24 hrs postoperatively, there were no differences in colloid osmotic pressures and hematocrits between groups, and by the fourth postoperative day, there was no difference in weight gain. No differences were found in length of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit or hospital stay, complications, or mortality.

Albumin in the prime may attenuate the extravasation of fluid out of the vascular space, but it may be associated with an increased transfusion rate. The risk/benefit ratio for this intervention warrants further study.