Sequential changes in circulating total protein and albumin masses after abdominal vascular surgery

Sequential changes in total circulating protein (TCP) and total circulating albumin (TCA) masses after different blood replacement regimens were investigated in a prospective study involving 40 patients undergoing reconstructive abdominal aortic surgery. Group I (13 patients) had 80 gm of albumin during operation and 60 gm of albumin during the following 3 days. Blood loss was replaced milliliter for milliliter by whole blood. Group II (14 patients) had the same blood substitution but no albumin. In group III (13 patients), 800 ml of blood loss was replaced by salt water. Maximum decrease in TCP (group II: 17%, group III: 29%) was found 4 hours after the operation. On postoperative day 1, protein mobilization to plasma equalling 10% of TCP had occurred. On day 4, TCP and plasma colloid osmotic pressure had not changed in group I, indicating an unchanged TCA/TCP ratio. In groups II and III, a significant decrease in TCP was followed by complete recovery of TCP. This also entailed a decrease in the TCA/TCP ratio, indicating an enhanced synthesis of acute-phase proteins. Based on these findings, a depression of globulin synthesis by supplemental albumin administration is proposed.