Efficacy of Intravenous Albumin for Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis Infection Among Patients With Cirrhosis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials

Abstract

Albumin is an important component in the standard therapeutic approach to spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). This meta‐analysis aimed to determine the impact of intravenous human albumin in patients with cirrhosis and SBP. This study was conducted according to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA). Two reviewers independently searched relevant studies using electronic databases including PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library from the date of database inception to October 2022. The outcomes assessed in the current meta‐analysis include 30‐day mortality, renal impairment, changes in serum creatinine levels (mg/dl) and resolution of bacterial infection. It was found that the risk of all‐cause mortality and renal impairment was significantly lower in patients receiving albumin compared to the control group. However, no significant difference was reported between the two groups in relation to changes in mean creatinine levels and resolution of infection.