evaluation of human albumin use pattern in a referral teaching hospital

Background: albumin is generally used in hypovolemic conditions and due to its high cost and complicated manufacturing process, its appropriate use is a vital issue to be considered. the aim of this study was to evaluate the pattern of albumin prescription in imam khomeini teaching hospital in urmia, iran.country. methods: this study was carried out between december 2014 to december 2015 in the imam khomeini hospital, affiliated to urmia university of medical sciences, using pre-designed forms covering demographic data and clinical and laboratory information that was completed by the educated pharmacist on a daily observational basis. results: a total of 202 patients were selected with the mean age of 55.9±20.5 years, including 53% male patients. the highest prescription percentages were for patients with the diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancers (10.9%) while most of the patients were admitted in burn ward (16.3%). overall 2755 albumin 20% vials equal to almost 3030 million rials were used while only 79 (39.1%) of the prescriptions were appropriate. hypoalbuminemia was responsible for the highest number of inappropriate indications. conclusion: our results showed a low percentage of acceptable prescriptions which highlights the necessity for reviewing and supervising the utilization of albumin in this hospital.