Lactated Ringer Versus Albumin in Early Sepsis Therapy (RASP)

The use of albumin in critical ill patients is a matter of controversy. A large randomized controlled trial reported that albumin was as safe and effective as crystalloid solution for fluid replacement in intensive care unit, although the last one was less expensive. In Surviving Sepsis Campaign International Guidelines there are no preference for crystalloids over colloids. But recently, a retrospective analysis of patients with severe sepsis from SAFE study reported that the use of albumin in these patients would be superior, regarding reduction of mortality. The aim of this study is determine whether the use of albumin improve clinical outcomes in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock.

Patients randomized for this group will receive 500 ml of lactated Ringer solution in early phase of sepsis or septic shock (less than six hour from sepsis onset) if mean arterial pressure was under 65mmHg, or blood lactate concentration higher than 4 mmol/L or base excess under - 4mmol/L until the target of central venous pressure of 8 mmHg or higher or recovery of hypotension.

Patients randomized for Albumin group will receive 500 ml of 4% Albumin solution in early phase of sepsis (less than six hour from sepsis onset) if mean arterial pressure was under 65mmHg or blood lactate concentration higher than 4 mmol/L or base excess under - 4mmol/L until the target of central venous pressure of 8 mmHg or higher or recovery of hypotension.

Inclusion Criteria: Age equal or higher than 18 years-old Severe sepsis or septic shock into 6 hours of evolution Written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: Shock from other causes Adverse reactions to human albumin Previous fluid resuscitation during current disease Previous use of albumin in the last 72 hours Religion objection Enrollment in another study Traumatic brain injury Hepatic cirrhosis End stage renal disease Plasmapheresis End of life patients

Hajjar LA, Vincent JL, Galas FR, Nakamura RE, Silva CM, Santos MH, Fukushima J, Kalil Filho R, Sierra DB, Lopes NH, Mauad T, Roquim AC, Sundin MR, Leao WC, Almeida JP, Pomerantzeff PM, Dallan LO, Jatene FB, Stolf NA, Auler JO Jr. Transfusion requirements after cardiac surgery: the TRACS randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2010 Oct 13;304(14):1559-67. doi: 10.1001/jama.2010.1446.