What is the primary role of albumin in treating edema due to cirrhosis?

What is the primary role of albumin in treating edema due to cirrhosis?

• A. Expands plasma volume to reduce edema
• B. Increases urine glucose excretion
• C. Directly reduces portal hypertension instantly
• D. Is given only after diuretic failure

Answer: (A)

Cirrhosis often causes edema because low levels of albumin reduce the blood’s oncotic pressure, so fluid shifts into tissues and the effective circulating blood volume drops. Giving albumin increases intravascular oncotic pressure, which pulls fluid back into the bloodstream. This expands plasma volume, improves kidney perfusion, and enhances the effectiveness of diuretics, helping to reduce the edema. It doesn’t instantly shrink portal hypertension or directly affect portal pressures, and it isn’t limited to use only after diuretics fail.

Cirrhosis often causes edema because low levels of albumin reduce the blood’s oncotic pressure, so fluid shifts into tissues and the effective circulating blood volume drops. Giving albumin increases intravascular oncotic pressure, which pulls fluid back into the bloodstream. This expands plasma volume, improves kidney perfusion, and enhances the effectiveness of diuretics, helping to reduce the edema. It doesn’t instantly shrink portal hypertension or directly affect portal pressures, and it isn’t limited to use only after diuretics fail.