Overview

A small, pilot proof-of-concept placebo-controlled trial to explore the effects of albumin on diuresis in patients with cirrhosis, ascites and lower extremity edema. We will additionally investigate albumin's effect on preventing neurohumoral activation, and acute kidney injury after diuresis.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Outpatient patients with decompensated cirrhosis with past or current ascites and persistent lower extremity edema despite oral diuretic titration
• Serum albumin of < 3.5 g/dL
• Age >=18 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with GFR < 30mL/min/1.73 m2
• Changes in oral diuretic regimen in the past 7 days (**patients can enter the study after 7 days of the change)
• Large Volume paracentesis (LVP) in the past 7 days (**patients can enter the study after 7 days)
• Albumin infusion within the previous 14 days (** patients can enter the study after 14 days)
• Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in the past month
• Active variceal bleeding
• Current Hepatic encephalopathy (>= Grade 2 based on West Haven criteria)
• Co-administration of other diuretics such as Hydrochlorothiazide (amiloride or eplerenone in place of spironolactone, and Bumex/Torsemide in place of furosemide are acceptable)
• Hypotension (Mean Arterial Pressure <65 mmHg, Systolic Blood pressure <90 mmHg)
• Severe hyponatremia (Sodium <125 mEq/L)
• previous diagnosis of overt heart failure (systolic EF < 50%)
• Baseline oxygen requirement
• Hypersensitivity to albumin preparations