Albumin Supplementation Preserves Systemic Antioxidant Defenses in Critically Ill, Septic Patients: A Prospective Comparative Study

Background/Objectives: Sepsis is a life-threatening syndrome characterized by a dysregulated host response to infection, commonly accompanied by hypoalbuminemia (<30 g/L serum albumin level), associated with excessive production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, leading to oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and organ injury. Low serum albumin reflects increased vascular permeability, reduced hepatic synthesis, and enhanced proteolysis. It also indicates the loss of albumin’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions beyond oncotic regulation. Hypoalbuminemia may exacerbate this by reducing plasma antioxidant capacity and free radical scavenging, supporting interest in albumin supplementation as a potential therapeutic strategy.