Abstract

A total of 33 infants undergoing exchange transfusion for hyperbilirubinaemiawas divided into two albumin-treated groups and a control group. Bothalbumin-treated groups showed significantly higher levels of plasma albumin and ofreserve albumin-binding capacity in the phase of bilirubin rebound 8 hours or moreafter exchange. It was not possible to state which method of albumin administrationwas the more efficient. Up to two-thirds of administered albumin probably diffusesinto the extravascular space of newbom infants within 2-3 hours.