China L, Freemantle N, Forrest E, et al. - In this randomized, multicenter, open-label, parallel-group trial, researchers explored if targeting a serum albumin level of 30 g per liter or greater in patients with decompensated cirrhosis with repeated daily infusions of 20% human albumin solution, vs standard care, would lessen the incidences of infection, kidney dysfunction, and death. The sample consisted of hospitalized patients with decompensated cirrhosis and a serum albumin level of less than 30 g per liter at enrollment. In total, 777 patients were randomized, In the majority of patients alcohol was reported to be the cause of their cirrhosis. Albumin infusions to increase the albumin level to a target of 30 g per liter or more in patients hospitalized with decompensated cirrhosis was not found to be more effective than current standard care in the United Kingdom. In the albumin group, there were more severe or life-threatening serious adverse events vs the standard-care group.