ALB and malnutrition: However, the results of several randomized controlled trials failed to find clinically significant survival benefit following exogenous albumin supplementation in hypoalbuminemic patients, suggesting that treatment of potential underlying causes of inflammation or malnutrition is preferred to correcting hypoalbuminemia in inpatient settings (Wilkes and Navickis, 2001; Vincent et al., 2003; Foley et al., 1990).