Experimental induction of caprylate-dependent albumin antibodies.

A normal donor with the caprylate-dependent albumin agglutinins volunteered to receive 50 ml. of 25% caprylate-stabilized human albumin to determine the clinical significance of the antibodies. The donor manifested no clinical sign of a reaction. Samples of blood and urine collected before, during and after administration of albumin were subjected to extensive laboratory investigation. Biochemical, immunologic, hematologic, hemostatic and immunohematologic variables investigated showed only insignificant variations in all blood and urine samples. Results indicated that the infusion of albumin was safe, for the donor showed no sign of a hemolytic, febrile, allergic or anaphylactic transfusion reaction. However, since this is the first and only reported experiment of its kind, it is deemed advisable to exercise caution when administering albumin to patients who have caprylate-dependent albumin agglutinins until sufficient supportive data attesting to the complete safety of this procedure have accumulated.