Perioperative Albumin Administration and Mortality After Craniotomy: A Nationwide Cohort Study

Background/Objectives: Albumin is commonly given during craniotomy to support intravascular volume and limit cerebral oedema, but randomised data in traumatic brain injury have suggested harm. Its association with survival after craniotomy is unknown.

Methods

Using Korean National Health Insurance Service claims, we identified adults who underwent craniotomy in 2022–2023. Exposure was albumin prescription on the day of surgery, and the primary endpoint was 30-day mortality. We used propensity score overlap weighting with hospital fixed effects.