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Introduction
Hypoalbuminemia is a Medical condition where blood levels of albumin are abnormally low.
Albumin being a major protein in the human body, making up about 55-60% of total human plasma protein by mass. Many hormones, drugs and other molecules are mostly bound to albumin in the blood stream.
However albumin which is synthesized in the liver and low serum albumin may be indicative of liver failure or diseases such as cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis.
This implies that when there is any form of liver disease such as those listed above, there will be a low synthesis of albumin which will equally lead to hypoalbuminemia.
ALBUMIN
Albumin, the body's predominant serum-binding protein, transports a variety of substances, including bilirubin, fatty acids, metals, ions, hormones, and exogenous drugs.
Albumin comprises 75-80% of normal plasma colloid oncotic pressure and 50% of protein content. Reference serum values range from 32-55g/L, with a total body content of 300-500g.
Synthesis occurs only in hepatic cells at a rate of approximately 15g per day in a healthy person.
CAUSES OF HYPOALBUMINEMIA
Protein malnutrition
Defective synthesis
Extravascular Protein Loss
Protein-Losing Enteropathy
HYPOALBUMINEMIA AS A RESULT OF NEPHROTIC SYNDROME
Nonspecific kidney disorder Characterized by three signs of disease:
Large proteinuria
Hypoalbuminemia
Edema.
Causes/Complications of Nephrotic Syndrome as regards to hypoalbuminemia
Thromboembolic disorders
Infections
Acute kidney failure due to hypovolemia
Pulmonary edema
Hypothyroidism
Hypocalcaemia
Microcytic hypochromic anaemia
Protein malnutrition
Growth retardation
Stress
Clinical significance/ implication of hypalbuminemia in liver disease
Ascites
Edema
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HYPOALBUMINEMIA
Integumentary - Loss of subcutaneous fat, delayed wound healing, dry coarse skin, painful dermatoses, peripheral edema, thin hair, spider Angiomas, palmar erythema, changes due to surgery and burns, jaundice
Cardiovascular- Bradycardia,hypotension, cardiomegaly
Respiratory - Decreased respiratory expansion due to pleural effusion and weakened intercostal muscles.
LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS
Method: Bromocresol green
Principle: The measurement of serum albumin is based on it’s quantitative binding to the indicator 3,3’,5,5’-tetrabromo-cresol sulphonephthalein (BCG), after which the albumin complex (BCG complex) absorbs maximally at 578nm wavelength.
TREATMENT
The presence or absence of edema in patients with cirrhosis and ascites is an important consideration in the treatment of the ascites.
Medical Care
Surgical Care
Consultations
Diet
Activity
Symptomatic treatment
Rest
Medical nutrition therapy
Medication
Conclusion
Hypoalbuminemia is a medical condition whereby the blood levels of albumin are abnormally low.
However, albumin being a protein is synthesized in the liver and low serum albumin may be indicative of liver failure or diseases such as cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis, it can also be as a result of nephrotic syndrome in which protein is lost in the urine due to kidney damage.
This hypoalbuminemia results to conditions like ascites and peripheral edema, alongside with symptoms of weakness, fatigue or cramps.