Various Causes of hyperalbuminemia
Along with reason
Answers
Hypoalbuminemia occurs when albumin levels in the blood are very low. Albumin is a blood protein that makes up a significant portion of the blood plasma. Plasma is the liquid portion of the blood that holds the proteins and blood cells.
As the main protein in blood plasma, albumin plays a role in many functions, including maintaining pressure in the blood vessels and transporting substances, such as hormones and medications.
Albumin binds to many of these substances, including hormones and some drugs, to help them travel through the body. So when albumin levels are low, the blood may not be able to transport essential materials effectively.
Fast facts on hypoalbuminemia:
Doctors define hypoalbuminemia as a syndrome or group of symptoms.
By eating more albumin-rich foods, people can raise their albumin levels.
The symptoms of low albumin vary depending on the many causes.
Causes of hypoalbuminemia
Model of human liver to represent cause of hypoalbuminemia
Liver failure is a potential cause of hypoalbuminemia.
Albumin levels below 3.4 grams per deciliter (g/dL) are considered low.
A range of health issues can cause hypoalbuminemia.
Determining the cause of hypoalbuminemia is vital for effective treatment.
Some of the most common causes of the syndrome include:
Liver failure: The liver manufactures albumin. So albumin tests are often a part of liver-functioning checks. Many diseases can cause liver failure, including cirrhosis, liver cancer, hepatitis, alcohol-related liver disease, and fatty liver disease.
Heart failure: Some people with acute heart failure develop low albumin levels, though the reason for this phenomenon is not well understood.
Kidney damage: Problems with the kidneys may cause them to release large amounts of protein into the urine. This can take albumin from the blood, leading to hypoalbuminemia.
Protein losing enteropathy: Some stomach and gastrointestinal conditions, including celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease, can cause the digestive system to lose a lot of protein. This causes a syndrome called protein losing enteropathy that can lead to low albumin levels.
Malnutrition: People may develop hypoalbuminemia when they do not eat enough key nutrients, or medical conditions make it hard for their bodies to absorb nutrients. Some undergoing chemotherapy may be malnourished.
Less frequently, people can develop hypoalbuminemia as a result of a serious burn, a blood infection called sepsis, allergic reactions, lupus, hypothyroidism, or diabetes.
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Treatment options
While a doctor tries to find out the reason for hypoalbuminemia and start treatment, some strategies can reduce the risk of serious complications.
Some people may need medications to raise their albumin levels. This can include albumin administered via an intravenous needle.
The best option for treating hypoalbuminemia is to address the underlying cause. So people may need to have a variety of tests to determine why there is not enough albumin in their blood.