Definition

Cause

Hypoalbuminemia results from insufficient endogenous production of albumin protein or excessive excretion of albumin through urine or feces as a result of an underlying disease. Hypoalbuminemia typically develops from an underlying medical condition.

• Cirrhosis (the formation of scar tissue), infection, inflammation, and fatty liver are all conditions that may lower the liver's capacity to produce albumin.
• Nephrotic syndrome and other kidney disorders may restrict the kidneys' ability to filter essential substances, including albumin, resulting in albumin excretion via urine.
• Malnutrition, including calorie, protein, and vitamin deficiencies, may result in hypoalbuminemia.
• Inflammatory bowel disease, or indigestion, reduces the absorption of nutrients.
• Excessive production of hormones by the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).
• Diabetes mellitus can reduce albumin synthesis in the liver.
• Lupus is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the immune system's targeting of functional organ cells, including those found in the liver.
• Ventilator-dependent or cardiopulmonary bypass-machine-dependent patients may experience fluid leakage from small blood vessels.
• Intravenous fluids following recent surgery.
• Decreased albumin levels are present in some heart failure patients.
• Low levels of albumin have been detected in certain patients with heart failure.
• Severe thermal injuries.
• Malignancies
• Infection.

Risk factor

Hypoalbuminemia frequently manifests in hospitalized patients with life-threatening critical conditions, including heart failure, starvation, severe burns, or kidney disease.

Anyone can experience Hypoalbuminemia; however, it is more commonly observed in individuals who are 70 years of age or older. According to a study, over 70% of patients who were admitted to the hospital and were over the age of 70 indicated hypoalbuminemia.

Symptoms

Multiple organ systems in the body engage with albumin protein; therefore, the initial manifestations of symptoms associated with hypoalbuminemia may not be readily apparent. Depending on the underlying medical condition, symptoms may differ. One potential consequence of a nutritional deficiency-induced reduction in albumin is a gradual manifestation of symptoms. In most cases, hypoalbuminemia symptoms manifest in conjunction with conditions affecting the liver, kidneys, or heart.

Individuals with hypoalbuminemia may manifest symptoms such as:

• Fatigue or sensation of weakness
• Hypotonia
• A yellowing of the white portion of the eye (sclera)
• Edoema in the lower extremities or facial region
• Dark urine
• Polyuria
• Respiratory distress
• Rough or dry skin.
• Hair loss
• Arrhythmia.
• Excessive weight gain.
• Loss of appetite
• Delayed development
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Disorientation and vertigo

Diagnosis

The doctor will extract a blood specimen to assess your blood albumin levels and quantify the albumin present in your body. An analysis of blood albumin will determine if the level of albumin in your blood is within the normal range, elevated, or reduced. Albumin levels below the normal range of 3.5–5.0 g/dL indicate the presence of an underlying medical condition.

The doctor will analyze the condition of the organs by checking albumin levels and performing panel tests to evaluate liver and kidney function and nutritional levels, depending on the symptoms. Typically, urine samples are identified to determine the amounts of albumin and other substances furthermore, if the physician feels that hypoalbuminemia results from bodily inflammation, they may also suggest conducting a blood test to examine the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) to determine the presence of inflammation.

You can read articles about CRP checks here.

Management

The treatment of hypoalbuminemia is dependent on the specific underlying cause of the reduced amounts of albumin protein. The doctor will treat the disease while restoring the albumin levels to their baseline. Patients with kidney failure, for instance, may receive prescribed medication to prevent the progression of renal complications or, in the case of severe kidney damage, dialysis (hemodialysis). Antibiotics and fluid therapy may help burn patients avoid infections.

Because malnutrition or vitamin deficiency may contribute to hypoalbuminemia, the doctor may recommend consulting a nutrition specialist regarding diet therapy. Consuming protein-rich foods, including low-fat meat, fish, nuts (including almonds, cashews, and walnuts), or eggs is advisable.

Depending on the patient's condition, the doctor may prescribe albumin injections if the levels drop significantly.

Complications

The individual's response to hypoalbuminemia may vary depending on the underlying cause. As an example, growth retardation can develop in children with hypoalbuminemia because their albumin limits the distribution of growth hormone.

Untreated hypoalbuminemia may lead to life-threatening outcomes. Untreated symptoms may result in:

• Pneumonia is also known as a lung infection.
• Pleural effusion is the accumulation of fluid surrounding the lungs.
• Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal area.
• Extensive muscular atrophy.

Prevention

The following may help decrease the risk of hypoalbuminemia:

• Consume a well-balanced diet rich in whole-grain carbohydrates, protein, and dairy products; alternatively, consider supplementation to increase your caloric intake and protein.
• Avoid excessive amounts of sodium.
• Medication or therapy may be required to treat underlying health conditions.
• Stop alcohol consumption.

When to see a doctor?

Hypoalbuminemia commonly manifests as a clinical indicator in several medical disorders. Due to the atypical pattern of the symptoms, it is recommended to schedule regular medical check-ups to identify any underlying medical conditions and risk factors.

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