(Synthetic Function of Liver)
Albumin is present in higher concentrations (55%) than other plasma proteins
( 3.5- 5 g/dL in normal adults). It is responsible of maintenance of O.P of plasma
Albumin 100% is synthesized in the liver & has a half-life of 20 days (not affected in acute liver diseases).
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**Hypoalbuminemia leads to ascites +- pitting edema
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but edema may be due to 1.malnutrition, 2.heart, 3.liver or 4.Kidney diseases
Causes of hypoalbuminemiaZ
- Artefactual: Diluted sample
- Physiological: Pregnancy - Recumbence
- Decreased protein intake: Reduced essential amino acids in diet, Malnutrition, Malabsorption.
- Increased catabolism: Surgery, Trauma, infections
- Defective synthesis in liver: Chronic liver diseases with cirrhosis
- Increased loss:
- From the kidney: Nephrotic syndrome (with albuminuria)
- From GIT: Protein loosing enteropathies
- From Burns: less than 2 gm/dl means mortality > 80%