Major
component of plasma proteins, influenced by nutritional state, hepatic function,
renal function, various diseases.
Normal
Range: 3.4-4.7 g/dL
increased
in: Dehydration, shock, hemoconcentration.
Decreased in: Decreased
hepatic synthesis (chronic liver disease, malnutrition, malabsorption,
malignancy, congenital analbuminemia [rare]). Increased losses (nephrotic
syndrome, burns, trauma, hemorrhage with fluid replacement, fistulae,
enteropathy, acute or chronic glomerulonephritis). Hemodilution (pregnancy,
CHF). Drugs (eg, estrogens).
Additional: Serum
albumin gives an indication of severity in chronic liver disease. Useful
in nutritional assessment if no impairment in production or increased
loss.
