Hypoalbuminemia is a condition when the albumin level in the blood is below normal. This condition usually occurs in someone with severe disease, either acute or chronic. Hypoalbuminemia can cause various disorders in the body and inhibit wound healing.
Albumin is a protein produced by the liver and the most abundant type of protein in the blood, which is about 50-60%. Albumin functions to help regenerate body tissues and keep body fluids from leaking out of the blood vessels.
In addition, albumin also functions to distribute several substances throughout the body, including hormones, vitamins, minerals, bilirubin, fats, and drugs.
Normal albumin levels range from 3.5 to 5.9 g/dL. A person is said to have hypoalbuminemia if the albumin level is below 3.5 g/dL.
Causes of Hypoalbuminemia
Hypoalbuminemia is generally caused by inflammation in the body. This inflammation can result from:
- Burns
- Installation of a ventilator or breathing apparatus
- Operation action
- Sepsis
Apart from inflammation, hypoalbuminemia can also be caused by the following conditions:
- Lack of protein, calorie and vitamin intake
- Impaired nutrient absorption
- Hyperthyroidism
- Diabetes
- nephrotic syndrome
- Lupus
- Cirrhosis
- Heart problems
- Cancer
Although it can be experienced by anyone, hypoalbuminemia is more prone to occur in:
- Elderly patients who are being treated in hospital
- Patients with advanced stage conditions
- Malnourished children
Symptoms of Hypoalbuminemia
Symptoms that appear in people with hypoalbuminemia depend on the underlying cause. Some of the symptoms that can be experienced by people with hypoalbuminemia are as follows:
- Swelling of the face or legs due to fluid buildup (edema)
- Rough or dry skin
- thinning hair
- Hard to breathe
- Weak body or easily tired
- Heart rhythm disturbances
- Weight gain suddenly
- Loss of appetite
When to go to the doctor
Immediately consult an internist if you suddenly feel tired, have difficulty breathing, or experience swelling in your legs.
Hypoalbuminemia can inhibit a child's growth. Therefore, if your child's growth does not seem to match his age, consult a pediatrician immediately.
Diagnosis of hypoalbuminemia
In patients suspected of having hypoalbuminemia, the doctor will run a number of tests to confirm the diagnosis, including:
- blood test
The doctor will measure albumin levels by taking a sample of the patient's blood for examination in the laboratory.
- Check albumin to creatinine ratio
This test aims to measure the level of albumin that leaks through the patient's urine.
- Scan
To detect possible cirrhosis or heart failure, the doctor may perform a scan with an abdominal ultrasound or echocardiography. Doctors can also perform X-ray examinations to determine the cause of inflammation.
- Biopsy
The doctor will take a sample of liver or kidney tissue for further investigation in the laboratory.
Hypoalbuminemia Treatment
Treatment of hypoalbuminemia aims to increase albumin levels in the blood. Treatment methods may vary, depending on the underlying cause.
For example, hypoalbuminemia caused by cirrhosis of the liver is treated with liver transplantation. Meanwhile, hypoalbuminemia caused by malnutrition can be overcome by eating protein-rich foods, such as nuts, egg whites, snakehead fish, and milk and its derivative products.
In patients with kidney disorders, doctors will prescribe drugs to treat hypertension, such as: captopril or benazepril , to help prevent the release of albumin in the urine. Meanwhile, in hypoalbuminemia caused by nephrotic syndrome, the doctor will give corticosteroids.
Albumin transfusions can also be performed to treat severe hypoalbuminemia. This procedure is done by inserting albumin into the body through an IV.
Complications of Hypoalbuminemia
Hypoalbuminemia can increase the risk of serious complications, including:
- Pneumonia
- ascites
- Pleural effusion
- muscle atrophy
Untreated hypoalbuminemia can worsen the patient's condition, delay wound healing, or increase the risk of death.
Prevention of Hypoalbuminemia
Hypoalbuminemia can be prevented by treating as early as possible the disease or condition causing it. For example, if the cause is malnutrition, increasing your intake of high-protein foods can help prevent hypoalbuminemia.