Hypoproteinemia

Hypoproteinemia
Specialty	Hematology

Hypoproteinemia is a condition where there is an abnormally low level of protein in the blood. There are several causes that all result in edema once serum protein levels fall below a certain threshold. ^[1]

Signs and symptoms

The severity of symptoms can vary, but may include:

1. fatigue and weakness^{[ citation needed ]}
2. recurrent infections^{[ citation needed ]}
3. brittle nails and dry skin^{[ citation needed ]}
4. thinning and breaking hair^{[ citation needed ]}
5. mood changes and irritability ^[2]

Causes

1. Nutritional hypoproteinemia is due to severe limitation of protein intake in the diet. An example of nutritional hypoproteinemia is Kwashiorkor, a type of protein energy malnutrition affecting young children.
2. Malabsorption, often caused by celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease
3. Liver disease can also cause hypoproteinemia by decreasing synthesis of plasma proteins like albumin.
4. Renal disease like nephrotic syndrome can also result in hypoproteinemia because plasma proteins are lost in the urine.
5. Sepsis (whole body infection) – macrophages activated in the liver and spleen secrete TNF-alpha into the bloodstream resulting in hypoproteinemia.

Diagnosis

Hypoproteinemia is often confirmed by testing for serum albumin and total protein levels. ^[3]

References

1. Semrad, Carol E. (2012). "Approach to the Patient with Diarrhea and Malabsorption". Goldman's Cecil Medicine. pp. 895–913. doi:10.1016/b978-1-4377-1604-7.00142-1. ISBN   9781437716047. S2CID   78742479.
2. "Hypoproteinemia: Symptoms, causes, and treatment". www.medicalnewstoday.com. 2019-12-10. Retrieved 2023-08-20.
3. Laster, Leonard (1964-02-22). "Protein-losing Gastroenteropathy". JAMA. 187 (8): 227. doi:10.1001/jama.1964.03060210072030. ISSN   0098-7484. PMC   2482745 .