Low protein albumin levels
Common Questions and Answers about Low protein albumin levels
protein
FIP is a possibility but I would be more interested in looking at causes of a low serum protein. Low protein causes a buildup of fluid in the abdomen and is often associated with a condition called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Protein could be lost via the intestine (protein losing enteropathy) or in the urine (protein losing nephropathy).
5 gm/dL of globulin. Ideally, albumin levels will fall at 4.5-5/100 ml, alpha globulin levels will remain at .2-.3 g/L and beta globulin levels will fall at .7-1.0 g/L.
The proper globulin to albumin ratio is 1:2, though this can range from 1.7-2.2 and still remain healthy. If this ratio changes to an extreme level it can cause a number of health concerns. High levels of globulin can be caused by an overproduction of globulin, an underproduction of albumin or a loss of albumin.
Almost all levels were normal except for sodium, triglycerides, and VLDL; all of which were mildly low. Specifically, the levels were:
Sodium: 133 mmol/L (normal range 134-145)
Triglycerides: 45mg/dl (normal range 50-150)
VLDL: 9 mg/dl (normal range 10-31)
I am concerned mostly about my sodium level. I have read that low sodium level can be caused by a thyroid issue, but my TSH came back at 1.37ulU/ml (normal range 0.40-4.00).
Albumin and total protein. Levels of albumin — a protein made by the liver — and total protein show how well your liver is making proteins that your body needs to fight infections and perform other functions. Lower than normal levels may indicate liver damage or disease.
Bilirubin. Bilirubin results from the breakdown of red blood cells. Normally, bilirubin passes through the liver and is excreted in your stool.
Protein in the urine or proteinuria can indicate kidney disease. Low levels of protein in urine are normal especially in younger people after exercise or activity. However, excessive amounts need further evaluation to rule out any problems with the kidneys. Further testing may need to be done to confirm this. Take care and do keep us posted on your consultation with your endocrinologist.
A low platelet count typically under 100,000 and low albumin levels, high bilirubin levels, high INR and creatintine levels only appear after extensive damage has been done to the liver and the liver can no longer function properly. This only occurs when a person has cirrhosis plus portal hypertension. Many of these people are on liver transplant waiting lists and are very ill because their livers are failing and they are suffering the effects of liver failure.
My daughter was diagnosed with Waldmanns disease last year which is a protein losing enteropathy. Her blood protein levels are constantly low because of this - albumin has been has low as 13 but more recently 24 (it goes up and down). Her total protein is 48. We get sent all of her blood results but never get to discuss anything but protein. I wondered whether anyone on here could read anything from her results and suggest a way forward.
contentid=total_protein_ag_ratio
If you are dehydrated your protein level may appear higher than it is. Dehydration may also lead to higher albumin levels. Making sure you have had enough water before the test will give an accurate result.
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-a-total-serum-protein-test
What does it mean when your ag ratio is high?
High A/G ratio: This can be a sign of disease in your liver, kidney, or intestines.
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Total protein testing (also called TP or serum total protein) measures the amount of proteins in the bloodstream. Many different things can cause abnormally high or low protein levels. A doctor may order total protein testing to help diagnose kidney or liver disease, blood cancer, malnutrition or abnormal body swelling. Normal protein levels in the bloodstream range from 6.5 to 8.
Thank you for your thorough reply and the time you put into this site. My mother's protein levels are very low as confirmed by blood albumin tests prior to her discharge from hospital. Her renal function was normal as was her liver function. Lasix has had little effect. Her nutritional status was poor going into surgery and after 8 days without food her albumin was very low. She is slowly 'restarting' her bowel function and eating some food daily. We see her Oncologist Mon.
2015, shows that my anion gap is low (3) - normal range is (5-15 mmol/L) My protein serum is 5.9 within the normal range of 5.6 - 7.9 g/dl and albumin is 3.7 with a range of 3.5 - 4.9 g/dl. These tests did show that I have iron deficiency anemia, and the CBC panel had lots of highs and lows. When I looked back over blood results that I had done a year ago, my anion gap was 7 and I now noticed my Vitamin D level was insufficient (22 ng/ml).
Calcium binds to albumin (a form of protein) in the blood stream, and so if albumin levels are low, so calcium will be. A quite common cause of this can be intestinal problems in which either protein is not absorbed, or is lost again through the intestines.
I would also get a complete blood screening for her. To check kidney pancreas, and liver function, and also get her thyroid checked. And take a urine sample to check if there is an unusual amount of protein in her urine.
You know, I am not sure if low values are always worrisome at all. Albumin is pretty much the same as protein. Are you eating enough protein? It may still be recovering from the radiation as well. I gained a lot of weight with chemo and then lost a lot with radiation. basically, I am trying to say that high values are more worrisome and I may have been overtired the other day and not totally read your question correctly.
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