Blood protein tests generally measure the protein albumin, so low protein in the body typically means a low albumin. In medical terminology, this is known as hypoalbuminemia. Low albumin provokes certain changes and symptoms in the body, but it is not a disease entity in itself. It is caused by an underlying disease process. The diagnosis and treatment of low protein should be done through a consultation with a healthcare professional.
Causes
Low blood protein is caused by decreased intake, decreased production, increased loss out of the body, increased breakdown and redistribution. If dietary protein drops too low, the body can compensate to a degree by breaking down muscle tissue, but malnutrition may still result in low levels of protein. Increased loss from the body occurs with kidney diseases in which protein is leaked from the blood to the urine. Loss can also occur through the gastrointestinal tract, from bleeding, or through the skin, as from burns. Inflammatory states, such as large bacterial infections, can decrease some proteins in the body. Finally, redistribution can shift proteins from the blood out into the tissues, so measures of these proteins will be low.
Symptoms and Signs
The symptoms and signs of low protein depend on the cause. For example, malnutrition can present with weakness and wasting. Blood proteins such as albumin also function to keep fluid inside the blood vessels. A common sign of low blood protein is swelling of the tissues from fluid leaking out of the vessels and into the tissue spaces. This is called edema.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of low protein is made by the integration of a medical history, physical exam, laboratory results and other findings. The purpose is to focus on the underlying cause so it can be treated. Low protein levels are generally established from laboratory tests on the blood, but the cause requires information through other means.
Treatment
Low blood protein levels can be replaced directly by an intravenous infusion of albumin, but this is controversial and appears to be no more effective than giving saline. Addressing the underlying cause is considered more appropriate. However, certain patients have shown slightly better outcomes with intravenous albumin.
References
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Anthony S. Fauci et al.; 17th Ed.; 2008
- "Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease"; Vinay Kumar et al.; 8th Ed.; 2009
- "Critical Care Medicine: Principles of Diagnosis and Management in the Adult"; Joseph E. Parrillo et al.; 3rd Ed.; 2007
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