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.
Signs and symptoms
The severity of symptoms can vary, but may include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Recurrent infections
- Brittle nails and dry skin
- Thinning and breaking hair
- Mood changes and irritability
- Curling ulcers
Causes
- 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.
- Malabsorption, often caused by celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease
- Liver disease can also cause hypoproteinemia by decreasing synthesis of plasma proteins like albumin.
- Renal disease like nephrotic syndrome can also result in hypoproteinemia because plasma proteins are lost in the urine.
- Sepsis (whole body infection) â 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.
References
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