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]
| Edema in Hypoproteinemia | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Hematology |
Symptoms
editThe 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[2]
Causes
edit- 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) – macrophages activated in the liver and spleen secrete TNF-alpha into the bloodstream resulting in hypoproteinemia.
Pathophysiology
editDiagnosis
editHypoproteinemia is often confirmed by testing for serum albumin and total protein levels.[3]
References
edit- ^ 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.
- ^ "Hypoproteinemia: Symptoms, causes, and treatment". www.medicalnewstoday.com. 2019-12-10. Retrieved 2023-08-20.
- ^ Laster, Leonard (1964-02-22). "Protein-losing Gastroenteropathy". JAMA. 187 (8): 227. doi:10.1001/jama.1964.03060210072030. ISSN 0098-7484. PMC 2482745.