Total Serum Proteins

1.      Total Serum Proteins

Introductions

Extensive liver injury may lead to decreased blood levels of albumin, prothrombin, fibrinogen and other proteins synthesized exclusively by hepatocytes. Serum protein levels are neither early nor sensitive indicators of liver disease.

Normal range

5.5- 8.5 mg/dL

Indications

Screening for nutritional deficiencies and gammopathies.

Increased in

Hypergammaglobulinemias, hypovolemic states.

Decreased in

Nutritional deficiency (e.g. malabsorption, Kwashiorkor, marasmus); decreased ineffective protein synthesis (e.g. severe liver disease, agammaglobulinemia increased loss (e.g. renal nephrotic syndrome); Gl disease (e.g. Protein losing enteropathies, surgical resection); severe skin disease (e.g. burns, eczema); plasmapheresis, increased catabolism (e.g. fever, inflammation, hyperthyroidism malignancy); dilutional (e.g. IV fluids administration, SIADH water intoxication).