Serum Globin

1.      Serum Globin

Introduction

Globulins are produced by variety of tissue including liver. Serum globulins include alpha and beta globulins as well as serum immunoglobulins.

Normal range
Adults: 1.9 – 3.5 gm/Dl	Fetal: 0.4 – 3.7gm/dL

 

 Indications

To evaluate chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis (increases to varying degrees).

 

Increased in

Chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis; increase may be present in non- hepatic disorders or may reflect increased stimulation of peripheral reticuloendothelial compartment due to shunting of antigens past the liver and impaired clearance by kuffer cells.  

Serum Albumin

1.      Serum Albumin

Introduction

Albumin is quantitatively the most important serum protein synthesized by liver.

 

 Indications

Marker of disorders of protein metabolism (e.g. nutritional, decreased synthesis increased loss).

 

Normal range

3.5 – 5.0 mg/dL

 

Increased in

Dehydration (relative increase); LV albumin infusion

 

Decreased in

Same as for total serum proteins.

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).