• Albumin is a group of serum proteins produced by the liver that maintain oncotic pressure and transport certain hydrophobic compounds.
• • Normal Range
  • 32 - 45 g/L
• Albumin has a plasma half-life of three weeks, meaning that its concentration changes very slowly in response to changes in synthesis.

Hypoalbuminaemia

• Reduced serum albumin.
• • Causes of Hypoalbuminaemia
  • Reduced synthesis - malnutrition, malabsorption, liver disease
  • Increased breakdown - infection, inflammation, malignancy, hyperthyroidism
  • Increased loss - nephrotic syndrome, protein-losing enteropathy, severe burns
  • Dilutional

Hyperalbuminaemia

• Increased serum albumin.
• • Significance
  Indicative of dehydration.