ABOUT THE DISEASE

Hypoproteinemia (or hypoproteinaemia) is a condition where there is an abnormally low level of protein in the blood.

SYMPTOMS

• • Weakness
• • Swelling of the lower legs , face or arm
• • Muscle loss
• • Diarrhea
• • Blurred vision
• • Symptoms as per underlying illness

CAUSES

Nutritional hypoproteinemia (severe lack of protein in the diet)
- Liver disease (decrease synthesis of plasma proteins like albumin)
- Renal disease like nephrotic syndrome, gastrointestinal diseases like Crohn’s disease, diarrhea, impaired pancreatic function (increased loss of plasma proteins in the urine/stool)
- Sepsis (whole body infection)

DIAGNOSIS

- Clinical Evaluation
- Serum albumin and total protein levels, gamma globulins (IgG, IgA, IgM), ceruloplasmin, alpha-1 antitrypsin, fibrinogen, transferrin, and hormone-binding proteins, etc

TREATMENT METHODS

It is mainly directed towards the underlying cause.

A low-fat diet rich in proteins is followed to get relief from symptoms.

Albumin therapy and diuretics may be advised.

Supportive care is very important in minimizing secondary complications.

You may also like to learn about:

Nephrotic syndrome
Crohn`s disease
Liver disease
Proteinuria
Ulcerative colitis
Diarrhea