Hypoproteinemia
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.
Signs and symptoms
The 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
Causes
- 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 – macrophages activated in the liver and spleen secrete TNF-alpha into the bloodstream resulting in hypoproteinemia.