Albumin

INTRODUCTION
The albumins (formed from Latin: albumen
"(egg) white; dried egg white") are a family of
globular proteins, the most common of which
are the serum albumins. All the proteins of the
albumin family are water-soluble, moderately
soluble in concentrated salt solutions, and
experience heat denaturation. Albumins are
commonly found in blood plasma and differ
from other blood proteins in that they are not
glycosylated. Substances containing albumins,
such as egg white, are called albuminoids.

Albumin - blood (serum)

Albumin is a protein made by the
liver. A serum albumin test measures
the amount of this protein in the
clear liquid portion of the blood.

NORMAL RANGE
The normal range is 3.4 - 5.4 grams
per deciliter (g/dL).
Normal value ranges may vary
slightly among different laboratories

What Abnormal Results Mean

Lower-than-normal levels of serum
albumin may be a sign of:
Kidney diseases
Liver disease (for example, hepatitis,
or cirrhosisthat make cause ascites)

 Decreased blood albumin levels may

occur when your body does not get
or absorb enough nutrients, such as:
After weight-loss surgery
Crohn's disease
Low-protein diets
Sprue
Whipple's disease

Increased blood albumin level may be due to:

Dehydration
High protein diet
Having a tourniquet on for a long time when
giving a blood sample
Other conditions under which the test may be
performed:
Burns (widespread)
Wilson's disease

FUNCTIONS
Serum albumin is the main protein of
human blood plasma. It binds water,
cations (such as Ca2+, Na+ and K+), fatty
acids, hormones, bilirubin, thyroxine (T4)
and pharmaceuticals (including
barbiturates) - its main function is to
regulate the colloidal osmotic pressure of
blood.
Albumin is responsible for 70% to 80% of
the osmotic pressure of normal plasma,
regulating the volume of circulating blood.
Albumin temporarily increases blood

Structure
The 3D structure of human serum
albumin has been determined by Xray crystallography to a resolution of
2.5 . Albumin is a 65-70 kDa
protein.

Commercially available albumin is fractionated from blood or

plasma from donors.
SPPS Stable Plasma Protein Solution
86% albumin, 14% and globulins
14% protein content in aggregates
Significant batch-to-batch variability in content,
aggregates and PKA levels
NSA Normal Serum Albumin
> 96% albumin
5% protein in aggregates
Hyperoncotic 20% albumin introduced
Albumex 5% (1VI)
Double purification process Cohn and
chromatography
Albumex 4% (2VI)
Pure chromatography

INDICATIONS
Hypovolemia (low blood volume)
Shock Albumin is indicated in the
emergency treatment of shock and in
other similar conditions where the
restoration of blood volume is urgent.
If there has been considerable loss of
red blood cells, transfusion with
packed red blood cells is indicated.

 Hypoalbuminemia (low albumin) with or

without edemaAlbumin is indicated in
those clinical situations usually associated
with a low concentration of plasma-protein
and a resulting decreased circulating
blood volume. Although diuresis may
occur soon after albumin administration
has been instituted, best results are
obtained if albumin is continued until the
normal serum protein level is regained

 Burns -Albumin in either normal saline or

dextrose is indicated to prevent marked
hemoconcentration and to maintain
appropriate electrolyte balance
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
(ARDS)
Nephrosis(non-inflammatory
nephropathy ex. DM)
Renal dialysis
Cardiopulmonary bypass surgery
Acute liver failure
Hemolytic disease of the newborn.

CONTRAINDICATIONS
Albumin (Human) 25%, Albuminar25 (albumin (human)) may be
contraindicated in patients with
severe anemia or cardiac failure and
in patients with a history of allergic
reactions to human albumin.

SIDE EFFECTS

Edema.
Increased heart rate.
Headache.
Nausea, Vomiting.
Flushing.
Itching.
Fever.
Chills.
Albumin is a blood product and therefore
has a small risk of transmission of viral
diseases.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Albumin (Human) 25%, Albuminar-25
(albumin (human)) may be given intravenously
without dilution or it may be diluted with normal
saline or 5% dextrose before administration.
Administer albumin 25% 2.5 to 5 ml per kg of
weight; repeat in 15 20 minutes if necessary.
When undiluted albumin solution is
administered in patients with normal blood
volume, the rate of infusion should be slow
enough (1 mL per minute) to prevent too rapid
expansion of plasma volume.