Initial decrease in albumin associated with increase in acute phase proteins. Trauma Increased redistribution and transcapillary escape of albumin. Surgery Decreased serum albumin preoperatively is an independent indicator of poor outcome. Sepsis SIRS - associated with increased capillary permeability, due to the effects, amongst others, of bacterial endotoxin and cytotoxic T cells. In sepsis there is a profound reduction in plasma albumin associated with marked fluid shifts.
Low albumin is associated with dozens of diseases.
Controversy regarding whether or not albumin is a good indicator of prognosis in critical illness. Following serum albumin levels may be of value - intial decrease associated with deterioration, later gradual increase signifies recovery in process. Correcting Hypoalbuminaemia Low serum albumin concentrations are the consequence of a disease process and successful treatmen of the underlying disease should result in a gradual return to normal serum albumin concentrations. Previous strategies have involved administering albumin to decrease the loss of intravascular volume by enhancement of collloid oncotic effect. The administration of albumin following paracentesis for ascites.