Is a prealbumin level of 500 mg/L in liver function tests severe?
May 14, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Jiang Weimin
Introduction
If the patient has no other symptoms or abnormal indicators, an isolated increase in prealbumin levels may not be a major concern. However, if the patient also presents with clinical symptoms such as liver function abnormalities, jaundice, or ascites, an elevated prealbumin level might indicate severe liver dysfunction, necessitating prompt treatment.
Generally, prealbumin is a protein synthesized by the liver, with a normal reference range of 200–400 mg/L. Therefore, a prealbumin level of 500 mg/L is elevated. Whether this elevation is serious depends on whether complications are present. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Not serious
If the patient has no other symptoms or abnormal indicators, an isolated increase in prealbumin levels may not be a significant concern.
2. Serious
If the patient also exhibits clinical symptoms such as abnormal liver function, jaundice, or ascites, the elevated prealbumin level may indicate severe liver damage, requiring prompt treatment.
If prealbumin levels are elevated, further examinations—including liver function tests, hepatitis virus testing, and liver ultrasound—are recommended to determine the underlying cause and formulate an appropriate treatment plan based on the patient's specific condition.
