Decreased total protein is seen in what diseases?
May 16, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
Low total protein is commonly caused by malnutrition, hepatitis, severe burns, and other factors. It usually occurs due to prolonged weight loss, picky eating, or in patients with hepatitis. Additionally, burn patients require large amounts of protein during wound healing, which can also lead to low total protein levels. Patients should promptly go to the hospital for examination and treatment.
Generally, low total protein levels are commonly seen in conditions such as malnutrition, hepatitis, and severe burns. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Malnutrition
This typically occurs due to prolonged dieting or picky eating, leading to insufficient protein intake and excessive consumption within the body. Patients can increase their daily intake of high-protein foods to help replenish bodily protein levels.
2. Hepatitis
Since albumin in the human body is synthesized in the liver, when the liver is infected by bacteria or viruses, liver cells become damaged and inflamed, which reduces protein synthesis and leads to low total protein levels. Under a doctor's guidance, patients may use medications such as lamivudine tablets or entecavir tablets for treatment.
3. Severe Burns
Burn patients require large amounts of protein during wound healing to promote skin tissue regeneration, which can deplete the body's protein stores. If protein levels remain too low for an extended period, recovery may be impaired. In such cases, patients may receive albumin injections under medical supervision to restore protein levels.
In addition to the above, conditions such as cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, and chronic hepatitis B can also cause low total protein levels. When a patient experiences decreased total protein, timely hospital evaluation is necessary to identify the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment.
