Why do liver cancer patients have low albumin levels, and what can be done?
Nov 08, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Qi Zhirong
Introduction
Hypoalbuminemia in patients with liver cancer may be caused by increased bodily consumption, fluid imbalance, insufficient nutrient intake, metabolic abnormalities, and decreased liver synthetic function. This condition can be improved through dietary adjustments, medication, and other methods. Patients with liver cancer often experience symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting, leading to inadequate intake of proteins and other nutrients, thereby affecting albumin synthesis.
Low albumin levels in patients with liver cancer may be caused by increased body consumption, fluid imbalance, insufficient nutrient intake, metabolic abnormalities, and decreased liver synthetic function. These can be improved through dietary adjustments, medication, and other methods. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Increased body consumption: Liver cancer is a disease characterized by high metabolic consumption, leading to increased energy and nutrient consumption in the body. Stored nutrients, including albumin, are preferentially consumed, resulting in decreased levels. In addition to normal diet, enteral or parenteral nutritional support may be required to meet the body's nutritional needs.
2. Fluid imbalance: Patients with liver cancer may develop ascites, causing a relative reduction in intravascular fluid and dilution of the blood, including a decrease in albumin concentration. For significant ascites, paracentesis and drainage may be necessary. During drainage, albumin should be appropriately supplemented based on the patient's condition to maintain colloid osmotic pressure in the blood.
3. Insufficient nutrient intake: Patients with liver cancer often experience symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms can lead to reduced food intake and insufficient intake of nutrients like protein, affecting the supply of raw materials for albumin synthesis. It is recommended to develop a personalized dietary plan based on the patient's taste preferences and appetite, ensuring dietary diversity and nutritional balance.
4. Metabolic abnormalities: Due to impaired liver function, patients with liver cancer may experience metabolic disorders, leading to abnormal protein metabolism and affecting both the synthesis and breakdown of proteins, resulting in decreased albumin levels. It is recommended to use medications such as Huganning tablets (Hepatoprotective tablets) and Yiganling tablets under medical guidance to help improve liver function.
5. Decreased liver synthetic function: The liver is the primary site of albumin synthesis. In patients with liver cancer, damaged liver cells and declining liver function impair albumin synthesis. As the disease progresses, the liver's ability to synthesize albumin gradually decreases, leading to lower blood albumin levels. It is recommended to use medications such as polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules and compound glycyrrhizin tablets under medical guidance to improve the situation.
Patients with liver cancer are advised to actively cooperate with medical treatment and undergo regular follow-up examinations to monitor recovery. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended.
