5 Disciplines that Might Diagnose Your Hypoproteinemia

Hypoproteinemia is not a diagnosis, it is a manifestation of some other cause.  Hypoproteinemia simply means low blood protein.  That said, the following disciplines, and possibly others, may get involved in finding the cause of yours. 


1. Rheumatologist - A Rheumatologist may check a number of areas of the body since autoimmune causes of low protein can be found in  multiple systems. Here is a list of some: Blood and blood vessels, Digestive tract (including the mouth) Glands, Heart, Joints, and Kidneys.

2. Gastroenterologist - Since the cause of your low protein might be digestive in nature, this type of doctor may want to examine you. He/she may scope your upper and lower GI tracts.  This discipline would probably do CT scans of your digestive tract first though.

3. Cardiologist: May look at heart issues in infants, children, the elderly, or others for issues causing low blood protein. It’s my understanding that weak hearts can cause protein loss. Also, there are some heart birth defects that cause  hypoproteinemia in infants and children.  Fortunately, doctors can fix some of these.

4. Hematologist: These doctors may look for clues in the blood for what might be causing a decrease in protein.

5.  Geneticist: This kind of doctor would look at your family history, and examine you for clues as to a genetic cause of your hypoproteinemia.

As always, this list is not the end-all list of specialists that might see you. Your low protein may cause secondary issues that might require even other types of doctors.

It’s for this reason that it’s extremely important to have a good primary care doctor who can, and will coordinate your care with all these specializations.

I’ll soon post some suggestions for primary care doctor’s that may come in handy for you, the patient.

I gratefully accept corrections and/or suggestions for this blog. Any input can be left in the form of a comment, or by signing my guestbook.

Albumin Replacement Therapy to Treat Protein Losing Enteropathy (PLE)

What is Albumin?

Albumin: The main protein in human blood and the key to the regulation of the osmotic pressure of blood. Chemically, albumin is soluble in water, precipitated by acid, and coagulated by heat.

(Note: albumin is spelled with an "i" while "albumen" with an "e" is the white of an egg, the part of the egg from which meringues are made. "Albus" in Latin is white.)

**MY EXPERIENCE***

The spilling (Loss) of albumin that I experience is severe. In fact, it was suggested by my doctor that infusing albumin in me would be a waste of time.

My serum albumin measured <1 while my total serum protein was 1.9. Over a period of 7 years, I’ve been given albumin at differing doses, intervals and speeds.

Most recently, I was given 50mg albumin infused over 1 hour. Then 30 minutes later I was given 60ml lasix IV (push). This was repeated every 8 hrs for 5 days.

The net effect of this was a decrease in edema. My weight dropped from 165 to 133 lbs.in that same time interval.

Side effects of albumin that I noticed was a dull, uncomfortable headache.

Albumin (Human) 25% USP

Indications:

Emergency treatment of hypovolemic shock, burn therapy, cardiopulmonary bypass

Hypoproteinemia with or without edema, adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

Acute liver failure, neonatal hemolytic disease

Erythrocyte resuspension, sequestration of protein rich foods

Acute neophrosis

Contraindications:

Chronic nephrosis

History of CHF, renal insufficiency, or stabilized chronic anemia

Precautions:

Pregnancy category C

Monitor against signs of circulatory overload. Albumin 25% is hyperoncotic, therefore, in the presence of dehydration, albumin must be followed by addition of fluids.

In presence of hemorrhage, albumin should be supplemented by the transfusion of whole blood to treat the relative anemia associated with hemodilution. When circulating blood volume has been reduced, hemodilution following the administration of albumin persists for many hours. In patients with normal blood volume, hemodilution lasts for a much shorter time.

The rapid rise in blood pressure may follow the administration of a colloid with positive oncotic activity necessitates careful observation to detect and treat severed blood vessels which may not have bled at the lower blood pressure.

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

Rare: Such reactions may be allergic in nature or due to high plasma protein levels from excessive albumin administration. Allergic manifestations include urticaria, chills, fever, and changes in pulse, respiration and blood pressure.

Dosage:

Always administered by intravenous infusion; albumin 25% may be administered undiluted or diluted in 0.9% Sodium Chloride or 5% Dextrose in Water.

Hypovolemic shock:
The volume administered and the speed of infusion should be adapted to the response of the patient

Burns:
After a burn injury (usually 24 hours) there is a close correlation between the amount of albumin infused and the resultant increase in plasma colloid osmotic pressure. The aim should be to maintain the plasma albumin concentration in the region of 2.5 , plus or minus 0.5g, per 100ml with a plasma oncotic pressure of 22 mm Hg. This is best achieved by IV administration of albumin 25%. The duration of therapy is decided by the loss of protein from the burned areas and in the urine, In addition, oral or parenteral feeding with amino acids should be initiated, as the long-term administration of albumin should not be considered as a source of nutrition.

Hypoproteinemia with or without edema:
Unless the underlying pathology for hypoproteinemia can be corrected, the IV administration of albumin 25% must be considered purely symptomatic or supportive. The usual daily dose of albumin for adults is 50 to 75g and for children 25g. Patients with severe hypoproteinemia who continue to lose albumin may require larger quantities. Since hypoproteinemic patients usually have normal blood volumes, the rate of administration should not exceed 2 ml/min as more rapid injection may precipitate circulatory embarrassment and pulmonary edema.

Store at room temperature not exceeding 30 degrees C (86 degrees F).

What is Hypoproteinemia?

Hypoproteinemia, simply put is low blood protein levels.  There are 2 main protein types: Albumin and globulin.  Abnormal blood test results  related to these are usually delineated with a corresponding 'hyper' or 'hypo' (high and low- respectively). 

For example, Low Albumin (a plasma protein) is called, Hypoalbumemia.  This condition can also be loosely referred to as hypoproteinemia. 

"Normal" Total serum Protein level (in humans) should be between  6.0 and 8.3 gm/dl (grams per deciliter).
Normal albumin level is from 3.4 - 5.4 grams per deciliter (g/dL).

The difficulties arising when these numbers depart from normal are quite astonishing.  That said there are many conditions that can cause departures.

Higher-than-normal levels may be due to:

**ChronicChronic inflammation or infection, including HIV and hepatitis B or C
**Multiple myelomaMultiple myeloma
**Waldenstrom's diseaseWaldenstrom's disease

Lower-than-normal levels may be due to:
**AgammaglobulinemiaAgammaglobulinemia
**Bleeding (hemorrhage)
**BurnsBurns (extensive)
**GlomerulonephritisGlomerulonephritis
**Liver diseaseLiver disease
**MalabsorptionMalabsorption
**Malnutrition
**Nephrotic syndrome
**Protein-losing enteropathy

Ciliac Disease: Just one Possible Cause of Hypoproteinemia

Some of this post is derived from THIS EXTERNAL WEB PAGE.
One cause of hypoproteinemia could be Celiac disease.


Celiac disease is an autoimmune digestive disease that damages the villi of the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food.


Essentially, the body is attacking itself every time a person with celiac disease consumes gluten. If you are wondering if might have celiac disease, look at the following symptom checklist using this link to an external site dedicated to Celiac Disease.


For people with Celiac disease, protein called gluten, which is found in wheat, barley and rye isn‘t processed correctly and results in the villi problems as noted above..


I was checked for this with a diet change. I was taken off of all wheat products for at two week, and observed. I showed no change in serum protein so I was pronounced negative for celiac.


There are many, many products containing gluten. It is used as thickener in canned soups, breads, pasta and many other products. Read the ingredients.

I also had small intestine biopsies that ruled out Celiac Disease because the doctor wanted to be absolutely sure this disease was ruled out.

So Far, 112 posts Containing Intimate Knowledge of my Hypoproteinemai Struggle

Most of the time, medical information found on the internet is cold, sterilized  and hard to understand.  


That said, the idea for this blog came when I couldn’t find real life accountings of what it means to live with hypoproteinemia.


I’d ask the doctor for a prognosis, and get, “With your particular condition, Protein Losing Enteropathy, we just don’t have enough information to know what to tell you.”

I found this hard to believe. I asked them to make an educated guess as to my prognosis, and they wouldn't give me one.


You would think that if they know the function of proteins within the body, they would be able to surmise what might  happen to me in the future, but they wouldn't.


So, I’ve been keeping this blog; a journal of sorts to document my various treatments as well as side effects, successes, failures, and general experiences that have arisen due to this condition.


If you came here looking for information about hypoproteinemia, the kind of information that might benefit you or someone you love, feel free to look through the links on the right hand side of the page or go through my archives.


I do have a medical background, so I was able to keep pretty good accountings of medications took and their relative effect on me.

I discuss Albumin replacement therapy, cytoxan, prednisone, other  drugs, diagnostic procedures, doctors, nurses, medical mistake avoidance, and a lot more.


The only problem with this ‘blog’ format is that my ability to subject index is difficult.  So for you, finding specific information can be difficult.


If you are looking for specific information, use the search box on the top left corner of this page. If your search terms don't work, try substituting other words and search again.


In addition to low-protein specific topics covered, this blog, also  covers topics that could be helpful to patients of other chronic illnesses. 


I have even posted videos explaining some symptoms related to edema, my own diagnosis, and more.


Thanks for visiting, and I hope this blog is of help to you.


Regards;


Daniel Taverne

Lasix and Hypoproteinemia - low protein

This is from a patient's perspective.

I am an educated allied health science disabled patient... let me explain why I have to take lasix due to my low protein:

The protein I'm low in is Albumin.  This is a plasma protein that helps hold water/fluid inside blood cells and other cells.  Without the Albumin holding water 'in',  the water runs out into the interstitial tissues... This is what they call third-spacing.

Doctors describe this process in terms of "osmotic pressure".  That is the osmotic pressure is upset, and fluid is allowed to run across semipermeable cell membranes, causing edema (fluid accumulation in body tissues).

This is where Lasix comes in.  The Generic name is furosemide.  This medication pulls fluid into the bloodstream and is allowed to be eliminated upon urination.  Exactly how this works is not clear to me.  All I know is, it's supposed to make you pee.

Now, the reason I'm losing my protein is yet unclear.  The results of the protein loss in me is generalized edema and (I believe) this edema also builds up in my intestines.

I believe this because on many occasions, medications taken by mouth including  lasix seem to lose effectiveness.  When this happens, I accumulate exessive fluid - upwards of 40 pounds.. that's almost like pouring 5 gallons of water inside my skin.

Before it gets to this point, I call my doctor who has me admitted into the VA hospital where I am treated.  I explain the treatment in previous blog entries.

The treatment involves IV meds including Albumin as well as Lasix which then doesn't have to be absorbed across the intestinal walls... it works then let me tell you.

I get 60 to 80mg of lasix either 2 or 3 times per day, causing me to urinate up to 2 liters or more for each dose.

I've noticed my first urinations are typical yellow in color, but the second liter is very clear and the color of tap water.

hypoproteinemia - hypoalbuminemia - low protein - treatment - medications - patient - case history - case study

Study - Curb Overeating with Protein-Rich Breakfasts

If you want to stay healthy, researchers at MissourUniversity are suggesting that regularly eating protein-rich breakfasts keeps you satisfied and wards off overeating... read full story. <---LINK



My Comments:

Many people with hypoproteinemia are subject to hyperlipidemia (hign levels of fats in our blood).  I, for example, have high cholesterol and triglycerides). 

So if I follow the advice indicated in the above study, I'll consider what kinds of proteins I consume. 

Bacon is a protein food, but it also has a high fat content.  Sure, I might eat a slice of bacon every once in a while, but that is not going to be what I turn to to increase  my protein intake.

I may, for example, add some egg-whites to my scrambled eggs.  Egg whites are high-protein, but low cholesterol.

I may consume a protein supplement such as a soy-protein powder mixed into my orange juice.
I think it would be okay to increase protein, provided it isn't a high fat/cholesterol protein.

What are your thoughts?

The article referred to in this post was a headline located in the right side-bar of this blog.  The headlines are updated daily, so bookmark this site and come back often.

High Cholesterol? Add Hot Chili Peppers to your diet

While trying to find out why my bell peppers keep falling off the plant, I came across this interesting tid-bit of information. 

Because of my hypoproteinemia, my cholesterol and triglycerides are very high.  That's why I found this bit of information very interesting.  Maybe this is is why I find myself craving them so much.

This is from a list of questions Located on this website.

13. Q. We have just moved to this area and enjoy the Mexican food. What makes Mexican food so hot? Is it the pepper they add?


A. The cooks add pepper alright but not the black stuff you shake from a can - they add green peppers, Capsicum annum. These peppers contain a chemical named capsaicin. When you eat these "green bullets from hell" there's a cellular response that releases neurotransmitters. These are proteins that mimic chemically the sensation of burning or pain. They go to the end plate of our sensory nerves and create the sensation of pain. The body's response is to remove the chemical irritant by increasing heart rate to increase metabolism, by increasing salivation and increasing sweating. Your nose runs and the gastrointestinal tract goes to work in high gear to remove the irritant. You sweat to cool yourself.


The body's strong reaction to capsaicin is why many people claim chili has medicinal properties. A paper by a New Mexico biologist noted that the death rate from heart disease in the state was about half the national rate. She also said the rate of heart disease among Hispanics and Indians was low. Presumed reason? They all eat lots of chile pepper and that reduces blood fat levels. Hot peppers are said to protect against blood clots that could cause thromboembolism.


So why do folks eat this hot food? When people eat hot chili the brain secretes endorphins, the opiate-like substances that block pain. Endorphins are produced when runners "hit the wall" and get their second wind. Who needs to jog and watch their diet? Just eat peppers and keep on burning!

My Health Update

I've been feeling pretty poorly the last few days.  It started with a pretty bad sore throat which has gone away.  But it didn't just go away, the illness moved into my head and chest.  Arrgh!  I can't stand colds.

I have a full prescription of Doxycycline hyclate that I'm going to start taking.

Hopefully I'll start feeling better soon.

As far as my hypoproteinemia symptoms, they are on the stronger side.  I feel pretty bloated.  My edema is pretty high now. 

At the beginning of the year, I weighed less than 130 pounds.  I am now up to 185 at least..  I'm hoping my eating hasn't resulted in much of that weight being fat instead of fluid.

I know some of the weight is muscle thoug because I've been exercising all summer.  Some of the nurses at the hospital the last time I was there were making comments like, "Look at Mr. Taverne... all buff!"  And, "Boy you been working ou. t huh?"

I didn't know working out would make my butt bigger.  I can't fit into my 140 lb pants anymore.  Ane, I'm not happy about that.

I'll stop typing now.  I hope you, where ever you are, are doing well.  Please feel free to post comments.  If you want I'll share your story here.

Protein Powder's 'Other' Benefits

I began using a protein powder supplement a few years ago to address hypoproteinemia (low serum protein). Unfortunately, my body can’t seem to keep protein where it belongs. According to my doctors, it spills into my gut and is then eliminated.

Indeed, my protein loss is so severe, protein supplements don’t increase my serum protein level at all. It does, however, help in a couple other ways:

1. As you might be aware, some people with low serum protein levels may struggle with watery – loose stools or diarrhea.

I’ve found the protein powder helps to firm things up making me much more comfortable.

2. I often get dietary cravings. My body seems to yell at me, “YOU NEED TO EAT SOMETHING!” Unfortunately, I’m rarely told what that thing is.

That said, I can usually silence those cravings with my protein powder. Thankfully, it is better to quell my cravings with the protein supplement then to try with salty, fatty and high cholesterol snacks.

How do I use it?
I get the 8 oz. cans that contain a 7 gram (1-1/2 tbsp) scoop. Each scoop contains 6g protein, and although the directions on the can tell me to stir 1 scoop into at least a 4 oz. beverage, I usually use 3 scoops into an 8 oz. glass of water.

At first, the taste of the product was less than pleasing. In time, however, I found the flavor to be strangely satisfying.

If you suffer from low protein, and your doctor recommends protein supplements, don’t be afraid to try them. In addition to increasing your serum protein, they just might help

Protein Supplent Information Video *** Considering Possibilities ***

In this video, the man is talking about protein supplelments used for after workouts to repair and build muscle.  I think this information may be valuable, however, for folks who are batteling hypoproteinemia. 

NOTE:  Please consult with your doctor before taking any protein supplements.

Exercising with hypoproteinemia

I have noticed that when my protein is very low, I don’t have the energy required for maintaining an exercise program. I think the best idea at times like tose is to keep from lying around doing nothing. Stagnation will conspire to atrophy your muscles.

There is a dilemma however. If you have low protein, will muscles atrophy regardless of activity?

I posed this question to a doctor. He told me the type of protein I’m deficient in is not the same protein used in maintaining muscle structure. I’m low in Albumin (a plasma protein).

I say get some exercise. You are still alive aren’t you? If you are laying around doing nothing, only you can change it. Do what you can…do what you are able. it’s that simple.

Unexpected Accident Sunday

I broke my leg Sunday. My left Tibia fractured high (close to the knee). They called this the Tibia Plateau.


This injury occurred as I innocently threw an object into a tree. You see, I kicked my dogs ball high into the tree where it became lodged amongst its branches. I was attempting to knock the ball from the tree with a heavy socket.


When I threw the object upward, the lateral portion of my left leg was put in an un-natural bending angle, then it popped loudly. Of all ways to break a leg, this has got to be the lamest!


The orthopedic doctor who saw me said this type of fracture most commonly results in surgery. But in my case, he thinks if I keep my leg immobilized and don’t bear weight on it, that it’ll heal.


So I’ve got a knee immobilizer on and use a crutch under my left armpit, and a cane in my right hand.


It didn’t take long for me to realize how much of a workout I’ll be getting using these mobility aids.
One of my secondary issues that crept up due to my hypoproteinemia is osteoporosis. I’m not sure if this contributed to my leg break, so my VA doctor is going to schedule me for a density scan in the near future.


This doctor also told me to be watchful of blood clots. Since I don’t have a spleen, my platelets (Thrombocytes) are a lot higher than normal. That means my clotting factor is higher.


I am at risk of developing embolisms.


This is all for now. If you’d like to help me keep this blog going, feel free to donate using the button on the page.

Health Update March 4, 2012

My protein losing enteropathy is rearing its ugly head again.


My protein level has undoubtedly fallen since my last post.  In fact, at my last doctor visit my serium protein had fallen form 3.9 to 2.4 while my albumin had measured 1.3.


These levels were taken about a month ago, and I am doing far worse now.


I don't "need" to weigh myself to know my edema and my anasarca has returned.


This time, the edema seems to have concentrated mostly on my torso area.  It is almost as if I have gained about 15 pounds of fat on my abdomen, but I know it is mostly fluid.


The backs of my legs are also highly edemic.


I awoke 2 mornings ago shocked to find extreme edema in the torso area.  I had pitting edema on my ribcage, and still do upon the entire torso.


I plan to go to the hospital this week.


My treatment will be as indicated in previous posts.  


I'll get albunin replacement 3 times a day for about a week.  Each dose of IV albunin will be followed by an intravenous dose of Lasixx (60 to 80 ml).


Look through this blog for info about this condition.  If you came to this site because you want to know about hypoproteinemia and the possible treatments, I have laid out my entire fight with this condition here.


I hope  and pray for your health, or that of your loved ones, improves.

High Protein Diet for Hypoproteinemia - low protein - Patient VIDEO

I often find people coming to this site looking for a diet that might help with a low protein issue.  I loose huge quantities of protein through my gut so I need as much as I could consume, and still had low protein.  Information is below- good luck and God bless.


Let me advise you to watch this video. The information, though given for already healthy people, shows what proteins are good. Myself, I eat the same types of proteins shown here in higher quantities. I also eat all types of fish: catfish, cod, salmon, perch, assorted pan fish, trout, talopia etc. I love fish. Watch the video and a least consider what the young lady is saying.

High Protein brownie Recipe

If you have hypoproteinemia like me, you might want to try this recipe.


The brownies in this recipe are high in protein, and low in carbohydrates.


They guy uses the recipe in terms of muscle  building, but this could potentially be a positive for folks with low protein.

Are high-protein diets bad for your colon?

News Story By Amy Norton
NEW YORK | Wed Mar 16, 2011 5:42pm EDT
(Reuters Health) - The high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets many people turn to for weight loss might have potentially harmful long-term effects on the colon, a small study hints.


In a study of 17 obese men, UK researchers found that a protein-heavy, low-carb diet created certain changes in the colon that could, over time, contribute to colon cancer risk.


The study looked only at short-term shifts in certain compounds that are byproducts of metabolism, and not actual disease risk. So it does not show whether high-protein diets really raise the risk of any colon diseases.

But the findings raise that possibility, the researchers report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition…. READ FULL STORY
__________________________
MY COMMENTS:


After I read this, I wondered why they published this study at all. Only 17 people were studied, they were obese to begin with, and the report even indicates it “…does not show whether high-protein diets really raise the risk” of cancer.


How high protein diets may affect folks like us who have hypoproteinemia, I’m not sure.


I can say I’m prepared to keep on a high protein diet because not having enough, I think, is worse than having too much.


The above news headline came from the news-headlines links located in the right hand column of this page. Please bookmark this page, and come back often to check them out.

Tea Party Inclusion cards Counter Left's Lies

Sorry for going political here, but I have to do something to counter the lies made by the left and mainstream medis.  Scroll past this for the hypoproteinemia posts or use the links in the right hand sidebar.

Purchase the cards, then leave one behind for 'just-met' persons of color to find following your friendly, amiable conversations.  

The bus, in cafeterias, libraries, schools are some examples of where you might come in contact with minorities, and when you might leave a card.


We've got to respond to the lies being spread by mainstream and let minoriies know we stand for them too.


Click on the card below to purchase a bunch from my store.  I created these so I get a royalty from each sale.

You can also help me by reposting this on your facebook and twitter accounts. Thanks in advance.


Here's the Card:

Tea Party Inclusion Card by Observations
sell your paintings online for free at Zazzle

Thanksgiving Message from Daniel Taverne (Blog Owner)

A Protein losing enteropathy (hypoproteinemia) is pretty tough to deal with. I know what it’s like to attend family functions only to lay on the couch with my legs elevated while everyone else visits having a great time.


I understand the feeling of not being able to eat because food in my stomach, and excess fluid in my belly makes it hard to breath.

This is why it’s so important for people like us to grab onto the moments when we feel pretty good. Since they are few, We know that such moments are not to be wasted.


Maybe you are chronically ill with another affliction, this applies to you too. Actually, this is just as important for the perfectly healthy, though they may not realize it.


Is this an advantage we have over them; that We learn the value of moments?


I saw a TV show this week where a man told a woman to take pictures of moments, not people.  That’s what we need to do. We all need to pay attention to (and value) moments...Even in the midst of illness.

Fear of Bad Medication Side effects is Real

For the first time, I am truly fearful of taking a medication. The doctor wants me to take “Reclast” which has been known to cause death to jaw bones of folks who have had dental work while on the drug.


The drug, taken to increase bone density to treat osteoporosis, has been known to cause mandibular osteonecrosis, so the doctor made sure I had my dental work done prior to getting this medication infused.


My osteoporosis is secondary to my hypoproteinemia; caused by low calcium and a probable absorption issue.


I’ve had my dental work done, and now its time to get the Reclast.


Should I, or shouldn’t I?


What if my jaw does die? What would that be like? Would it rot? Would I then have to have it removed? How would I eat? How would I go out in public?


This is a side effect I’m not sure I want to tangle with, but alas, I have severe osteoporosis and that can be very harmful as well.


What to do… what to do?


Prednisone was another drug I had to take that had serious side effects, but I was brave and took it like a trooper. It ended up causing me to be legally blind.


My advice to you is; you should take those medication warnings seriously. I used to think those side effects would never happen to me… now I know different.


Ultimately what I will do is weigh the benefits against the risks… as difficult as that is… and make the best choice.


I’ve already put off two appointments for getting the Reclast infusion. I think I’ll go next time and get it.