10 Causes of HypoAlbumenia

This is not a complete list.  Low albumin can be caused by a multitude of diseases and conditions.

1.  Alcoholism
2.  Liver cirrhosis

3.  Hepatitis B
4.  Hepatitis C
5.  Autoimmune liver disease
6.  Nephrotic syndrome
7.  Heart failure
8.  Renal failure
9.  Ulcerative colitis
10. Renal amyloidosis

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

Albumin and Lasix Dosage for Treating Hypoalbuminemia Symptoms Associated with PLE

~DANIEL TAVERNE~

I spent a week in the hospital recently. I came back tuesday, the 7th day of my admission. Each time I go for hypoalbuminemia I get this treatment. Sometimes it's twice a month... sometimes it's only once per month.

First of all, I'm a 43y/o male...my base weight is about 160lbs.

They gave me 50ml of Albumin - infused over an hours time q8hrs...every 8 hours. Each was followed by Lasix IV push...dosage below. My blood pressure was monitered every 4 hours and my I/O was recouded. I'll get this treatment daily untill I reach my base weight.

I was treated for the hypoproteinemia that I spill into my GI tract somehow. The exact cause of this spillage, or what ever is causing my albumin to be low is still unclear after 8 years. My Albumin has been less than 1 for a long, long time.

I get anasarca (generalized edema-fluid retention all over my body. This fluid is very incomfortable - sometimes painful- and I get tired...lacking energy to do many thing I like to do in life.

Well, while in the hospital the dose given was 50ml of albumin (intravenously) 3 times a day, or every 8 hours. Each one of those doses was followed up with 60ml of lasix (IV push)
Occasionally my albumin level seems to spontaneously increase. And, occasionally that happens when I'm in the hospital. I've lost as much as 40 pounds of fluid... that's alot of peeing!

For some reason, though I went into the hospital last seek, my protein has been slow to fall. This has allowed me to be more enthusiastic about life. I began lifting weights again and boy am I getting pumped up.
I'm not sure what my albumin lever is now, but it still isn't so bad. I think it'll gradually decrease though as it always seems too.

Blueberries: a Superfood (Benefits)

From http://www.webind.com/

Blueberries -- Antioxidant Superfood


Packed with antioxidants and phytoflavinoids, these berries are also high in potassium and vitamin C, making them the top choice of doctors and nutritionists. Not only can they lower your risk of heart disease and cancer, they are also anti-inflammatory.

"Inflammation is a key driver of all chronic diseases, so blueberries have a host of benefits," says Ann Kulze, MD, of Charleston, S.C., author of Dr. Ann's 10-Step Diet, A Simple Plan for Permanent Weight Loss & Lifelong Vitality. When selecting berries, note that the darker they are, the more anti-oxidants they have. "I tell everyone to have a serving (about 1/2 cup) every day," Dr. Kulze says. "Frozen are just as good as fresh." Be sure to include lots of other fruits and vegetables in your diet as well. Remember too that, in general, the more color they have, the more antioxidants.

Protein health benefit by Ray Sahelian, M.D.
Protein supplement information

Protein is the main component of muscles, organs, and glands. Every living cell and all body fluids, except bile and urine, contain protein. The cells of muscles, tendons, and ligaments are maintained with protein.
Protein intake by seniors
Older people who eat a good amount of foods with protein will protect themselves from the loss of skeletal muscle that accompanies aging. About 40 percent of US adults 70 or older get less than the recommended 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day of protein. Older people may cut down on their animal protein intake due to cost, difficulty chewing, or concerns about the high cholesterol or fat content of these foods.

Complete Proteins

All meat and other animal products are sources of complete proteins. These include beef, lamb, pork, poultry, fish, shellfish, eggs, milk, and milk products. Egg white protein has a good amount of albumin called ovalbumin. Casein is the predominant protein found in fresh milk.

Incomplete proteins

Protein in foods (such as grains, fruits, and vegetables) are either low, incomplete protein or lack one of the essential amino acids. These food sources are considered incomplete proteins. Plant proteins can be combined to include all of the essential amino acids and form a complete protein. Examples of combined, complete plant proteins are rice and beans, milk and wheat cereal, and corn and beans.

For the rest of the article, CLICK HERE!

Hospital stay leading into April

4 April, 2010 (Sunday)
Went to Hospital last week. I went in Monday March 29 and came out Thursday April 1. I went in with a weight of 164 and came out weighing approx 154.


Last time I was in for just a day or 2 longer and I lost over 20 pounds. I think this time the reason for only 10 pounds was my lasix dosage was 10mg less every 8 hours.


It's Easter Sunday and I havn't weighted my self since I've been home.

How to Talk to Doctors

If you're like me, you've had some experience with doctors.   I've found many of them to be distracted, overly technical, and sometimes pompus. 

I've discovered a few strategies that enable me to communicate better with my doctor.

Any time emotion becomes a player in the patient-doctor conversation, chances are communication effeciency will suffer.  If you find you are getting angry or upset, excuse yourself and take a break.  Go to the restroom, take a short walk, go get a soda or anything that will allow you time to calm yourself.  Take a few deep breaths, then resume the conversation with a clearer mind.


It always helps to have someone with you when talking with your doctor. 

Sometimes doctors forget who they are talking to and  use language more appropriate for other doctors.  If you're concerned this is happening, use the line, "So, you are saying..." then repeat back what you think the doctor said, using your own words. 

Go into the doctors office with a mini-recorder in your shirt pocket.  This will help with recall of doctor instructions later.

You might take some notes.

Try making a connection with your doctor.  For instance, I discovered my doctor is a martial artist.  I let her know I am as well.  I often ask her about her practices and tournaments.  This helps us make a connection so maybe she'll give my case a little more attention than she would otherwise.