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Causes of high and low prealbumin
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Prealbumin is a very sensitive negative acute-phase protein - in inflammatory processes its concentration can decrease to a level of less than 20% of the norm. Prealbumin content also decreases in nutritional deficiencies (proteins and calories), cirrhosis, liver failure and chronic liver diseases. In a combination of inflammation and nutritional deficiencies, the concentration of prealbumin in the blood serum decreases quickly and significantly.
Laboratory criteria for malnutrition
Degree of malnutrition |
|||
Indicator |
Light |
Average |
Heavy |
Albumin, g/l Prealbumin, mg/l Transferrin, g/l Lymphocytes, ×10 9 /l |
35-30 - 2-1.8 1.8-1.5 |
30-25 150-100 1.8-1.6 1.5-0.9 |
<25 <100 <1.6 <0.9 |
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