Clinical Information

Plasma proteins derive primarily from synthesis in the liver, plasma cells, lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow. In disease states both the total plasma protein level and the ratio of the individual fractions may be dramatically altered from their normal values. Hypoproteinemia may be caused by such conditions as nephrotic syndrome, extensive bleeding, sprue (deficient protein absorption), severe burns, salt retention syndromes, and Kwashiorkor (acute protein starvation).Hyperproteinemia may be observed in cases of severe dehydration and disease states such as multiple myeloma. Changes in the proportions of the plasma proteins may occur in one or several of the protein fractions and often without alterations in the quantity of the total protein. The A/G ratio has commonly been used as an index of the distribution between the albumin and globulin fractions. This ratio can be significantly altered in such conditions as cirrhosis of the liver, glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, acute hepatitis, lupus erythematosus, and in some acute and chronic infections.