What to do if the protein in the blood is elevated? Causes of low levels of total protein in the blood

Perhaps the development of physiological hypoproteinemia in the last months of pregnancy, during lactation, against the background of prolonged physical exertion, as well as in bedridden patients.

What diseases cause a decrease in the amount of protein in the blood
Hypoproteinemia is a sign of the following diseases:

• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (pancreatitis, enterocolitis)
• surgical interventions
• tumors of different localization
• liver disease (cirrhosis, hepatitis, liver tumors or liver metastases)
• poisoning
• acute and chronic bleeding
• burn disease
• glomerulonephritis
• thyrotoxicosis
• the use of infusion therapy (the intake of large volumes of fluid into the body)
• hereditary diseases (Wilson-Konovalov disease)
• fever

Medications affecting protein content
Some medications affect the concentration of total protein in the blood. So, corticosteroids, bromsulfalein contribute to the development of hyperproteinemia, and estrogen hormones lead to hypoproteinemia. An increase in the concentration of total protein is also possible with prolonged clamping of the vein with a tourniquet, as well as the transition from the "lying" to the "standing" position.

How to take a protein test?
To determine the concentration of total protein, blood is taken from a vein, in the morning, on an empty stomach. The break between the last meal and the time of the test should be at least 8 hours. Sweet drinks should also be limited. To date, the protein concentration is determined by the biuret or microbiuret (if the concentration is very low) method. This method is universal, easy to use, fairly cheap and fast. There are few errors when using this method, so it is considered reliable and informative. Errors mainly occur when the reaction is incorrectly formulated or dirty dishes are used.

Albumin, types of globulin, norms, reasons for increasing or decreasing indicators

Albumin - the norm, the reason for the increase, decrease, how to take an analysis
Let's consider each protein fraction separately. Albumins are a very homogeneous group, half of which is in the vascular bed, and half in the interstitial fluid. Due to the presence of a negative charge and a large surface, albumins are able to carry various substances on themselves - hormones, drugs, fatty acids, bilirubin, metal ions, etc. The main physiological function of albumins is to maintain pressure and reserve amino acids. Albumins are synthesized in the liver and live 12-27 days.

Albumin increase - causes
An increase in the concentration of albumin in the blood ( hyperalbuminemia) may be associated with the following pathologies:

• dehydration, or dehydration (loss of body fluid through vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating)
• extensive burns

Decreased albumin - causes
Decreased albumin concentration ( hypoalbuminemia) can be up to 30 g / l, which leads to a decrease in oncotic pressure and the appearance of edema. Hypoalbuminemia occurs when:

• various nephritis (glomerulonephritis)
• acute liver atrophy, toxic hepatitis, cirrhosis
• increased capillary permeability
• amyloidosis
• burns
• injuries
• bleeding
• congestive heart failure
• pathology of the gastrointestinal tract
• fasting
• pregnancy and lactation
• tumors
• with malabsorption syndrome
• thyrotoxicosis
• taking oral contraceptives and estrogen hormones

Globulins - types of globulins, norms, causes of increase, decrease

α1-globulins -α1-antitrypsin, α1-acid glycoprotein, norms, causes of increase, decrease

The composition of this protein fraction includes up to 5 proteins, and they normally make up 4% of the total protein. Two have the greatest diagnostic value - and.

α1-antitrypsin (serine proteinase inhibitor) regulates the activity of blood plasma enzymes - trypsin, thrombin, renin, plasmin, kallikrein and elastase. The normal content in the blood of a healthy person is 2-5 g / l. This protein is an acute-phase protein, that is, an increase in its concentration occurs during inflammation and oncological diseases. Complete or partial deficiency of α1-antitrypsin leads to obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema) and progressive cirrhosis at a young age.

α1-acid glycoprotein (orosomucoid) involved in the transfer of hormones - testosterone and progesterone. Normally, it contains 0.55 -1.4 g / l in the blood serum. The concentration of orosomucoid increases 3-4 times in acute and chronic inflammations and after operations. Determination of the concentration of orosomucoid is used to monitor the dynamics of the development of inflammation or to control oncology (an increase in the concentration of this protein indicates a tumor recurrence).

How to pass the analysis?
To determine the concentration of α1-globulins, blood is taken from a vein, in the morning, on an empty stomach. The method for quantifying the concentration of these proteins is accurate, but rather complicated, so its determination should be carried out by an experienced and highly qualified person. The method is quite lengthy, it takes several hours. The blood must be fresh, without signs of hemolysis. Errors in the determination occur when the personnel are not sufficiently qualified or the rules for preparing blood for analysis are violated.

α2-globulins -α2-macroglobulin,haptoglobinnorms,ceruloplasmin,reasons for the increase, decrease

Haptoglobin consists of two subunits and circulates in human blood in three molecular forms. It is an acute phase protein. The normal content in the blood of a healthy person is less than 2.7 g / l. The main function of haptoglobin is the transfer of hemoglobin to the cells of the reticuloendothelial system, where hemoglobin is destroyed and bilirubin is formed from it. An increase in its concentration occurs with acute inflammation, and a decrease in hemolytic anemia. When incompatible blood is transfused, it may disappear altogether.

ceruloplasmin- a protein with the properties of an enzyme that oxidizes Fe2+ to Fe3+. Ceruloplasmin is a depot and carrier of copper. In the blood of a healthy person, it normally contains 0.15 - 0.60 g / l. The content of this protein increases during acute inflammation and pregnancy. The inability of the body to synthesize this protein is found in a congenital disease - Wilson-Konovalov's disease, as well as in healthy relatives of these patients.

How to take an analysis?
To determine the concentration of α2-macroglobulins, blood from a vein is used, which is taken strictly in the morning, on an empty stomach. Methods for determining these proteins are laborious and rather long in time, and also require high qualification.

β-globulins -transferrin,hemopexin,norm, reasons for increase, decrease

Hemopexin It is also a hemoglobin-binding protein. Normally, it is contained in the blood - 0.5-1.2 g / l. The content of hemopexin decreases with hemolysis, liver and kidney diseases, and increases with inflammation.

How to pass the analysis?
To determine the concentration of β-globulins, blood from a vein is used, which is taken in the morning, on an empty stomach. The blood must be fresh, without signs of hemolysis. Carrying out this sample is a high-tech analysis that requires highly qualified laboratory assistant. The analysis is laborious and rather time consuming.

γ-globulins (immunoglobulins) - the norm, the reasons for the increase and decrease

The γ-globulin fraction includes immunoglobulins.

Immunoglobulins- these are antibodies that are produced by cells of the immune system to destroy pathogenic bacteria. An increase in the number of immunoglobulins is observed when immunity is activated, that is, during viral and bacterial infections, as well as inflammation and tissue destruction. A decrease in the number of immunoglobulins can be physiological (in children 3-6 years old), congenital (hereditary immunodeficiency diseases) and secondary (with allergies, chronic inflammation, malignant tumors, long-term treatment with corticosteroids).

How to pass the analysis?
Determination of the concentration of γ-globulins is carried out in blood from a vein taken in the morning (before 10 am), on an empty stomach. When passing an analysis for the determination of γ-globulins, it is necessary to avoid physical exertion and strong emotional upheavals. To determine the concentration of γ-globulins, various methods are used - immunological, biochemical. Immunological methods are more accurate. In terms of time costs, both biochemical and immunological methods are equivalent. However, immunological should be preferred due to their greater accuracy, sensitivity and specificity.

Glucose - the norm, the reasons for the increase and decrease, how to prepare for blood donation for analysis?

Blood glucose norm and physiological hyperglycemia

With an increase in glucose concentration above 6 mmol / l, they indicate the presence of hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia can be physiological, that is, occurring in healthy people and pathological, that is, detected with various disorders in the human body.
Physiological hyperglycemia includes:

• alimentary (after meals, sweet drinks)
• neurogenic - under stress

• neuroendocrine disorders (for example, obesity, polycystic ovaries, premenstrual syndrome, Itsenko-Cushing's disease, etc.)
• diabetes
• diseases of the pituitary gland (eg, acromegaly, pituitary dwarfism, etc.)
• adrenal tumors (pheochromocytoma)
• enhanced thyroid function
• infectious hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver

• unbalanced diet, in which a large amount of refined carbohydrates (white flour products, confectionery, potatoes, pasta) and few vegetables, fruits, vitamins
• in newborns
• dehydration
• lack of food or eating before bed

1. overdose of insulin or other sugar-lowering drugs
2. kidney, liver and heart failure
3. exhaustion
4. hormonal imbalances (depletion of cortisol, adrenaline, glucagon)
5. pancreatic tumor - insulinoma
6. congenital anomalies - hypersecretion of insulin, autoimmune hypoglycemia, etc.

Bilirubin - types, norms, causes of decrease and increase, how to pass the analysis?

Direct and indirect bilirubin - where is it formed and how is it excreted

Bilirubin is a yellow-red pigment that is formed from the breakdown of hemoglobin in the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. With the breakdown of 1 g of hemoglobin, 34 mg of bilirubin is formed. When hemoglobin is destroyed, one part of it - globin decomposes to amino acids, the second part - heme - decomposes with the formation of iron and bile pigments. Iron is used again, and bile pigments (products of the conversion of bilirubin) are excreted from the body. Bilirubin formed from the breakdown of hemoglobin ( indirect), enters the bloodstream, where it binds to albumin and is transported to the liver. In liver cells, bilirubin combines with glucuronic acid. This bilirubin associated with glucuronic acid is called straight.

Indirect bilirubin is very toxic, as it can accumulate in cells, primarily in the brain, disrupting their function. Direct bilirubin is non-toxic. In the blood, the ratio of direct and indirect bilirubin is 1 to 3. Further, in the intestine, direct bilirubin splits off glucuronic acid under the action of bacteria, and itself is oxidized to form urobilinogen and stercobilinogen. 95% of these substances are excreted in the feces, the remaining 5% are absorbed back into the bloodstream, enter the bile and are partially excreted by the kidneys. An adult excretes 200-300 mg of bile pigments daily with feces and 1-2 mg with urine. Bile pigments are always found in gallstones.

In newborns, the level of direct bilirubin can be much higher - 17.1-205.2 µmol / l. An increase in the concentration of bilirubin in the blood is called bilirubinemia.

High bilirubin - causes, types of jaundice
Bilirubinemia is accompanied by the appearance of yellow coloration of the skin, sclera of the eyes and mucous membranes. Therefore, diseases associated with bilirubinemia are called jaundice. Bilirubinemia can be of hepatic origin (in diseases of the liver and biliary tract) and non-hepatic (in hemolytic anemia). Separately, there is jaundice in newborns. An increase in the concentration of total bilirubin in the range of 23-27 µmol / l indicates the presence of latent jaundice in humans, and at a concentration of total bilirubin above 27 µmol / l, a characteristic yellow color appears. In newborns, jaundice develops when the concentration of total bilirubin in the blood is above 51-60 µmol / l. Hepatic jaundice is of two types - parenchymal and obstructive. Parenchymal jaundice includes:

• hepatitis (viral, toxic)
• cirrhosis of the liver
• toxic liver damage (poisoning with alcohol, poisons, salts of heavy metals)
• tumors or metastases to the liver

• pregnancy (not always)
• pancreatic tumor
• cholestasis (blockage of the bile duct by stones)

Non-hepatic jaundice refers to jaundice that develops against the background of various hemolytic anemias.

Diagnosis of various types of jaundice
To distinguish what kind of jaundice we are talking about, the ratio of different fractions of bilirubin is used. These data are presented in the table.

Causes of jaundice in newborns

Newborn jaundice due to other reasons. Consider the reasons formation of jaundice in newborns:

• in the fetus and newborn, the mass of red blood cells and, consequently, the concentration of hemoglobin, per fetal weight, is greater than in an adult. Within a few weeks after birth, there is an intense breakdown of "extra" erythrocytes, which is manifested by jaundice
• the ability of the newborn's liver to remove bilirubin from the blood, formed as a result of the breakdown of "extra" erythrocytes, low
• hereditary disease - Gilbert's disease
• since the intestines of the newborn are sterile, therefore the rate of formation of stercobilinogen and urobilinogen is reduced
• premature babies

How to take an analysis?
To determine the concentration of bilirubin, blood is taken from a vein, in the morning, on an empty stomach. You should not eat or drink for at least 4-5 hours before the procedure. The determination is carried out by the unified method of Endrashik. This method is easy to use, takes little time, and is accurate.

Urea - the norm, the reasons for the increase, decrease, how to pass the analysis

Urea norm and physiological increase in urea

So, physiological uremia develops with:

• unbalanced diet (rich in proteins or low in chlorides)
• fluid loss from the body - vomiting, diarrhea, profuse sweating, etc.

Causes of increased urea
So, uremia develops against the background of the following diseases:

• chronic and acute renal failure
• glomerulonephritis
• anuria (lack of urine, the person does not urinate)
• stones, tumors in the ureters, urethra
• diabetes
• burns
• gastrointestinal bleeding
• intestinal obstruction
• poisoning with chloroform, mercury salts, phenol
• heart failure
• parenchymal jaundice (hepatitis, cirrhosis)

Decreased urea - causes
Decreased urea concentration in the blood is rare. This is mainly observed with increased protein breakdown (intensive physical work), with high protein requirements (pregnancy, breastfeeding), with insufficient intake of protein from food. A relative decrease in the concentration of blood urea is possible - with an increase in the amount of fluid in the body (infusion). These phenomena are considered physiological. A pathological decrease in the concentration of blood urea is detected in some hereditary diseases (for example, celiac disease), as well as in severe liver damage (necrosis, cirrhosis at a late stage, poisoning with salts of heavy metals, phosphorus, arsenic).

How to take an analysis
The determination of the concentration of urea is carried out in the blood taken from a vein in the morning, on an empty stomach. Before passing the analysis, it is necessary to refrain from eating for 6-8 hours, and also avoid strong physical exertion. Currently, urea is determined by the enzymatic method, which is specific, accurate, quite simple and does not require long time-consuming. Also, some laboratories use the urease method. However, the enzymatic method is preferred.

Creatinine - the norm, the reason for the increase, how to get tested

Creatinine norm

Causes of increased creatinine
Increasing blood creatine creatininemia - a diagnostic sign of the development of pathological processes in the kidneys and the muscular system. Creatininemia is detected in acute and chronic nephritis (glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis), nephrosis and nephrosclerosis, as well as thyrotoxicosis (thyroid disease) or muscle damage (trauma, compression, etc.). Taking certain medications also forms an increased blood creatinine content . These drugs include - vitamin C, reserpine, ibuprofen, cefazolin, sulfonamides, tetracycline, mercury compounds.

In addition to determining the concentration of creatinine in the diagnosis of kidney diseases, the Rehberg test is used. This test assesses the cleansing function of the kidneys based on the determination of creatinine in the blood and urine, as well as the subsequent calculation of glomerular filtration and reabsorption.

How to take an analysis
Determination of creatinine concentration is carried out in blood from a vein taken in the morning on an empty stomach. Before taking the test, it is necessary to abstain from food for 6-8 hours. On the eve, you should not abuse meat food. To date, the determination of creatinine concentration is carried out by the enzymatic method. The method is highly sensitive, specific, reliable and simple.

Uric acid - the norm, the reasons for the increase, decrease, how to get tested

Low uric acid levels - causes
Low uric acid is rare. In healthy people, this phenomenon occurs with a diet poor in purines. A pathological decrease in the level of uric acid accompanies hereditary diseases - Wilson-Konovalov's disease, Fanconi anemia.

How to pass the analysis?
An analysis to determine uric acid must be taken in the morning, on an empty stomach, blood from a vein. Preparation does not require special measures - just do not abuse food rich in purines. Uric acid is determined by the enzymatic method. The method is widespread, simple, convenient and reliable.

A complete blood count is an important procedure that allows you to determine the development of many hidden diseases. In particular, doctors look at the protein content. Its decrease may indicate adverse processes in the body. It is important to donate blood for a general analysis in time to identify the pathology at an early stage.

What does protein in blood show?

Total protein has 3 fractions:

• Albumins. They make up the majority of proteins. These low molecular weight proteins provide the body with the material to maintain structure and build cells.
• Globulins. Occupy about 45% of all proteins. These are large molecular weight proteins. They allow the synthesis of immune proteins.
• fibrinogen. Occupies the smallest part of proteins. It is a high molecular weight protein. Responsible for blood clotting.

Need to remember! Protein is the main building material for the cells and tissues of the body.

Different protein fractions are responsible for important tasks: cell synthesis, immunity maintenance and blood clotting.

In addition, proteins deliver nutrients and drugs to the necessary organs. Proteins also control the filling of the vascular bed and the balance of red blood cells, platelets and white blood cells. Protein is responsible for such properties of blood as fluidity and viscosity. So it directly affects, affecting the work of blood vessels and the heart.

Why protein is reduced

A decrease in protein is called hypoproteinemia. It does not appear out of the blue and is always the result of some disease or non-standard physical condition.

With ailments, the protein begins to break down and be excreted in the urine. There are also problems with the absorption of proteins along the digestive tract and its synthesis in the liver.

A decrease in protein is observed in the following pathologies:

• diseases of the intestines, liver and kidneys;
• and inflammation;
• severe anemia;
• infections and viruses;
• injuries resulting in extensive blood loss;
• frostbite and burns;
• intoxication;
• diets, hunger strikes, metabolic disorders.

Mention should be made of physiological hypoproteinemia. Such a decrease in protein is associated with human physiology, and not with diseases. Usually, the total protein in the blood is lowered in the following cases:

• third trimester of pregnancy and lactation;
• during heavy physical exertion (as a rule, it happens with professional athletes);
• with prolonged immobility - hypodynamia.

Low protein is a dangerous signal of problems with the body. In this state, a person is powerless against diseases and adverse factors due to a weakened immune system. Therefore, it is necessary to diagnose the cause of hypoproteinemia as soon as possible and start treatment under medical supervision.

Protein analysis: decoding

Before you raise the protein, you need to understand the reasons for its decrease. This can only be found out with the help of a comprehensive examination, which may include x-rays, magnetic resonance and computed tomography, ultrasound, etc. Also necessary is a blood test for the presence and concentration of its other components. Their balance will determine the localization of the disease.

Despite the fact that the cause of a decrease in protein may not be pathologies, but physiology, it is necessary to increase the protein very carefully. If the body has weaned from a diet rich in proteins, then a sharp transition to a protein diet can cause digestive problems.

Attention! A diet with a reduced total protein should be compiled by a specialist after a comprehensive examination. Thus, the risk of non-acceptance of proteins by the body can be minimized.

The first rule of diet is variety. You can not lean on any one type of product. Proteins can be found in animal and plant foods. However, scientists have found that animal proteins are better absorbed. The correct diet for hypoproteinemia should include seafood, low-fat dairy products, poultry, and beef. As well as vegetable protein: dark chocolate, nuts (especially almonds and peanuts), wholemeal bread.

Important! A nutritionist needs to know about the presence of an allergy in order to correctly compose a protein diet.

In the case of physiological hypoproteinemia due to heavy loads, it is worth reducing the energy of training and allowing the body to rest and recuperate. In critical situations like this, protein is produced more abundantly, so that if its consumption decreases, it will arrive faster. It is worth talking to a specialist about protein nutrition for athletes.

A biochemical blood test is able to reveal the balance of the protein with other components of the blood and its fractions separately. Proteins have a fundamental effect on blood vessels and the heart, the state of tissues and cells, the ability of blood to coagulate without pathologies. If the protein in the blood is low, then the danger is close. It is necessary to consult a doctor in order to diagnose the cause of hypoproteinemia and cure it.

Today, a biochemical blood test is prescribed for all patients for diagnostic purposes. One of the indicators that appear among the results of the study is total protein. Many women who have received a conclusion are concerned about the question of what this indicator is, what are its values ​​\u200b\u200band what happens to the body if there is too much or too little total protein?

Why you need protein

By evaluating the total protein in the blood of the fair sex, the doctor gets an idea of ​​how many protein molecules of various origins are present in the woman’s blood and whether these results fit into the reference (normal) values, or it’s time to look for pathology.

Protein itself is one of the most important elements in the human body, obtained mainly from food. Without protein molecules, it is difficult to imagine the normal processes of growth and development of all organs and tissues. After all, it is not for nothing that they say that protein is the basis of life.

The fact that the total percentage of this substance in the body is 17-20% of the total mass can give an idea of ​​the importance of protein for the human body.

Protein in the human body is involved not only in the construction of new cells. It can also be divided into three main factions.

1. Albumins

Speaking of proteins involved in the construction of new cellular structures, people most often mean albumins. Albumins are called low molecular weight proteins, which account for a large proportion of proteins in the body in general. It is this protein fraction that is involved in the construction of new cellular structures.

2. Globulins

Globulins are large molecular proteins. These proteins are necessary for the body to ensure the normal functioning of the immune system. Without globulin-type proteins, it is impossible to create new immune cells and ensure normal immune reactivity. By the number of globulins in the blood are in second place after albumins.

3. Fibrinogen

Fibrinogen is a representative of high molecular weight proteins. This element is necessary to stop bleeding normally and in a short time, which develops for any reason. The normal action of the blood coagulation system is impossible without a sufficient amount of fibrinogen. This type of protein is the third largest in the body.

Norms of total protein in women and the difference with men

Total protein is an indicator whose reference values ​​not only have a wide range, but also differ dramatically depending on the norm. Today, doctors use special tables, where the protein level is tied to age, in order to navigate whether there are deviations from the norm or not.

Many people wonder if there is a difference between the norm for men and the norm for women. Today, many doctors say that there is no significant difference depending on gender, which means that the table is suitable not only for women, but also for men.

However, there is a small caveat here. It is believed that men can experience an excess of the norm somewhere by 10%. Or in women, deviations from the norm in a smaller direction make up the same 10%. This is due to the difference in the functioning of the hormonal systems in men and women. Also, the difference can be explained by the amount of muscle mass, which in men is often slightly higher than in women.

Association with pregnancy

Total protein is an indicator that is always evaluated during pregnancy. A lack or excess of total protein in the blood may indicate an incorrect course of the gestation process.

Today it is generally accepted that in women in position, the total protein index decreases by no more than 30% of the established norm. If during regular examinations a more pronounced decrease is detected, then the woman should undergo additional studies to detect and eliminate the pathology.

The decrease in protein levels in pregnant women is due to several factors:

• in the fair sex, the volume of blood plasma increases in the position, and fluid retention in the vessels may also occur, due to which the total protein concentration will be reduced;
• the need for material for the "building" of new cells during pregnancy is much higher, since a new organism is being actively created;
• part of the protein goes to the synthesis of protein hormones, which also increases during pregnancy and is aimed at maintaining and normal development of the process of bearing a baby;
• protein structures are necessary for the normal functioning of the endocrine glands, which support the preservation of pregnancy.

The ideal option is to maintain the level of total protein in a pregnant woman at the same level as that of a non-pregnant woman, that is, at around 65-85 g / l.

However, doctors do not raise an alarm until the protein level falls below the 50 g / l mark, since a decrease to such levels is considered normal.

When there is too much protein

In some cases, patients have an increase in the level of protein in the blood plasma. This condition is called hyperproteinemia. It can be both absolute and relative, but in most cases it indicates that some pathological processes are occurring in the body.

Relative hyperproteinemia develops when there is much less water in the vascular bed than the body needs for normal activity. This can happen in the following cases:

• the patient received burns of 3-4 degrees of severity;
• any disease has developed, accompanied by severe diarrhea with the excretion of a large amount of fluid from the body;
• in a hot climate, there is an increase in sweating in a person who is not adapted to high temperatures;
• developed intestinal obstruction;
• severe generalized peritonitis was formed, etc.

With absolute hyperproteinemia, there is enough water in the vascular bed, and an increase in the amount of protein occurs due to its direct increase. This condition rarely develops and usually accompanies:

• various hemoblastoses such as multiple myeloma or Waldenström's disease;
• polyarthritis of the chronic type of the course;
• cirrhotic liver damage;
• sarcoidosis;
• infectious processes of acute or chronic type;
• Hodgkin's lymphoma and other conditions.

With these diseases, the level of total protein can be at around 120-160 g / l, which is considered a significant deviation from the norm.

When there is too little protein

Along with an excess of protein in the blood plasma, its deficiency, called hypoproteinemia, can also occur. It, like hyperproteinemia, can be absolute and relative.

With relative hypoproteinemia, the fluid level in the vascular bed increases. This happens under the following conditions:

• a decrease in the amount of urine separated or a complete cessation of its excretion;
• increased water load, which often accompanies fasting or dieting;
• pathology of the excretory function of the kidneys against the background of the introduction of drugs with glucose;
• increased secretion of one of the hormones of the hypothalamus, which is responsible for maintaining a normal level of fluid in the body.

With absolute hypoproteinemia, the body lacks proteins directly. It happens when:

• prolonged fasting or improper diet;
• inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract;
• inflammation of the liver;
• violations of the synthesis of protein products of the congenital type;
• with accelerated protein breakdown in the body, occurring with burns, tumor diseases;
• long-term pathological phenomena such as diarrhea, vomiting, bleeding, when the body loses a large amount of protein products;
• effusion of the protein fraction with pleurisy or ascites.

If a woman has a deviation in the total protein from the reference values, she should undergo an examination and establish the reason that will explain why these deviations have formed. A doctor will be able to help in establishing the cause and selecting medicines, under whose control it is worth carrying out all therapeutic measures. With deviations of the total protein from the norm, self-treatment is highly discouraged!

The determination of the presence of protein in the urine is carried out using a biochemical analysis of urine. Normally, the protein should either be completely absent, or be present in trace amounts, moreover, temporarily.

The filtration system of the kidneys physiologically screens out high-molecular buns, while small structures can be absorbed into the blood from the urine even in the renal tubules.

The rate of protein in the urine

For men

The limiting norm of protein content in the urine for the stronger sex is considered to be up to 0.3 grams per liter - this concentration can be explained by powerful physical shock loads on the body, stress, and hypothermia. Anything above this value is pathological.

For kids

For most cases, children should not normally detect protein. The maximum value of this parameter should not exceed 0.025 grams per liter of urine. A deviation from the norm in the range of up to 0.7-0.9 grams per liter of urine is sometimes observed periodically in boys, aged six to fourteen years - this is the so-called orthostatic or postural protein. It appears, as a rule, in daytime urine and is a feature of the work of the kidneys during the adolescent puberty of the stronger sex, most often due to increased physiological activity, against the background of a long stay of the body in an upright state. In this case, the phenomenon is not periodic, i.e. in a repeat sample, often the protein is not identified.

For women

For pregnant women - up to thirty milligrams is considered the norm, from thirty to three hundred milligrams - microalbuminuria. At the same time, a number of studies show that the concentration of up to three hundred milligrams of protein per liter of liquid in the classical daily biochemical analysis in the later stages does not cause complications for the mother and fetus, so this indicator can be attributed to physiological proteinuria.

Causes of high protein

Elevated protein in the urine can be caused by a variety of reasons.

Physiology

1. Powerful physical activity.
2. Excessive consumption of food rich in protein.
3. Prolonged standing in an upright position with a corresponding violation of blood flow.
4. Late pregnancy.
5. Prolonged exposure to the sun.
6. Hypothermia of the body.
7. Active palpation of the kidney area.
8. Powerful stress, concussion, epileptic seizures.

Pathology

1. Congestion in the kidneys.
2. Hypertension.
3. Nephropathy of various etiologies.
4. Amyloidosis of the kidneys.
5. Pyelonephritis, genetic tubulopathies.
6. tubular necrosis.
7. Rejection of transplanted kidneys.
8. Myeloma.
9. Hemolysis.
10. Leukemias.
11. Myopathies.
12. Feverish conditions.
13. Tuberculosis and kidney tumors.
14. Urolithiasis, cystitis, prostatitis, urethritis, bladder tumors.

What does high protein in urine mean?

In adults and children

Exceeding normal levels in adults and children usually means the presence in the body of physiological or pathological problems that require identification, proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Exceptions, as mentioned above, are made for the stronger sex in adolescence, if the increase in protein concentration is of an irregular non-systemic nature.

Mild degrees of proteinuria (up to one gram of protein not a liter of urine) are usually eliminated quite quickly, moderate (up to 3 g / l) and severe (over 3 g / l) require not only the highest quality diagnosis, but also a rather long complex treatment, since they are usually caused serious pathologies.

In pregnant women

Modern studies show that physiological changes in the body of pregnant women, especially in the later stages, with a protein concentration of up to 0.5 grams per liter of urine do not adversely affect the fetus and woman, however, if the above parameters exceed the specified boundary 500 milligrams / liter of urine, then a representative of the fair sex in an interesting position will need a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment, of course, taking into account her physiological state, as well as a competent assessment of the risks for the unborn child.

Treatment

Specific treatment of proteinuria, regardless of the gender and age of the patient, is aimed at eliminating the causes of the pathological condition, as well as neutralizing negative symptomatic manifestations.

Since elevated protein in the urine can be caused by a number of factors, a specific therapy is prescribed by a qualified doctor only after a thorough diagnosis of the patient and an accurate definition of the disease or physiological condition.

With moderate and severe manifestations of proteinuria with the manifestation of nephrotic syndromes of various etiologies, a person requires hospitalization, bed rest, a special diet with a maximum restriction in salt and fluids. The groups of drugs used (depending on the cause of the condition) are immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, cytostatics, anti-inflammatory / antirheumatic, antihypertensive drugs, ACE inhibitors, as well as blood purification by hemosorption or plasmaformesis.

If a person has mild proteinuria caused by an orthostatic or functional factor, then medications are usually not used: the normalization of circadian rhythms, the correct selection of the diet, and the rejection of a number of bad habits are relevant.

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Measuring the content of total (without division into fractions) protein is a mandatory component of a biochemical blood test. Such a study is necessary for diseases of the liver, kidneys, exhaustion, oncological pathology, burn disease, autoimmune diseases, as well as infectious and inflammatory processes. Deviation of the total protein from the norm due to pathological and physiological reasons is possible both upward and downward, in this article we will consider in particular why the protein is increased.

What is total protein?

Under the concept of "total blood protein (total protein)" doctors mean the totality of all protein substances contained in plasma. There are a lot of them, and they perform a wide variety of functions:

• Participate in blood clotting.
• Maintain plasma oncotic pressure, which is essential for the formation of urine and tissue fluid. A decrease in the concentration of proteins leads to a decrease in this pressure and the development of edema.
• Keep the pH of the blood at an appropriate level.
• They carry substances from one organ to another. As an example, the transport of cholesterol, bilirubin, hormones.
• Participate in immune processes (antibodies that protect the human body from infections are immunoglobulins, that is, proteins).
• Create a "protein reserve". With insufficient intake of protein substances from food, blood proteins break down into amino acids, which are necessary for the formation of cells of the heart muscle, brain and other extremely important organs.
• They regulate many physiological processes in the body. Most enzymes, hormones and other biologically active substances have a protein structure.

Protein synthesis mainly occurs in the liver and the immune system. Therefore, any pathological processes in these organs are reflected in protein metabolism. The total amount of protein in the blood depends on the balance of the processes of formation and decay of the two main protein fractions - albumins and globulins.

The norm of total protein in the blood

The concentration of proteins in the blood, which is considered normal, is not the same for all ages. For example:

• for newborns - this is 45 - 70 g / l;
• for an infant up to a year - 50 - 75 g / l;
• for a child over 3 years old - 60 - 81 g / l;
• for an adult - 66 - 87 g / l;
• for an elderly person - 62 - 82 g / l.

These are only approximate figures, each laboratory indicates its reference values ​​​​in the analysis form (they can be expressed in other units of measurement, for example, in g / dl), and you should rely on them when evaluating the result.

Total protein is increased: what does it mean?

The reasons for the increase in the amount of proteins in the blood can be purely physiological in nature:

• Active physical work contributes to a temporary increase in the concentration of protein substances.
• A sharp change in body position (for example, if a person was lying down and stood up abruptly) is also accompanied by an increase in total protein.

These physiological factors can increase total protein levels by up to 10%. In addition, if a medical worker hesitates during a blood test for analysis, and a tourniquet is on the patient's arm for a long time, the level of protein in the blood can also jump. However, most often, an increased protein in the blood indicates that a pathological process is developing in the body:

• Severe dehydration. It occurs with prolonged and profuse diarrhea (for example, with cholera), severe injuries and burns, repeated vomiting with intestinal obstruction, and in other conditions accompanied by fluid loss.
• Infection. Both acute and chronic infectious diseases cause an active immune response of the body and, accordingly, the formation of antibodies.
• Paraproteinemia - the appearance in the blood of abnormal proteins that are synthesized by the body during oncological ailments (myeloma, malignant macroglobulinemia, etc.).
• Autoimmune pathology. Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, rheumatism and other systemic diseases are accompanied by overproduction of autoantibodies and specific proteins (C-reactive protein, ASL-O, haptoglobin, sialic acids, seromucoid, fibrinogen, etc.).
• Granulomatous disease (eg, sarcoidosis).
• Gammapathy. Gammapathies are a group of diseases in which abnormal gamma globulins are formed.
• Hyperglobulinemia (quite often develop with liver pathologies).

In addition, some drugs (mainly hormonal) can also increase protein levels:

• Androgens.
• Corticosteroids.
• Insulin.
• Progesterone.
• Thyroid hormone preparations, etc.

All of the above are just hypothetical causes of high protein in the blood. It is not possible to make a diagnosis based on this analysis alone. To diagnose a disease, a doctor needs information from many sources: survey and general examination data, results of other studies, etc. Therefore, the detection of an elevated protein as a result of a biochemical blood test is only an occasion for consulting a doctor and a more detailed examination.