Albumin in Health and Disease: Causes and Treatment of Hypoalbuminemia*

When disease leads to moderate or severe hypoalbuminemia (i.e., albumin <2 mg/dl), detrimental consequences may influence the clinical course and negatively impact the prognosis. In fact, multiple human studies and a few veterinary ones have shown hypoalbuminemia to be correlated with a poorer prognosis. Treatment considerations for hypoalbuminemic patients should address the consequences and cause of hypoalbuminemia. Because hyperalbuminemia is seen clinically only with hemoconcentration and is not a true clinical problem, the focus of this article is the cause and treatment of hypoalbuminemia.