Hypoalbuminaemia refers to a reduced blood concentration of albumin, one of the major plasma proteins which is synthesised in the liver. Albumin has multiple physiological functions including exertion of 75% of the total plasma oncotic pressure (to prevent leakage of fluid into body cavities and the interstitium), carriage of drugs and hormones in the blood (particularly thyroid and reproductive hormones and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and buffering of blood pH changes. Albumin has a circulating half-life of 17-19 days and its normal serum concentration is 25-40 g/l. | Hypoalbuminaemia refers to a reduced blood concentration of albumin, one of the major plasma proteins which is synthesised in the liver. Albumin has multiple physiological functions including exertion of 75% of the total plasma oncotic pressure (to prevent leakage of fluid into body cavities and the interstitium), carriage of drugs and hormones in the blood (particularly thyroid and reproductive hormones and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and buffering of blood pH changes. Albumin has a circulating half-life of 17-19 days and its normal serum concentration is 25-40 g/l. |