Low albumin and protein caused by tx?

[kittyface]

Hi Ya'll, hope everybody is hanging in there.

I received my first low albumin and protein readings in recent blood work.  Albumin correlates with liver function so I assume that the malfunction is tx-induced.  Is this true?  Whoever has knowledge please speak.

Thanks,

Kittyface

[HCA]

Low albumin is not normally seen on treatment.
I infer that you are on treatment.
Could you please tell us what degree of liver damage you have and what your albumin level is.

[kittyface]

Yes, I'm 26 weeks into tx with SOC + Alinia, cleared at week 9, geno 1.  My albumin is 3.3 with 3.6 being at lower normal range. Looking over previous blood work I've noticed a gradual decrease in this number and legs are beginning to swell.  I'm sure all this is normal for tx, what isn't?  :)

Didn't do biopsy but FibroSpect test came in at minimal fibrosis, it doesn't measure inflammmation.  Will discuss with hepatologist this week.  Thanks.

Kittyface

[CoWriter]

Low albumin may be caused by liver disease...but you don't have advanced liver disease and your bilirubin isn't high, right?

Low albumin levels can reflect diseases in which the kidneys cannot prevent albumin from leaking from the blood into the urine and being lost.  But if it was caused by your kidneys, then your BUN or creatinine would be high.....and you would have albumin or protein in the urine.

Low albumin/ low protein may also be caused by protein malnutrition.   Since you have diabetes, be aware that starchy foods promote water absorption.  When you absorb glucose, you also absorb sodium.....and that can cause the leg swelling.  

And you're taking Alinia....I don't know whether it could be causing protein to be lost from the intestines.  

So for you, diet and keeping your blood sugar under control is going to be very important.  

[kittyface]

Thanks for the useful info.  As you suggest, low albumin is probably a consequence of my diabetes-unfriendly diet.  On tx, my food cravings are for starch and sugar with minimal protein.  I'll try to clean up my act.

Thanks again!

Kittyface

[evangelin]

I know you don't have cirrhosis but I thought this might help with your albumin score.  My husband does have cirrhosis and is on Peg /Alinia /Riba and his albumin scores have slipped a bit so we are going to be using this for sure.  I bought some in a big tub from Walmart and it wasn't terribly expensive and goes a long way.  This is no doubt not the best brand available but is the best I can afford for now.  
Take Care,,
Ev


  Abstract
  Objective
A late evening snack improves the catabolic state in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis. We tested whether long-term (3 mo) late evening snacking that included a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA)–enriched nutrient mixture produces a better nutritional state and better quality of life than ordinary food in patients with hepatitis C virus–positive liver cirrhosis.

Methods
In a multicenter, randomized study, 48 patients with liver cirrhosis received late-evening supplementation with the BCAA-enriched nutrient mixture or ordinary food, such as a rice ball or bread, for 3 mo. During the study period, each patient was instructed on energy and protein intake. Blood biochemical data, nitrogen balance, respiratory quotient, and health-related quality of life (Short Form 36 questionnaire) were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the study.

Results
Total and late-evening energy intakes were similar in the two groups at 3 mo. Serum albumin level, nitrogen balance, and respiratory quotient were significantly improved by the BCAA mixture but not by ordinary food. The parameters of the Short Form 36 did not statistically significantly improve over 3 mo in either group.

Conclusion
Long-term oral supplementation with a BCAA mixture is better than ordinary food in a late evening snack at improving the serum albumin level and the energy metabolism in patients with cirrhosis.

  Copyright © 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Feedback  |  About Article Finder  

[kittyface]

Hi, thanks so much for the info.  I've never heard of this stuff but am very open to any supplements that will help,  Do you just go in and say I want some BCAA?  

The albumin level scares me a little as the FibroSpect test is not known for it's accuracy and I've never had a biopsy.  Something to discuss with hepatologist for sure.

How is your husband's VL doing with his tx?   I hope he attains SVR esp with his advanced stage.

Thanks again for posting.

Kittyface

[evangelin]

I'm sorry I got rushed on my post and didn't explain it better.  What I bought is protein powder which has the BCAA's (branch chain amino acids) in it.  I bought the chocolate and mix it with milk .  It isn't bad tasting. Joe's tastes are really wierd while on tx but he can drink this without too much trouble.  
The last time his viral load was tested was 16 weeks and it was 470.  This means he'll have to go for the longer journey but at least he is being called a slow responder instead of a non-responder this time...this is try #3.
Hang in there and think happy thoughts of SVR,
Ev

[kittyface]

No need to apologize.  Hmmm.  . . .chocolate powder. . .that sounds good.  I know how Joe feels -- tell him this is the closest thing he'll feel to morning sickness!!  

I'll try it and report back.  Thanks again for posting.

Kittyface