From the Guidelines
High albumin in a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) is not typically a reliable indicator of nutritional status, but rather an indicator of inflammation, as suggested by a recent publication approved by ASPEN 1. When evaluating the causes of high albumin in a CMP, it's essential to consider the context of the patient's overall health and potential underlying conditions.
- Dehydration is a common cause of elevated albumin levels, as it concentrates albumin in the blood.
- Other potential causes include excessive protein intake, anabolic steroid use, and certain medications like corticosteroids that increase albumin production.
- However, according to the study by S. Thomas, C. Alexander, and B.A. Cassady published in Clinical Nutrition ESPEN in 2021 1, albumin levels are more closely associated with inflammation and poor outcomes rather than nutritional status.
- In the context of COVID-19, critical illness with inflammation can result in reprioritization of hepatic protein synthesis, lowering albumin levels, but this does not necessarily indicate malnutrition 1.
- It's crucial to interpret albumin levels in the context of the patient's overall clinical picture, including inflammatory markers and other laboratory results, rather than relying solely on albumin as an indicator of nutritional status.
- The study suggests that albumin levels should be used to identify patients at risk of poor outcomes, particularly in high-risk elderly patient populations and those with comorbidities, and to guide nutrition intervention accordingly 1.
From the Research
Causes of High Albumin in CMP
There are no research papers to assist in answering this question, as the provided studies focus on hypoalbuminemia (low albumin levels) rather than high albumin levels.
- The studies 2, 3 discuss the relationship between albumin levels and inflammation, as well as the effects of inflammation on albumin synthesis and catabolism.
- However, these studies do not provide information on the causes of high albumin levels in a complete metabolic panel (CMP).
- Another study 4 discusses abnormal basic metabolic panel findings, but it does not specifically address high albumin levels.
- Therefore, there is no evidence to support a discussion on the causes of high albumin in CMP based on the provided studies.