Hypoproteinemia

Hypoproteinemia
Classification and external resources
ICD-9-CM	273.8
DiseasesDB	6534
MeSH	D007019
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Hypoproteinemia is a condition where there is an abnormally low level of protein in the blood. There are several causes that all result in edema once serum protein levels fall below a certain threshold.

Decreased serum protein reduces the osmotic pressure of the blood, leading to loss of fluid from the intravascular compartment, or the blood vessels, to the interstitial tissues, resulting in edema. This is termed as hypoproteinemia.

The total serum proteins including albumin levels, which constitutes the major plasma protein in the blood, is measured.

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