Estimation of serum albumin and serum total protein levels in children with protein energy malnutrition

Abstract

Background and Aim: Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) continues to be a major public health problem throughout the developing world. PEM is associated with reduced synthesis of plasma proteins. The present study has been conducted to study the effect of PEM on plasma protein levels.Materials & Methods: The study included children of age group 1-5 years. Two hundred fifty children with PEM were included as cases and 250 healthy children were enrolled as controls. Details were collected in predesigned proforma. Serum total protein by biuret method, serum albumin by bromocresol green dye method and hemoglobin was estimated using auto analyzer. The parameters were compared among cases and controls.Results: Mean hemoglobin, serum total protein, serum albumin levels and A/ G ratio were significantly low in PEM children (cases) as compared to controls. Conclusion: PEM children have low serum total protein and albumin levels as compared to healthy controls. This is probably due to decreased intake of proteins and reduced biosynthesis. PEM children have lower hemoglobin levels as compared to healthy controls; this is probably due to deficiency of iron and other micronutrients, which is often found in a child with malnutrition.