Total Protein plus

In human plasma, albumin accounts for 50 to 60% of total proteins ; the reminder fraction mainly contains globulins (α1, α2, β and γ). Most plasmatic proteins are synthesized by the liver, except immunoglobulins. Increase of the plasmatic volume (salt retention syndrome, intoxication with water…) or its reduction (dehydration related to vomiting, diarrhoea…) induce respectively relative hypoproteinemia and relative hyperproteinemia. For a normal plasmatic volume, abnormal total protein rates only occur in the event of disorder affecting the concentration of albumin or immunoglobulins. Thus, severe proteinic insufficiency (malabsorption, maldigestion, dietary insufficiency), renal and hepatic diseases result in hypoproteinemia. If total protein concentration is lower than 40 g/L oedemas can be observed. Hyperproteinemia can be seen, for example, in case of hyperimmunoglobulinemia (multiple myeloma, infection).