Albumin

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Moman RN, Bhimji SS

Albumin

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Abstract

Albumin is the most abundant circulating protein found in plasma. It represents 50% of the total protein content (3.5 g/dL to 5 g/dL) of plasma in healthy human patients. It is synthesized by liver hepatocytes and rapidly excreted into the bloodstream at the rate of about 10 gm to 15 gm per day. Very little albumin is stored in the liver, and most of it rapidly excretes into the bloodstream. In humans, serum albumin functions as a significant modulator of plasma oncotic pressure and transporter of endogenous and exogenous (i.e., drugs) ligands. In clinical medicine, serum albumin is measured as a basic and ubiquitous laboratory value and is a colloid fluid administered to patients in need of fluid resuscitation. As a laboratory value, serum albumin can give the clinician insight into their patient's liver function or ability to biosynthesize proteins and factors that are vital to maintaining homeostasis. As a colloid fluid, albumin may be useful to consider in the resuscitation of patients who are in hypovolemic shock or have received large volume paracentesis.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drugs: Albumin human