Albumin Metabolism in Preeclampsia

Abstract

Hönger, P. E. Albumin Metabolism in Preeclampsia. Scand. J. clin. Lab. Invest. 22, 177-184, 1968.

Albumin metabolism was determined in twenty patients with preeclampsia and in a control group of nineteen women with normal pregnancy.

Plasma volume, serum albumin concentration, intravascular mass, and total exchangeable mass of albumin were significantly lower in preeclampsia.

The distribution of albumin between the intravascular and the extravascular mass was not significantly different from that of normal pregnancy.

The rate of synthesis was significantly higher in preeclampsia than in normal pregnancy. Differences in the metabolism of progesterone and oestrogens may play a part in the explanation.

The fractional disappearance rate was significantly increased in preeclampsia. Urinary loss of albumin accounted for less than half of the increase. The rest is suggested to be due to hypercatabolism, but gastro-intestinal loss cannot be definitely excluded.

Key Words:

• Albumin
• albumin metabolism
• iodine isotopes
• plasma volume
• pre-eclampsia
• pregnancy
• proteinuria
• serum albumin