In liver disease, which factor(s) affect the interpretation of serum albumin values?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Liver disease affects albumin in several ways.Primarily, as the liver produces albumin, liver disease causes a decrease in its production.As liver disease progresses to cirrhosis, alterations in the structure of the liver affect blood flow to the liver.This leads to portal hypertension.A consequence of both the increased blood pressure and the decreased albumin production is a forcing of fluid into the interstitial and third spaces.The reduced fluid in the blood may falsely concentrate the serum albumin level.

In Liver Disease, Which Factor(s) Affect the Interpretation of Serum