In which condition would an increased level of serum albumin be expected?

In which condition would an increased level of serum albumin be expected?

• A. Malnutrition
• B. Acute inflammation
• C. Dehydration
• D. Renal disease

Answer: (C)

Dehydration concentrates the blood, so plasma water is reduced and the proteins present, including albumin, become more concentrated. Albumin is largely produced by the liver, and its serum level rises not because more is made, but because the smaller plasma volume makes the concentration higher. Malnutrition lowers albumin synthesis and tends to reduce its level. Acute inflammation shifts production toward other acute-phase proteins and lowers albumin as a negative acute-phase reactant. Renal disease, especially conditions with protein loss in urine, typically lowers serum albumin rather than raises it. Therefore, dehydration is the situation in which serum albumin would be increased.

Dehydration concentrates the blood, so plasma water is reduced and the proteins present, including albumin, become more concentrated. Albumin is largely produced by the liver, and its serum level rises not because more is made, but because the smaller plasma volume makes the concentration higher. Malnutrition lowers albumin synthesis and tends to reduce its level. Acute inflammation shifts production toward other acute-phase proteins and lowers albumin as a negative acute-phase reactant. Renal disease, especially conditions with protein loss in urine, typically lowers serum albumin rather than raises it. Therefore, dehydration is the situation in which serum albumin would be increased.