High Blood Protein( Hyperproteinemia): Symptoms & Causes

 

Hyperproteinemia, or "high protein in blood," refers to abnormally high levels of blood plasma protein.  A medical professional will conduct more tests if your blood protein levels are abnormally high in order to identify the illness or problem that is causing them.

Also Read: Chronic Kidney Disease: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention

What does having a high blood protein level mean?

Hyperproteinemia, as the name suggests, is a condition in which the amount of protein in your blood plasma is higher than usual. Your blood liquid component is called plasma. Albumin and globulins are the two primary blood proteins:

Your liver produces the protein known as albumin. This protein prevents your blood vessels from leaking fluid. It also facilitates the movement of vitamins, enzymes, and other materials throughout the body. Adults typically have albumin levels between 3.5 and 5.0 grams per deciliter (g/dl).

Your immune system and liver produce globulins. This protein aids in the defense against infections. Adults typically have globulin levels between 2.0 and 3.5 g/dl.

What are the symptoms of high blood proteins?

High blood protein levels don’t cause symptoms. If a doctor requests a complete metabolic panel, you can find out that you have high levels of protein. Your total protein levels, albumin levels, and the albumin to globulin ratio, or A/G ratio, will all be displayed in the results. (A/G ratios typically range from 0.8 to 2.0.) Your doctor could prescribe additional tests, including protein electrophoresis or total immunoglobulin levels, if your blood protein levels are too high.

Causes:

Numerous illnesses and problems are associated with elevated blood protein levels:

• Dehydration.

• Inflammation or inflammatory illnesses that are chronic (long-term).

• Viral diseases such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C.

• Blood malignancies, including some forms of lymphoma or multiple myeloma.

• Severe kidney or liver disease.

 Diagnosis  

 The diagnosis of hyperproteinemia is made by:   

• Blood Tests: A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) test measures total protein levels.  Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) is another test that can identify particular proteins and measure their amounts.

•  Urine testing: Abnormal proteins excreted in urine are detected by urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP) testing.    

•  Bone Marrow Biopsy: By analyzing the bone marrow cells, the biopsy can reveal details on multiple myeloma or other malignant hematologic diseases.    

•  Imaging Studies: If there are bone lesions or organ damage from cancer, an X-ray, CT, or MRI imaging scan will reveal it.

How are high blood proteins treated by medical professionals?

A high blood protein level is not a disease. It indicates a deeper problem. Your blood protein problem is resolved by medical professionals by addressing the root cause.


Is it possible to prevent high blood protein?

High blood protein levels can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, dehydration, and some types of blood cancer. In general, not all of the problems that can lead to high blood protein can be avoided.

References:

• Corbett J, Banks A. Laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures with nursing diagnoses. Page 228. 8th ed. Pearson; 2018.

• National Health Service. Total Protein Test (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/total-protein-test/). Accessed 10/11/2022.

• American Board of Internal Medicine. ABIM laboratory test reference ranges (https://www.abim.org/Media/bfijryql/laboratory-reference-ranges.pdf). Accessed 10/11/2022.

• Health Research Funding. IgG Blood Test Results Explained (https://healthresearchfunding.org/igg-blood-test-results-explained/). Accessed 10/11/2022.

• Corbett J, Banks A. Laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures with nursing diagnoses. Page 228. 8th ed. Pearson; 2018.

• Whalen KL, Borja-Hart N. Interpretation of Clinical Laboratory Data. Pharmacy Student Survival Guide. 3rd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2014.