The Significance of Hypoalbumineamia and Hypoproteinemia in Patients with Stroke

Objective: To determine if there is any significant association between stroke and both hypoalbuminema and hypoproteinemia. Patients and Methods: Total serum proteins “T.S.P.” and serum albumin were measured for 65 patients with stroke who were admitted to the medical and neurological wards at Baghdad Teaching Hospital in the Medical City from November 2003 to October 2004. Careful history was obtained and proper clinical examinations were done. Serum albumin, T.S.P., blood sugar, renal function, liver function and general urine examination “G.U.E.” were tested within 48 - 72 hours of the start of patient symptoms. These patients with hepatic and renal dysfunction and those with diabetes mellitus were excluded. The results were compared with the results obtained from control group, which consisted of 40 persons of matched age and sex. By application pf chi square test “X” to see the association of serum albumin with cigarette smoking, age, hypertension and the presence of carotid bruit. Results: The mean serum level of T.S.P. and serum albumin of those with stroke was 6.42 ± 0.322 g/dl, 3.26 ± 0.251 g/dl respectively, which was significantly lower than T.S.P. and serum albumin of the control “mean = 7.8 ± 0.257 g/dl, 4.73 ± 0.206 g/dl respectively” [P X2 = 25.14, P X2 = 15.57, P < 0.025] and the blood pressure with serum albumin P < 0.0005, and the presence of carotid bruit is associated with low level of albumin P < 0.005 “Fisher’s test”. Conclusion: Hypoalbuminemia and hypoproteinemia are significantly associated with stroke.