Plasma albumin level as an indicator of severity of preeclampsia.

We propose that hypoalbuminemia in preeclampsia is the result of reduced hepatic blood flow which is secondary to hypovolemia created by higher filtration pressure in the capillaries. Thus, hypoalbuminemia can be identified as an early sign in developing preeclampsia. We reviewed the medical records of 60 patients, aged 22-28, admitted with a diagnosis of preeclampsia during the third trimester of pregnancy. Normotensive patients served as a control group. Albumin levels were correlated with severity of the disorder. Levels between 3.0-3.5 g/dl were seen in both groups. All patients with severe preeclampsia had values below 3.0 gm/dl. Serum albumin levels may serve as an indicator of the severity of preeclampsia.