Plasma albumin and total protein in preterm babies from birth to eight weeks.

We have measured albumin and total protein concentrations over the first eight weeks of life in a group of preterm babies. The albumin concentration in newborn babies rose from about 20 g/l in 28 weeks gestation babies to about 30 g/l in term babies. The total protein concentration in newborn babies rose from about 40 g/l in 28 week gestation babies to about 60 g/l in term babies. In babies of postnatal age up to 8 weeks the albumin concentration continues to rise at the same rate as the in utero rise in concentration with increasing gestation, regardless of the clinical state of the baby. The total protein concentration, however, remains about the same as at birth. These results allow better clinical interpretation of albumin and total protein concentration in "older" preterm babies.