Synthesis rates of albumin and fibrinogen in patients with protein-losing enteropathy and in a patient recovering from protein malnutrition.

Using the 14C carbonate method of McFarlane, the synthesis rates of albumin and fibrinogen were determined in four patients with protein-losing enteropathy, in one patient during the recovery phase after severe protein malabsorption and in nine control patients. The following results were obtained: (1) The synthesis rates of albumin and fibrinogen were significantly increased in all patients studied. (2) All patients had low serum albumin levels. The increase in albumin synthesis rate was remarkably uniform in all patients, the average being 645 mg/kg/day or 2.7 times the mean control value. (3) Plasma fibrinogen levels were normal in all patients. The fibrinogen synthesis rate varied over a wide range from 42.1 to 199.3 mg/kg/day, i.e. 2-8.5 times the control value.