Synthesis rates of albumin and fibrinogen in patients with cardiac and pulmonary cachexia.
In five patients with chronic congestive heart failure or pulmonary insufficiency and otherwise unexplained weight loss synthesis rates of albumin and fibrinogen were studied with the 14C carbonate method described by Mc Farlane and Reeve. The following results were obtained. 1. Albumin synthesis rate was normal in 4 out of five patients. In one patient with proteinuria and low serum albumin it was markedly increased. 2. Fibrinogen synthesis rate was normal in three out of five patients. In two patients who had active inflammation just before or during the study it was increased. The results suggest, that in chronic congestive heart failure or pulmonary insufficiency the liver is able to maintain normal or even increased protein synthesis rates.
D000368:Aged; D000418:Albumins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D002100:Cachexia / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005340:Fibrinogen / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D000418:Albumins; D005340:Fibrinogen