Hypoalbuminemia in critical illness and its relation to outcome

Albumin is the most abundant plasma protein, accounting for 50% of the measured serum protein. It provides approximately 80% of the intravascular colloid oncotic pressure in normal persons. Unlike synthetic colloids, albumin has many physiological functions. It has transport function and binds anions and cations it also can bind many other drugs. The aim of the work is to study the causes of hypoalbuminemia in critically ill patients and its relation to outcome.