Correlation between Serum Albumin and C-Reactive Protein among CKD Patients in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Background. Serum albumin is reduced and C-reactive protein (CRP) level is elevated in kidney failure and may be related to malnutrition and level in decline of kidney function. Data are limited regarding relationships between serum albumin, CRP levels, biochemical parameters and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Methodology. This is a cross-sectional study aimed at correlating serum albumin and C-reactive protein among CKD patients as a determinant of malnutrition among these groups of patients: individuals between the ages of 16-60 years, patients with confirmed CKD. Blood samples were drawn from a forearm vein where the plasma was separated from the cells by centrifugation and the plasma was analyzed for C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum albumin, Serum createnine ratio and Glomerular filtration rate was analyzed. Results. There were 4 (80%) of patients with CRP >7.5mg/l and serum albumin level of <28g/l. There is 1 (20%) of the patients who has CRP >7.5mg/l but serum albumin was > 28g/l suggesting absence of malnutrition despite elevated CRP in this patient. This study also showed that 19 (18.4%) had CRP < 7.5mg/l and serum albumin < 28g/l suggesting evidence of malnutrition despite low CRP level, while 84 (81.6%) had CRP < 7.5mg/l and serum albumin >28g/l suggesting no evidence of malnutrition. This shows that there is a negative correlation between CRP and serum albumin levels. OR = 17.68, 95% CI = 1.87 – 16>, P= 0.03. Conclusion. Kidney disease is a major risk for malnutrition among patients and there is an inverse relationship between serum albumin level and CRP.