Congenital analbuminemia

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Disease Overview

Congenital analbuminemia (CAA) is a rare disorder characterized by the absence or very low levels of human serum albumin (HSA). Although albumin is the most abundant plasma protein and has many functions, patients with CAA present with only a few mild clinical signs, such as fatigue, low blood pressure, and swelling (edema). However, CAA patients may loss fat tissue (lipodystrophy)  and present with high cholesterol, which may result in early atherosclerosis and heart problems. Rarely, CAA may be complicated by hypercoagulability (when the blood tends to clot too much), osteoporosis (which causes bones to become weak and brittle) and respiratory tract infections. It is more severe in the fetus or during early infancy.[11733][1134] CAA is caused by mutations in the ALB gene.[11733] Inheritance is autosomal recessive. Treatment aims to prevent heart and vascular problems and may include statins and periodic albumin infusions.[11735]


Synonyms

  • Analbuminemia
  • ANALBA

For more information, visit GARD.

National Organization for Rare Disorders