Which patients are likely to have a low serum albumin?

A low serum albumin level is often indicative of malnutrition or various underlying health issues, particularly those that affect protein synthesis or metabolization. Among the provided group, patients who exhibit signs of fatigue and low energy can be associated with several potential health concerns, including nutritional deficiencies, chronic illness, or liver dysfunction, all of which can lead to decreased albumin production. Serum albumin is a protein primarily produced by the liver, and its levels can be decreased due to poor nutritional intake, malabsorption, or chronic systemic diseases.

Fatigue is a subjective symptom that could arise in various conditions that also impair albumin levels, such as chronic kidney disease or liver diseases, as both of these are known to interfere with the production and maintenance of serum proteins. As a result, recognizing fatigue alongside low energy as a significant clinical indicator can help in identifying patients who may have low serum albumin levels, warranting further investigation into their nutritional status and overall health condition.

In contrast, dehydration typically results in an increased concentration of serum albumin due to reduced plasma volume, while hair loss and muscle wasting could suggest malnutrition, but these symptoms may not specifically indicate low serum albumin without further context. Rapid weight gain, on the other hand, may imply fluid