Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For High Blood Cholesterol Levels
Question: Hello. My OB/GYN ordered lipid and metabolic panels as I'm 36 and have never had either one run. My cholesterol is high, but the more concerning number to me was the globulin. It was 4.7, and looks to be well out of the normal range. The albumin number was slightly below normal range. I'm concerned as to why this is so - OB recommended I follow up with a GP but appointment is over a month out. Is 4.7 globulin something that I should be concerned about as an otherwise healthy person?
Brief Answer:
There might be possibility od fatty liver
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
1) There is different possibilities based on your laboratory results
2) Low level of S. albumin suggest underproduction of it in liver (might be due to liver disease). In this, Total protein value would also less than normal. This occur in moderate to severe fatty liver, non-alcoholic associated fatty liver, cirrhosis.
3) Overproduction of globulin + underproduction of albumin makes albumin-globulin ratio reverse. This occur in chronic inflammation, liver diseases, excretion of albumin in urine (nephrotic syndrome). But you develop swelling of lower limbs due to accumulation of fluid. This reverse ratio also occur in autoimmune diseases.
4) Normal albumin-globulin ratio is 0.8-2.
5) High cholesterol level indicate possibility of fatty liver.
6) Thus fatty liver might be responsible for deranged albumin-globulin ratio, increased globulin level and decreased albumin level. Generally mild fatty liver doesn't affect liver so much that production of albumin in liver get derange.
7) You need ultrasonography of abdomen to evaluate structure and consistency of liver.
8) If diagnosis of fatty liver is confirmed then you need life-style and diet modifications to prevent further progression. Although this is not a serious problem but you need in depth evaluation for these deranged albumin and globulin values.
There might be possibility od fatty liver
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
1) There is different possibilities based on your laboratory results
2) Low level of S. albumin suggest underproduction of it in liver (might be due to liver disease). In this, Total protein value would also less than normal. This occur in moderate to severe fatty liver, non-alcoholic associated fatty liver, cirrhosis.
3) Overproduction of globulin + underproduction of albumin makes albumin-globulin ratio reverse. This occur in chronic inflammation, liver diseases, excretion of albumin in urine (nephrotic syndrome). But you develop swelling of lower limbs due to accumulation of fluid. This reverse ratio also occur in autoimmune diseases.
4) Normal albumin-globulin ratio is 0.8-2.
5) High cholesterol level indicate possibility of fatty liver.
6) Thus fatty liver might be responsible for deranged albumin-globulin ratio, increased globulin level and decreased albumin level. Generally mild fatty liver doesn't affect liver so much that production of albumin in liver get derange.
7) You need ultrasonography of abdomen to evaluate structure and consistency of liver.
8) If diagnosis of fatty liver is confirmed then you need life-style and diet modifications to prevent further progression. Although this is not a serious problem but you need in depth evaluation for these deranged albumin and globulin values.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Thank you for your reply. One more question that may seem a bit strange but is there any way that injections of Rhogam given during pregnancy could cause elevated levels of globulin? I am Rh negative and was given Rhogam for three pregnancies, the last of which was last year. Just curious whether there could be a link here as it seems the ratio if off due more to very high globulin and slightly low albumin (.7). Maybe it's unrelated but thought it was worth asking. Thanks again for your thorough answers - it will help going forward-
Brief Answer:
Immunoglobulin related false hyperglobulinemia?
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
1) Yes It is possible that current elevated globulin level might be due to this Immunoglobulin injections but I am not sure of this.
I would recommend you to consult either Ob/Gyn specialist or hematologist who are specialised in immuno-hematology.
Regards
Immunoglobulin related false hyperglobulinemia?
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
1) Yes It is possible that current elevated globulin level might be due to this Immunoglobulin injections but I am not sure of this.
I would recommend you to consult either Ob/Gyn specialist or hematologist who are specialised in immuno-hematology.
Regards
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
