The Mechanism of Hypoalbuminemia in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Abstract
Hypoalbuminemia is frequently encountered in rheumatoid arthritis, but the mechanism producing this abnormality has not previously been investigated. Tracer studies using isotopically labeled human albumin can help towards solving the problem. By measuring albumin turnover with I131-labeled albumin, it can be determined whether the hypoalbuminemia results from decreased synthesis or increased catabolism or if there is an abnormal distribution of the protein. If the turnover rate is increased, then Cr51-labeled albumin can be used to find out if this is due to a protein-losing gastroenteropathy (1). These techniques have been employed to study albumin metabolism in a selected group of