ABSTRACT

Human albumin is a small globular protein yet the most abundant circulating protein found in plasma. It is produced by the liver and represents half of the total protein content of blood plasma in healthy human patients. It can be found in the bloodstream, interstitial space, as well as other body fluids. When found in other fluids in large concentrations, such as in urine, it is often an indication of underlying pathology. Low or high albumin levels during pregnancy can have significant consequences for both the mother and the fetus. One possible potential pathophysiological mechanism that could be involved is that low or high albumin levels are caused by changes in the liver function or metabolism of amino acids during pregnancy. The objective of this research was to evaluate albumin levels of pregnant women attending antenatal care at Buea Regional Hospital South West region, Cameroon. To evaluate albumin levels, blood samples was collected in serum separator (yellow top tube) blood collection tubes, processed and analyzed using the semi-automated chemistry analyzer (Erba chem5). Results was represented on frequency distribution tables. The results foundthat, with respect to age, hypoalbuminanemia was found to be highest (9.1%)in age group 31-35 years, while hyperalbuminanemia was highest (18.7%)in age group 18-25 years. With respect to trimesters, analysis reported that, hypoalbuminanemia was found to be highest (7.7%)among those participants in their second trimester and hyperalbuminanemia was highest (23.1%)in those in their third trimester as shown in table 3 below. The results were discussed and conclusions drawn that with respect to age, hypoalbuminemia, were found to be highest in the age group 31-35 years while hyperalbuminemia was found to be highest in age group 18-25 years, while with respect to trimesters, hypoalbuminemia, were found to be highest in those in their third trimester, while hyperalbuminemia were found to be highest in those in their third trimester.