Q: Which 2 common conditions in ICU may give falsely elevated Pre-Albumin level?

Answer:

1. Alcohol intake
2. Steroid administration

In acute alcohol intoxication, a leakage of proteins from damaged hepatic cells may cause a rise in the prealbumin level. Consequently, alcoholics may have elevated levels of prealbumin after binge drinking. It takes about 7 days when levels return to baseline. Also, serum prealbumin levels may rise during prednisone/steroid therapy.

References:

Staley MJ, Naidoo D, Pridmore SA. Concentrations of transthyretin (prealbumin) and retinol-binding protein in alcoholics during alcohol withdrawal [Letter]. Clin Chem. 1984;30:1887.

Oppenheimer JH, Werner SC. Effect of prednisone on thyroxine-binding proteins. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1966;26:715–21.