Serum total protein, albumin and globulin of pregnant and lactating ghanaian women
Fenuku, R.I.
Journal of Tropical Pediatrics 28(4): 193-195
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0142-6338 PMID: 7131625 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/28.4.193Document Number: 389360
A clinical study was conducted to determine changes that occur in serum total protein, albumin, and total globulin in pregnant and lactating women in developing nations. Five groups of Ghanaian women were involved in the study: 25 pregnant; 21 lactating, in the 7th-12th month post-partum; 28 lactating in the 7th week to 6th month post-partum; 14 puerperial; and 24 non-pregnant, non-lactating. There was a significant decline in serum albumin in the pregnant women; however, during lactation, serum albumin returned to normal levels after puerperium, while serum total globulin remained elevated for the first 6 months post-partum. The normal serum albumin levels found during lactation were consistent with the results from a Guatemalan study, but did not agree with decreased serum albumin levels reported for temperate areas. It is suggested that women who normally have a low protein intake tend to have normal levels (i.e., non-pregnant levels) of serum albumin during lactation. (wz)