Serum albumin in older persons: relationship with age and health status.
We analyzed data from 4115 persons aged 71 years and older who had blood drawn at a home visit in three communities to examine the cross-sectional distribution of serum albumin and correlates of hypoalbuminemia. Mean albumin was lower among older persons, from 41.6 g/l in men aged 71-74 years to 38.5 g/l in men 90 years or older, and from 41.1 g/l to 38.9 g/l in women of the same ages, respectively. Hypoalbuminemia (albumin less than 35 g/l) was observed in 3.1% of subjects. Hypoalbuminemia and lower serum albumin were independently associated with anemia, recent diagnosis of cancer, two or more limitations in activities of daily living, residence in a nursing home, heavy cigarette smoking (greater than 1 pack/day), and older age. A 10-year age increment was associated with 0.8 g/l lower serum albumin and odds ratio of 1.56 (95% CI 1.14, 2.13) for hypoalbuminemia after adjusting for demographic factors and health status. Characteristics associated with serum albumin may confound the reported relationship between serum albumin and mortality.
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Related Subject Headings
- Smoking
- Serum Albumin
- Morbidity
- Male
- Longitudinal Studies
- Humans
- Health Status
- Health Behavior
- Female
- Epidemiology
Citation
Published In
DOI
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Location
Related Subject Headings
- Smoking
- Serum Albumin
- Morbidity
- Male
- Longitudinal Studies
- Humans
- Health Status
- Health Behavior
- Female
- Epidemiology