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.

Duke Scholars

Author Harvey Jay Cohen Medicine, Geriatrics and Palliative Care