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Hyperglobulinemia with an increased anion gap
1Department of Medicine, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 23298, USA.
The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
|December 18, 1998
Summary
The anion gap, normally influenced by albumin, is also significantly affected by globulins. This study shows a positive correlation between total globulins and the anion gap, suggesting both proteins impact its levels.
Area of Science:
- Clinical chemistry
- Renal medicine
- Protein analysis
Background:
- The anion gap is a calculated measure of unmeasured anions in serum.
- Albumin is recognized as a major determinant of the normal anion gap.
- The role of globulins in anion gap variations is less understood, often linked to specific gammopathies.
Observation:
- A patient with polyclonal gammopathy exhibited an anion gap that strongly correlated with globulin levels.
- Analysis of 400 renal hypertension clinic patients revealed a significant positive correlation between total globulins and the anion gap.
Findings:
- The anion gap is positively correlated with total globulin concentration.
- Polyclonal gammopathy magnitude directly relates to anion gap size.
- Both albumin and globulin levels are crucial for interpreting anion gap values.
Implications:
- Anion gap interpretation should consider both albumin and globulin concentrations.
- Elevated globulin levels, particularly in polyclonal gammopathy, can significantly increase the anion gap.
- Further research into the impact of various globulin types on the anion gap is warranted.