What sign of malnutrition/inflammation might appear in CKD labs?

• A. Hyperalbuminemia
• B. Hypoalbuminemia
• C. Hypercalcemia
• D. Anemia with normal albumin

Answer: (B)

In CKD, signs of malnutrition and inflammation often show up as a low serum albumin level. Albumin is made by the liver, and its synthesis drops when protein-energy intake is insufficient or when inflammation shifts production toward acute-phase proteins. Chronic inflammation and malnutrition in CKD drive hypoalbuminemia, making it a meaningful indicator of nutritional status and prognosis, since lower albumin is linked with higher infection risk, edema, and worse outcomes. A high albumin level isn’t typical of malnutrition/inflammation and usually points to other factors like dehydration or lab variation. Anemia with normal albumin doesn’t specifically reflect malnutrition or inflammation, since anemia in CKD largely stems from reduced erythropoietin production and can occur with normal albumin.