Abnormally low level of protein in the blood, usually with abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and edema. It may be caused by inadequate dietary intake of protein or by intestinal or renal disease.
A decrease in the quantity of protein in the blood. It may result from malnutrition, impaired protein production (as in liver disease), or increased loss of protein from the body (as in the nephrotic syndrome). It results in swelling (edema), because of the accumulation of fluid in the tissues, and increased susceptibility to infections.
An abnormally decreased concentration of protein in the blood. It is one of many causes of edema, especially in the lower extremities.