ALB and infection: Alb levels have been found to fall sharply in severe infections (eg, bacteremia) and correlate with poor prognosis.[18] However, Alb levels are also affected by the nutritional status of the patient and chronic inflammation, and serum Alb levels in patients with liver dysfunction are often lower than normal due to hepatic synthesis of Alb.[19] Therefore, there are limitations in predicting patient prognosis based on Alb levels alone.