Abstract
A number of protein-energy markers are currently available whose measurement is a useful adjunct to clinical nutritional assessment. These include transferrin (Tf), prealbumin and retinol binding protein (RBP). Other nutritional markers of recognised value but not currently in widespread use are insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and leptin. Currently no single marker can assess overall nutritional status but their levels may be of value of in providing information on metabolic status ie catabolism or anabolism, determining prognosis, and in monitoring of nutrition support. All have limitations in that their serum levels can be altered by factors other than the patient's nutritional status, most importantly the acute phase response. Clinicians requesting measurement of these proteins need to be mindful of any confounding factors when interpreting results. Levels should be interpreted along with clinical findings and the results of other investigations including an inflammatory marker such as C-reactive protein (CRP). © 2007 Rila Publications Ltd.