High total protein with low albumin is commonly associated with which condition?

High total protein levels with low albumin are commonly seen in multiple myeloma, primarily due to the excessive production of immunoglobulins (which are proteins) by monoclonal plasma cells. In this condition, patients often exhibit an elevated total protein concentration because the abnormal spike in monoclonal immunoglobulins outweighs the production of albumin, leading to a relative decrease in albumin levels. This disparity is indicative of the underlying pathology of multiple myeloma, where the balance of proteins is disrupted due to the excessive presence of these abnormal proteins.

The other conditions listed can certainly influence total protein and albumin levels, but they do not typically present with this specific pattern. For example, liver cirrhosis often leads to both reduced total protein and reduced albumin due to impaired liver function, resulting in decreased synthesis of both types of proteins. Nephrotic syndrome typically presents with increased albumin loss in urine and can result in low total protein but does not characteristically showcase the scenario of high total protein with low albumin. Glomerulonephritis can also cause proteinuria and potentially low albumin but does not lead to the specific elevation in total protein seen in multiple myeloma due to increased plasma cell activity