High serum total protein but low albumin is typically associated with what condition?

High serum total protein but low albumin is typically associated with what condition?

• A. Multiple myeloma
• B. Hepatic cirrhosis
• C. Glomerulonephritis
• D. Nephrotic syndrome

Answer: (A)

High serum total protein accompanied by low albumin levels is often indicative of Multiple Myeloma. In this condition, there is abnormal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow, leading to the production of monoclonal immunoglobulins. These abnormal proteins increase the total protein level in serum, while actual albumin levels tend to decrease due to dilution or competition for synthesis in the liver. This unique pattern, characterized by an increase in non-albumin proteins yet a decrease in albumin, can significantly assist clinicians in diagnosing Multiple Myeloma. In contrast, other conditions such as hepatic cirrhosis, glomerulonephritis, and nephrotic syndrome do not typically present this specific combination. For example, hepatic cirrhosis may show high total protein but would generally have normal or increased albumin due to liver dysfunction affecting overall protein production. Glomerulonephritis can lead to both proteinuria and altered serum proteins, while nephrotic syndrome is characterized primarily by significant protein loss that typically manifests as low total protein levels rather than a high level of total protein alongside low albumin.

High serum total protein accompanied by low albumin levels is often indicative of Multiple Myeloma. In this condition, there is abnormal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow, leading to the production of monoclonal immunoglobulins. These abnormal proteins increase the total protein level in serum, while actual albumin levels tend to decrease due to dilution or competition for synthesis in the liver. This unique pattern, characterized by an increase in non-albumin proteins yet a decrease in albumin, can significantly assist clinicians in diagnosing Multiple Myeloma.

In contrast, other conditions such as hepatic cirrhosis, glomerulonephritis, and nephrotic syndrome do not typically present this specific combination. For example, hepatic cirrhosis may show high total protein but would generally have normal or increased albumin due to liver dysfunction affecting overall protein production. Glomerulonephritis can lead to both proteinuria and altered serum proteins, while nephrotic syndrome is characterized primarily by significant protein loss that typically manifests as low total protein levels rather than a high level of total protein alongside low albumin.