Which condition often results in decreased albumin synthesis?

Decreased albumin synthesis is commonly associated with malignancy because cancer can significantly disrupt normal metabolic processes. Malignant tumors may demand an increased supply of nutrients and energy for their growth, leading to altered protein metabolism. The liver, which synthesizes albumin, may be affected by the underlying disease state or by direct invasion or metastasis of cancer cells. Additionally, many malignancies are associated with systemic effects such as cachexia, which can further impair protein synthesis and nutritional status, contributing to lower levels of albumin production.

In contrast, dehydration typically results in a relative increase in albumin concentration due to hemoconcentration rather than a decrease in synthesis. Burns can lead to decreased albumin levels primarily due to significant protein loss through damaged skin and increased capillary permeability, but not necessarily due to reduced synthesis itself. Glomerulonephritis involves kidney damage that can result in albumin loss through the urine (albuminuria), but it does not directly impact the liver's ability to produce albumin. In this context, malignancy aligns best with the mechanism that leads to decreased synthesis of albumin in the body.