Multiple myeloma
| Incurable | |
|---|---|
| Etiology | IgG in 60% of cases MGUS = paraprotein below threshold and doesn't meet diagnostic criteria |
| Epidemiology | M:F 5:3? 4-5 per 10000? |
| Clinical presentation | 🦀 hypercalcaemia, AKI, anaemia, bone pain Hyperviscosity, VTE Amyloidosis abnormal bleeding (as paraproteins interfere with platelet function) |
| Pathogenesis | |
| Investigations: | FBC: anaemia Electrolytes: AKI; hypercalcaemia Blood film: Rouleaux formation Bone marrow: plasma cells Other serum: ↑ free light chains; ↑ paraprotein (usually IgG); ↑ beta-2 microglobulin |
| Management: | Generally considered incurable, with average survival 3-5 years, but... - Induction therapy does exist - Stem cell transplant? - Bisphosphonates with bone disease |