A paraprotein is a monoclonal immunoglobulin or light chain present in the blood or urine; it is produced by a clonal population of mature B cells, most commonly plasma cells. In individuals aged >50 years the incidence of a paraprotein is 3.2%.
What is the treatment for Paraproteinemia?
Chemotherapy that targets plasma cells, including high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (AL amyloidosis) Medications to reduce inflammation (AA amyloidosis) Addressing organ failure through organ transplantation. Novel treatments available through the latest clinical trials.
What conditions causes paraprotein in blood?
There are different conditions that can cause a paraprotein, with the most common being monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS). In most cases, this is a non-cancerous condition but another, more serious, blood abnormality linked to a paraprotein is myeloma.
What do Paraproteins do?
Paraproteins are monoclonal immune globulin fragments or intact immune globulins produced by usually a malignant cone of plasma cells or B cells. These proteins are associated with a spectrum of kidney disorders caused by either direct effects on the kidney cells or deposition in various kidney cells.
Which is the most common form of myeloma?
The most common type of myeloma is IgG, followed by IgA. The least common types are IgM, IgD and IgE. Some people are diagnosed with myeloma that has no symptoms. This is sometimes called smouldering myeloma or indolent myeloma.
What are paraproteins in paraproteinemia?
Paraproteinemia is a blood disorder. Paraproteins are also known by other names, including myeloma proteins, spike proteins, M proteins, or M spikes. Myelomas are malignant developments of the plasma cells, the cells in the blood which are responsible for making…
Is primary amyloidosis associated with paraproteinemia?
Primary amyloidosis can be associated with paraproteinemia (Kyle et al., 2005 ). Amyloid neuropathy may precede the development of multiple myeloma ( Rajkumar et al., 1998 ). Clinical manifestations are skin changes, neuropathy (polyneuropathy and mononeuropathy such as carpal tunnel syndrome), and muscle involvement.
What is paraproteinemia gammopathy?
“ Gammopathy ” is a more general term that refers to anything that goes wrong with the body’s process of making immunoglobulins. In a blood test, paraproteinemia will show up as a single “spike” in one particular immunoglobulin protein because the abnormality is “cloned” from a single cell.
What is the incidence of paraproteins in the US?
In individuals aged >50 years the incidence of a paraprotein is 3.2%. Plasma cell disorders can be considered as a spectrum of conditions ranging from monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), through asymptomatic, to symptomatic myeloma.
