CP7-11 myeloma and lymphoma Flashcards
What is a myeloma?
An incurable malignant disorder of clonal plasma cells
What is the epidemiology of myeloma?
60-70 per million in UK
Median age at presentation = 70
Higher incidence in Afro-Caribbeans compared with Caucasians
What is myeloma preceded by in all patients?
Asymptomatic MGUS
What change in the immune system is known as myeloma?
Terminally differentiated type of B cells (plasma cells)
Why are immunoglobulins affected by myelomas?
As immunoglobulins are produced by plasma cells which are the affected B-cells in myeloma
What are the different types of heavy chains that an immunoglobulin can have?
IgG
IgM
IgA
IgD
IgE
What are the different type of light chains that an immunoglobulin can have?
Kappa or lambda
What is protein electrophoresis?
Lab technique whereby serum is placed in gel and exposed to an electric current
Which proteins are separated in protein electrophoresis?
Serum albumin
Alpha-1 globulins
Alpha-2 globulins
Beta globulins
Gamma globulins
What on a protein electrophoresis may suggest myeloma?
An M-spike showing excess production of a certain protein
What is immunofixation? When is it performed?
Procedure performed when an M-spike seen on protein electrophoresis which enables detection and identification of monoclonal immunoglobins. A positive result involved a complex being precipitated.
What spectrum is myeloma on?
Plasma cell dyscrasis aka paraproteinaemias
When is myeloma diagnosed?
When a patient has clonal BM plasma cells >/=10% or a biopsy proven bony or extramedullary plasmacytoma AND one or more of the CRAB features or MDEs
What are the CRAB features?
C- hyperCalCaemia
R - Renal insufficiency
A - Anaemia
B - Bone lesions
What are the MDEs?
Myeloma defining events
- >/=60% clinal plasma cells on bone marrow biopsy
- SFLC ratio >100mg/L provided the absolute level of the involved LC is >100mg/L
- >1 focal lesion on MRI measuring >5mm
What is the epidemiology of kidney problems in myeloma patients?
20-25% have renal insufficiency upon diagnosis
50% have renal insufficiency at some point during disease course
50% will have persistent renal impairment despite therapy
2-12% will require renal replacement therapy
What external factors associated with myeloma can cause kidney problems?
renal vein thrombosis
bisophonates
hypercalcaemia
ACEi
dehydration
NSAIDs
CT contrast
hyperviscosity
type 1 cryglobulinaemia
What are the clinical symptoms of myeloma?
confusion
poor appetite
nausea
constipation
thirst
chest infections
breathlessness
bone pains
pathological fractures
polyuria or oliguria/anuria
peripheral oedema
What are acute complications of myeloma?
Hyperviscosity (especially when IgA and IgM is affected by myeloma) usually affecting eye and brain
Hypercalcaemia
Sepsis
AKI
Spinal cord compression
What are acute complications of myeloma?
Hyperviscosity (especially when IgA and IgM is affected by myeloma) usually affecting eye and brain
Hypercalcaemia
Sepsis
AKI
Spinal cord compression
What does rouleaux levels on a blood test tell you?
that red blood cells are stacking up as they are sticking together due to raised immunoglobulins
What blood investigations are done into myeloma?
bloods including:
- FBC to look at: Hb, WBC, platelets and blood film
- U&Es
- Calcium
- C-reactive protein
- Immunoglobulin levels
- protein electrophoresis
- light chain analysis ( f no paraprotein present in protein electrophoresis but still clinical suspicion of myeloma)
What imaging investigations are done for suspected myeloma?
skeletal survey
whole body CT or MRI
PET scan - although not all myelomas appear on PET
How is myeloma treated?
Steroids
Treat associated AKI quickly as medical emergency