multiple myeloma/waldenstrom Flashcards
multiple myeloma/plasma cell myeloma
definition
Malignancy of hematopoietic stem cells differentiated as plasma cells. Characterized by infiltration of bone marrow, bone destruction, and paraprotein formation (monoclonal immunoglobulin)
multiple myeloma
clin man/CBC results
Asymptomatic
Cytopenia
Anemia
Leukopenia – Recurrent or frequent infections
Neutropenia
Underproduction of normal immunoglobulins
Strep. Pneumoniae and H. influenzae
Thrombocytopenia – bleeding
Lytic Lesions: most common Sx
Pain back, hips, and skull
Bone weakness – osteoporosis or plasmacytoma
Fractures
multiple myeloma
lytic lesions
- Bony destruction caused by accumulation of plasma cells
- Plasma cells increase bone absorption resulting in bony destruction
“Punch out” lesion
Hypercalcemia
Pathologic fractures
multiple myeloma
Tx for lytic lesions
Treatment with IV bisphosphonates
Help inhibit osteoclastic activity
Decrease bone resorption
Example: Zometa
Multiple myeloma
S/Sx of nervous system
Nervous Systems Symptoms
Severe back pain
Spinal cord compression
Compression fracture
Numbness
Muscle weakness
multiple myeloma
S/Sx of hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia:
Extreme thirst
Increased urination
Dehydration
Kidney injury
Severe constipation
Abdominal Pain
Confusion
multiple myeloma
Kidney injury S/Sx
Kidney injury:
Weakness
Pruritus
SOB
Peripheral edema
multiple myeloma
Hyper viscosity S/Sx
Hyper viscosity
Confusion
Dizziness
CVA symptoms
Multiple myeloma
labs to order
CBC
Quantitative Immunoglobulins
Measures blood levels of different antibodies
IgA
IgG
IgM
Multiple myeloma labs
SPEP
Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP)
Measures immunoglobulins in blood
Will find a monoclonal immunoglobulin (i.e. antibody)
multiple myeloma
Immuno fixation electropheresis (IFE)
UPEP
Immunofixationelectropheresis (IFE) measures the exact type of abnormal antibody
The immunoglobulins are made up of 2 protein chains:
2 heavy
2 light chains.
May find Bence-Jones protein in urine
24-hour Urine Protein Electrophoresis (UPEP) and Urine Immunofixation
Multiple myeloma labs
Free Light Chains
Measures the amount of light chains in the blood
Helpful in rare cases where no monoclonal antibody protein is found by SPEP
SPEP only measures intact whole immunoglobulins
Multiple myeloma labs
Beta 2 Microglobulin
Another protein produced by malignant cells
Does not cause problems but is used for prognosis
Higher levels
More advanced disease
Worse prognosis
multiple myeloma
Dx
- Bone Marrow Biopsy
Plasma cells
Aspirate is sent for immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and chromosome analysis - Immunohistochemistry from sample
Bone biopsy sample is treated with special antibodies that attach only to specific molecules on the cell surface. These antibodies cause color changes seen under the microscope
multiple myeloma