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Several disorders are associated with the presence of a monoclonal protein in the blood, including Multiple Myeloma, Lymphoma, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) and MGUS.
MGUS is defined by a low level of monoclonal protein (less than 30 g/L) and the absence of anaemia, hypercalcaemia, lytic bone lesions, and renal failure attributable to a plasma cell disorder or lymphoma. It is asymptomatic and very common; found in 3% of over 70 years, and up to 10% in over 80 years of age.
MGUS does not require treatment but there is a potential to progress to symptomatic multiple myeloma (MM) or lymphoma and therefore the condition needs long term clinical follow-up once detected.
If fever, malaise, bone pain, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, kidney problems, exclude significant causes of a monoclonal protein:
Multiple Myeloma
Lymphoma
CLL
Amyloidosis
Risk of progression
Overall, approximately 1% of patients with MGUS progress to myeloma each year. Risk factors associated with a higher chance of progressing to symptomatic disease are listed below.
Assess 3 factors: | |
paraprotein level > 15 g/L | 1 point |
abnormal serum free light chain ratio | 1 point |
non-IgG protein (i.e., IgA, IgE) | 1 point |
Number of Factors | Risk of progression at 20 years |
No abnormal factors | 5% |
1 factor | 21% |
2 factors | 37% |
3 factors | 58% |
Bloods - full blood count, creatinine, calcium, albumin, serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) with immunoglobulin levels, and urine Bence-Jones Protein (BJP).
MGUS can often be managed with regular monitoring through general practice. A suggested treatment algorithm is illustrated below. It is derived from the British Committee for Standards in Haematology guidelines 1.
Suggested algorithm for the investigation of newly detected M-protein
High Risk
Low Risk, group who clinician is concerned with during primary care follow up
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This guideline has been signed off by NEW Devon CCG.
Publication date: July 2016