Malignant transformation in polyneuropathy associated with monoclonal gammopathy.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the frequency of hematologic malignancies at diagnosis and to determine the incidence and predictors of malignant transformation during follow-up in patients with polyneuropathy associated with monoclonal gammopathy.

METHODS:

Potential predictors of malignant transformation from medical history, hematologic, neurologic, and laboratory examination performed each 6 months were evaluated by univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis.

RESULTS:

Of 193 patients with polyneuropathy associated with monoclonal gammopathy, 17 patients had a hematologic malignancy at diagnosis. The incidence rate of malignant transformation in 176 patients without a malignancy at diagnosis was 2.7/100 patient years. Weight loss, progression of the polyneuropathy, unexplained fever or night sweats, and M-protein level were independent predictors.

CONCLUSIONS:

Since hematologic malignancies occur frequently in polyneuropathy associated with monoclonal gammopathy, the authors suggest that all patients should be screened at diagnosis and subsequently during follow-up if malignant transformation is suspected.

• Authors: M Eurelings, H M Lokhorst, S Kalmijn, J H J Wokke, N C Notermans
• Journal: Neurology (Neurology) Vol. 64 Issue 12 Pg. 2079-84 (Jun 28 2005) ISSN: 1526-632X [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 15985576 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Connectin
• Muscle Proteins

Topics

• Aged
• Cell Transformation, Neoplastic (immunology)
• Cohort Studies
• Connectin
• Disease Progression
• Female
• Fever (immunology, physiopathology)
• Follow-Up Studies
• Hematologic Neoplasms (diagnosis, epidemiology, immunology)
• Humans
• Incidence
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Muscle Proteins (blood, immunology)
• Netherlands (epidemiology)
• Paraproteinemias (complications, epidemiology, immunology)
• Polyneuropathies (complications, epidemiology, immunology)
• Predictive Value of Tests
• Weight Loss (immunology)