Serum beta 2-microglobulin at remission and relapse in patients with multiple myeloma.

Abstract

Serum beta 2-microglobulin (S-beta 2m) was determined before treatment in fifty patients with multiple myeloma (MM), twenty-two of which had pure Bence Jones (BJ) myeloma. S-beta 2m was related to clinical stage before, but not after, a correction of S-beta 2m values for co-existent raised S-creatinine values (greater than 106 mumol 1-1). However, S-beta 2m as well as corrected beta 2m was a parameter of prognostic value. The median expected survival time was 14 months at S-beta 2m values greater than 8.0 mg 1(-1) and 56 months at values less than 3.5 mg 1(-1). A response to treatment was associated with a decrease of S-beta 2m and a stationary course with unchanged values, whereas a relapse or progressive disease was connected with an increase. In 'beta 2m producers', i.e. patients with a clear initial high S-beta 2m, serial determinations are of value for monitoring patients with MM. In particular, this is the case in BJ myelomas, as they lack a quantifiable serum M-component. With respect to beta 2m no difference was found between BJ and other patients with MM.

• Authors: G Brenning, L Wibell, R Bergström
• Journal: European journal of clinical investigation (Eur J Clin Invest) Vol. 15 Issue 5 Pg. 242-7 (Oct 1985) ISSN: 0014-2972 [Print] England
• PMID: 3935453 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• beta 2-Microglobulin
• Creatinine

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Creatinine (blood)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Multiple Myeloma (blood, mortality)
• beta 2-Microglobulin (analysis)