Review of 1027 patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma

Mayo Clin Proc. 2003 Jan;78(1):21-33. doi: 10.4065/78.1.21.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the clinical and laboratory features of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.

Patients and methods: Records of all patients in whom multiple myeloma was initially diagnosed at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn, from January 1, 1985, to December 31, 1998, were reviewed.

Results: Of the 1027 study patients, 2% were younger than 40 years, and 38% were 70 years or older. The median age was 66 years. Anemia was present initially in 73% of patients, hypercalcemia (calcium level > or = 11 mg/dL) in 13%, and a serum creatinine level of 2 mg/dL or more in 19%. The beta2-microglobulin level was increased in 75%. Serum protein electrophoresis revealed a localized band in 82% of patients, and immunoelectrophoresis or immunofixation showed a monoclonal protein in 93%. A monoclonal light chain was found in the urine in 78%. Nonsecretory myeloma was recognized in 3% of patients, whereas light-chain myeloma was present in 20%. Conventional radiographs showed an abnormality in 79%. The plasma cell labeling index was 1% or more in 34% of patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that age, plasma cell labeling index, low platelet count, serum albumin value, and the log of the creatinine value were the most important prognostic factors.

Conclusion: The median duration of survival was 33 months and did not improve from 1985 through 1998.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anemia / etiology
  • Blood Protein Electrophoresis
  • Cohort Studies
  • Creatinine / blood
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypercalcemia / etiology
  • Immunoelectrophoresis
  • Male
  • Medical Records
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma / blood
  • Multiple Myeloma / complications
  • Multiple Myeloma / diagnosis*
  • Multiple Myeloma / mortality
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Paraproteinemias / diagnosis
  • Platelet Count
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prognosis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Serum Albumin / metabolism
  • Survival Analysis

Substances

  • Serum Albumin
  • Creatinine