Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined nature
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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With monoclonal gammopathy of an indeterminate nature, M-protein is produced by non-malignant plasma cells in the absence of other manifestations of multiple myeloma.
The incidence of monoclonal gammapathy of uncertain character (MGNH) increases with age, from 1% in people aged 25 to 4% in people older than 70 years. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined character can occur in combination with other diseases in which the cause of the appearance of the M protein can be antibodies produced in large quantities in response to a prolonged antigenic stimulus.
[Symptoms and Diagnosis of Monoclonal Gammopathy
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined character usually proceeds asymptomatically, but peripheral neuropathy can occur. Although most cases are benign, in 25% of cases (1% annually) the disease progresses to B-cell tumors, myeloma or macroglobulinemia.
M-protein in the blood or in the urine is usually determined by accident during routine examinations. In laboratory evaluation, M-protein is determined in low serum concentrations (<3 g / dL) or urine (<300 mg / 24 h). Unlike other plasma-cell diseases with monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain character, the level of M-protein remains stable after a long time, the levels of the remaining serum immunoglobulins are normal and in most cases there are no bone destruction, anemia, Bence-Jones proteinuria.
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Treatment of monoclonal gammopathy
Treatment of monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain character is not carried out. Patients should be examined every 6-12 months with clinical examination and electrophoresis of urine proteins.