The use of emergency apheresis in the management of plasma cell disorders

Hyperviscosity syndrome complicating immunoglobulin G myeloma-Cognisance of early plasmapheresis is crucial

Hyperviscosity syndrome (HVS) is an infrequent but life-threatening complication of multiple myeloma (MM) and classically presents with the triad of mucosal bleed, neurological, and visual disturbances. HVS is typically associated with immunoglobulin M (IgM) MM and very rarely may complicate immunoglobulin G (IgG) MM. Even suspicion of HVS necessitates therapy based on clinical severity rather than the calculated degree of viscosity. While plasmapheresis promptly decreases serum viscosity by 30% to 50%, early initiation of anti-myeloma therapy is crucial to prevent rebound phenomena. In this context, we report a case of IgG MM, which despite being complicated by HVS had gratifying outcome attributable to early clinical suspicion and consequent prompt therapeutic intervention.

Efficacy and safety of plasmapheresis in symptomatic hyperviscosity and cast nephropathy: A Multicenter Experience in Turkey

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Cast nephropathy (CN) and hyperviscosity (HV), which we encounter in plasma cell diseases, are serious clinical manifestations that increase mortality and morbidity if not managed well in the early period. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) procedures based on the removal of patient plasma is a frequently preferred treatment modality. TPE is recommended at varying levels of evidence for the treatment of CN and HV in plasma cell disorders.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 61 patients, 50 with multipl myeloma (MM) and 10 with Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM), who underwent TPE for CN and HV, were included in our multicenter, and retrospective study.

RESULTS

A statistically significant decrease was found in all disease-related biochemical markers, which were measured 1 week after the application of TPE added to standard medical treatment (IgG; p < 0.001, IgM; p = 0.004, IgA; p = 0.14, kappa light chain; p < 0.001, lambda light chain; p < 0.001, β-2 microglobulin; p < 0.001, total protein; p < 0.001, albumin; p < 0.001, LDH; p = 0.02, creatine; p < 0.001, hemoglobin; p = 0.010). Clinically, all 11 patients who underwent TPE for HV responded. While a partial response (PR: 80 %) was obtained in 40 of 50 MM patients with CN, no response was obtained in 10 patients (non-response: 20 %).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, it was observed that TPE reduced all biochemical markers related to HV and CN, while making a significant contribution to clinical improvement. We believe that adding TPE to the standard treatment in this patient group will reduce mortality and morbidity in the early period and have a positive effect on survival in the long term.

Managing complications secondary to Waldenström's macroglobulinemia

Introduction: Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare lymphoma characterized by the accumulation of IgM-secreting lymphoplasmacytic cells in the bone marrow and other organs. Clinical sequelae relate to direct tissue infiltration by malignant cells but also to the physicochemical and immunological properties of the monoclonal IgM, resulting in a variety of disease-related complications.Areas covered: This narrative review, following a thorough Pubmed search of pertinent published literature, discusses complications secondary to WM, related to direct tumor infiltration, monoclonal IgM circulation, and deposition, as well as other less common ones. The description and pathophysiology of these complications were described together with their specific management strategies and in the context of available treatment options for WM (anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody-based combinations, proteasome inhibitors, BTK inhibitors, and other emerging ones).Expert opinion: The availability of many novel, active and less toxic regimens for the treatment of WM allows the management of the disease with strategies that depend on clinical presentation and disease-related complications, age, toxicity considerations, and presence of comorbidities.

Efficacy of plasmapheresis as treatment for bilateral hyperviscosity syndrome related retinopathy in multiple myeloma

PURPOSE

To report a case of good clinical response to plasmapheresis as therapy for a bilateral hyperviscosity syndrome related retinopathy in a young patient with undiagnosed multiple myeloma (MM).

METHODS

Case report.

RESULTS

A 48-year-old caucasian man, previously diagnosed with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), presented for medical attention for back ache and vision decrease, worst in the left eye. Ophthalmological examination revealed presence of bilateral CRVO-like retinopathy which raised the hypothesis of hyperviscosity syndrome (HVS). After confirmation of MM diagnosis, plasmapheresis were promptly begun. The right eye regained a good visual acuity and an anatomical restoration already notable 5 days from the first plasmapheresis.

CONCLUSIONS

Fundoscopy lead to diagnosis of HVS, it is therefore advisable in all patients with MM in order to perform plasmapheresis as soon as possible if necessary. In case of atypical CRVO, haematological and inflammatory causes, should be always ruled out.

Multiple Myeloma Mimicking a Small Vessel Vasculitis Presentation

Multiple myeloma can have different clinical manifestations, and not all patients present with classic CRAB component. We describe a 46-year-old woman admitted to our hospital with a complaint of a bluish-to-black discoloration of the second toe that was rapidly progressive and acute kidney injury. We documented a Kappa light chain monoclonal gammopathy, increased presence of plasmacytes in bone marrow aspiration, and multiple lytic bone lesions, which led to a diagnosis of multiple myeloma. Although multiple myeloma presenting with blue finger syndrome is uncommon, it must always be considered as a differential diagnosis with this clinical finding.

The role of plasma exchange in the management of autoimmune disorders

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has been mainly used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. The main mechanisms of action of TPE include the removal of circulating autoantibodies, immune complexes, complement components, cytokines and adhesion molecules, along with sensitization of antibody-producing cells to immunosuppressant agents. TPE is useful in autoimmune haematological, renal, rheumatic and neurological diseases, and is recommended for acute disorders, together with relapsed or worsened chronic diseases that are often unresponsive to conventional treatments. The American Society for Apheresis and the British Society of Haematology have published guidelines on the clinical use of apheresis procedures, indicating the different levels of efficacy of TPE. Based on the evidence from current literature and our personal experience, this review discusses the indications and the suggested regimens for TPE in autoimmune haematological and non-haematological disorders.

A multiple myeloma that progressed as type I cryoglobulinemia with skin ulcers and foot necrosis: A case report

RATIONALE

Type I cryoglobulinemia is a rare and life-threatening condition. It occurs mainly in B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder. In almost half of the patients, type I cryoglobulinemia is characterized by severe cutaneous involvement.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 71-year-old man comes to our observation because of the onset of persistence of paresthesia and painful acrocyanosis in the fingers and toes. IgG-k multiple myeloma treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy on the left iliac wing characterized his clinical history. At the evaluation of response after the first-line therapy, the patient achieved a very good partial response. At the time of progression, the same myelomatous disease has taken a typical behavior of cryoglobulinemia.

DIAGNOSES

Type I multiple myeloma-associated cryoglobulinemia was diagnosed.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent to an immediate composite therapeutic approach based on prostanoid infusion, plasmapheresis along with second-line chemotherapy.

OUTCOMES

Despite the rapid biochemical response, the ischemia of the feet worsened. Moreover, a bacterial infection overlapped. The surgical amputation of both feet was necessary. Allowing MM cytoreduction continuation the patient's clinical condition became stabilized.

LESSONS

Though rare, type I cryoglobulinemia can be associated with plasma cell dyscrasias. Any delay in diagnosis and the start of therapy can cause worsening of organ damage and endanger the patient's life. Therapeutic strategies in these cases should be directed to the underlying diseases.

Acute hyperviscosity: syndromes and management

Plasma hyperviscosity is a rare complication of both monoclonal and polyclonal disorders associated with elevation of immunoglobulins. Asymptomatic patients with an elevation in the serum viscosity do not require plasma exchange, and the majority will have other indications for therapeutic intervention. For patients with hemorrhagic or central nervous system manifestations, plasma exchange is the therapy of choice and is relatively safe. Viscosity measurements are not required to initiate therapy if the index of suspicion is high and the clinical presentation is typical. However, patients should have a sample sent for confirmation of the diagnosis. Whole-blood hyperviscosity is seen in patients with extreme elevation of the red cell and white cell count. Phlebotomy of patients with primary and secondary elevation of the red cell count is a well-established therapy.

Syndrome d’hyperviscosité : mise au point pour les réanimateurs

Le syndrome d’hyperviscosité (SH) est une entité clinique composée de signes variables non spécifiques et dont le diagnostic repose sur un faisceau d’arguments contextuels, anamnestiques et clinicobiologiques. En dehors de la mesure de la viscosité plasmatique, l’examen le plus spécifique pour confirmer le diagnostic semble être le fond d’œil. L’incidence du SH est inconnue, mais il s’agit d’une complication rare d’un grand nombre de pathologies. La physiopathologie est en rapport avec une augmentation de la viscosité plasmatique ou avec une augmentation du nombre d’éléments figurés du sang et/ou une altération de la capacité de ces cellules à circuler dans le lit capillaire. Le SH relève toujours d’un traitement de la pathologie sous-jacente et d’un traitement symptomatique visant à diminuer la viscosité sanguine. Dans les formes les plus sévères, il peut être nécessaire de recourir à un traitement par aphérèse thérapeutique en urgence. Le pronostic dépend principalement de la pathologie sous-jacente.