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Neurology (Expert Forum)
MGUS---
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury
MGUS---
by mike1105, Aug 24, 2006 12:00AM
I have MGUS. I was told my protein spike was low, and it was discovered as an incidental finding a few years ago. Recent bloodwork revealed again that it was "low". I have no symptoms of anything that can be attributed to the MGUS. So.... How often do I need to have the protein level checked, and what are the current figures regarding specifically the percentage of people with MGUS that progress to Myeloma? Out of IgG,M or A, is one more likely to cause disease than another? Does everyone with MGUS need to have a marrow biopsy, or is that reserved for when levels are high (how high?0 or people become symptomatic? I am m44 caucasian and was diagnosed in 2004. thanx...
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-SH, Aug 26, 2006 12:00AM
First of all, keep in mind that I am unable to diagnose you because I am unable to examine you, this forum is for educational purposes.
MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance) is defined as a monoclonal protein that is not multiple myeloma. MGUS is most often encountered by neurologist in looking for causes of neuropathy.
MGUS is found more frequently as one ages, with 3% of people older than 70, 10% older than 80 and 20% greater than 90 having an MGUS.
The rate of MGUS turning into multiple myeloma(MM) is relatively rare, and the chance increases with the amount of years that you have had the MGUS. 4% of MGUS will convert to MM in 5 years, 15% in 10 years and 26% in 15 years.
Fatigue, bone pain or anemia should prompt an immediate evaluation. Otherwise, the recommendation is a SPEP (serum protein electrophoresis) and UPEP (urine protein electrophoresis) repeated at 3 months and 6 months, then if the level remains low it can be checked annually. Factors that would be atypical/concerning for MGUS is M-spike greater than 3g/dl (grams per deciliter), anemia, hypercalcemia, decreased levels of other Immunoglobulins and liver dysfunction. IgG is present in 75% of MGUS, with 25% for IgM and IgA. IgM is most often implicated in neuropathy.
Your MGUS should be followed by a hematologist/oncologist and they would decide when and if you need a bone marrow biopsy. It depends on your clinical picture.
I hope this has been helpful.
MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance) is defined as a monoclonal protein that is not multiple myeloma. MGUS is most often encountered by neurologist in looking for causes of neuropathy.
MGUS is found more frequently as one ages, with 3% of people older than 70, 10% older than 80 and 20% greater than 90 having an MGUS.
The rate of MGUS turning into multiple myeloma(MM) is relatively rare, and the chance increases with the amount of years that you have had the MGUS. 4% of MGUS will convert to MM in 5 years, 15% in 10 years and 26% in 15 years.
Fatigue, bone pain or anemia should prompt an immediate evaluation. Otherwise, the recommendation is a SPEP (serum protein electrophoresis) and UPEP (urine protein electrophoresis) repeated at 3 months and 6 months, then if the level remains low it can be checked annually. Factors that would be atypical/concerning for MGUS is M-spike greater than 3g/dl (grams per deciliter), anemia, hypercalcemia, decreased levels of other Immunoglobulins and liver dysfunction. IgG is present in 75% of MGUS, with 25% for IgM and IgA. IgM is most often implicated in neuropathy.
Your MGUS should be followed by a hematologist/oncologist and they would decide when and if you need a bone marrow biopsy. It depends on your clinical picture.
I hope this has been helpful.
Member Comments (2)
by Schaetzchen, Oct 23, 2006 12:00AM
I have also been diagnosed with MGUS and am being followed by a hematologist and a neurologist. After many CT Scans, MRI’s, EMG’s, two lumbar punctures and a bone marrow biopsy it was decided that I probably have CIDP, I also have had Crohn’s disease for 30 years – I am 71). My feet and hands are almost completely numb with the loss of feeling beginning at the knees and elbows. I have had 3 IvIG infusions in April, May and June with no noticeable effect. Since July I have been on prednisone-60mg daily, still with no improvement. My comment, or rather my questions, are about the drug Rituxan. Have you had any experience with it in the treatment of neuropathy? Is it effective? Is there any indication when it might be available to people such as myself? Any help or suggestions are welcome. Thanks. Morris
by KellyAnn64, Apr 12, 2008 10:49PM
A related discussion, Help for my pain was started.
by cilycoed, Apr 13, 2008 06:36AM
A related discussion, MGUS was started.
