Study results from G.M. Melmed and colleagues broaden understanding of proteinuria
2009 JUL 27 - (NewsRx.com) -- "Early recognition of light chain-derived (AL) amyloidosis and light chain deposition disease (LCDD) is essential for optimal therapy. However, clinical and laboratory manifestations of these unusual conditions often go unrecognized," researchers in the United States report. "Renal protein deposits in AL amyloidosis and LCDD can cause both heavy albuminuria and Bence Jones proteinuria. Absent separate etiologies, this combined finding is rare and provides a clue to the diagnosis of these conditions. We retrospectively reviewed test results of urine immunoelectrophoreses and urine immunofixation electrophoreses performed at a single institution from 1977 to 2006. with both heavy albuminuria and Bence Jones proteinuria were investigated further to determine whether these findings were predictive of renal AL amyloidosis or LCDD. We reviewed the patients' clinical histories, laboratory data, and pathology reports and included patients with biopsy-confirmed renal AL amyloidosis or LCDD in this series. We identified 6 patients with renal amyloidosis or LCDD who presented with the dual findings of Bence Jones proteinuria and heavy albuminuria. We report their demographic information, laboratory data, and case histories. The simultaneous presence of heavy albuminuria and Bence Jones proteinuria justifies a workup for AL amyloidosis or LCDD. Prompt recognition of these rare conditions would permit earlier initiation of therapy and potentially limit organ dysfunction," wrote G.M. Melmed and colleagues. The researchers concluded: "In addition, patients might be spared unnecessary clinical investigation and unwarranted treatment.." Melmed and colleagues published their study in Clinical Lymphoma & Myeloma (Urinary Findings in Renal Light Chain-Derived Amyloidosis and Light Chain Deposition Disease. Clinical Lymphoma & Myeloma, 2009;9(3):234-238). For additional information, contact G.M. Melmed, Baylor Med Center Garland, Dept. of Med Oncology, 2300 Marie Curie Dr., Garland, TX 75042, USA. Publisher contact information for the journal Clinical Lymphoma & Myeloma is: Cig Media Group, Lp, 3500 Maple Avenue, Ste. 750, Dallas, TX 75219-3931, USA. Keywords: United States, Garland, Albuminuria, Amyloidosis, Hematology, Kidney, Lymphoma, Myeloma, Nephrology, Oncology, Proteinuria, Therapy, Treatment. This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.
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