SEVERE RENAL-FAILURE IN MULTIPLE-MYELOMA

Abstract

Patients (29) with multiple myeloma and renal failure severe enough to require dialysis were retrospectively analyzed. Most patients initially presented with renal failure; multiple myeloma was subsequently diagnosed. I.v. pyelography precipitated irreversible renal failure in 2 patients. Absence of L chain disease and treatment with peritoneal dialysis were associated with increased recovery of renal function. The 1 yr survival rate of myeloma patients on chronic dialysis was similar to the general myeloma population but was much worse than a group of age matched non-myeloma chronic dialysis patients. Survival rate was diminished in patients with elevated serum Ca levels.