Renal Failure in Multiple Myeloma

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Abstract
IMPAIRED RENAL function is present in more than 20% of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) at diagnosis. Renal insufficiency is usually caused by the so-called myeloma kidney and is associated with shortened survival.1-4 The degree of renal failure is generally moderate and reversible in up to 50% of patients, particularly when it is related to precipitating factors such as hypercalcemia.3,5-8 However, in our experience, approximately 10% of patients with MM diagnosed in a general hospital have renal failure severe enough to require dialysis.9 Despite its frequency and poor prognostic significance, few reports deal with the outcome of patients with MM and renal function impairment.