BLOOD-VOLUME IN MONOCLONAL GAMMOPATHY

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 49  (2) , 301-307
Abstract
The plasma volume, red cell volume, or both were measured in 170 normal, anemic, or polycythemic subjects. For anemic subjects without a serum protein abnormality or splenomegaly, the relationship between hematocrit and red cell volume was linear and predictable. In patients with a serum monoclonal globulin on electrophoresis, the plasma volume was significantly increased for the hematocrit in 30%, and the total blood volume was increased in 45%. The frequency of an elevated plasma volume was higher in patients with a markedly increased level of monoclonal protein. Reductions of abnormal proteins with chemotherapy were associated with declines in plasma volume. For a specific concentration, the serum viscosity was highest in patients with IgM [immunoglobulin M] proteins and lowest in patients with IgG globulins. Marked elevations in viscosity were noted only in sera with macroglobulinemia or with more than 5 g/dl of IgG or IgA globulins.