Role of Gamma Globulin for Immunoprophylaxis in Multiple Myeloma

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Abstract
BACTERIAL infection is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with multiple myeloma.1 , 2 Although most patients have large amounts of homogeneous myeloma immunoglobulin present in the serum or urine, these globulins appear to lack antibody function, and patients with myeloma often have impaired response to antigenic stimulation and reduced levels of normal immune globulins.3 , 4 Delayed hypersensitivity mechanisms are usually intact.5 These findings are qualitatively similar to defects in host defense observed in patients with primary agammaglobulinemia, in whom prophylactic gamma-globulin injections have proved to be of great value in reducing the frequency of serious infections.6 Because . . .