Plasma-Cell Myeloma

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Abstract
Pathologic Proteinuria and Renal InsufficiencyImpairment of renal function, characterized by nitrogen retention in the absence of hypertension, occurs in over 50 per cent of cases of plasma-cell myeloma.1–9 In many cases, the renal damage can be directly related to the excretion of abnormal, low-molecular-weight Bence-Jones proteins and the damaging effects of these proteins on the renal tubules and ultimately on the entire nephron,131 132 133 whereas in others, a combination of pathogenic mechanisms may be responsible.131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 Thus, hypercalcemia and excessive calcium loading of the kidneys may produce transient or, at times, irreversible tubular damage; anemia, per se, may compromise renal function, . . .