[luvdogz]

Can you please look at my test results?

by luvdogz on Wed Aug 01, 2012 9:04 am

Hi everyone. First let me say that I have no dx, but recently had another SPEP done, and had some questions about the results.

Protein 7.5 (6.3-8.0)
Albumin 3.79(3.9-4.9)
Alpha1 Globulin .29 (.2-.5)
Alpha 2 Globulin 1.00 (.4-.8)
Beta Globulin 1.37 (.5-.9)
Gamma Globulin 1.05 (.7-1.4)
Alb/Glob Ratio 1.02
No discrete abnormal bands identified
IFE is negative

I had a BMB in 11/09, because my IgA went up over 100 in a month. The reading was 600 at that time. My IgM is low, around 25. The BMB was negative, but had 6% plasma cells.

The #'s on the SPEP compared to the last 3 I had, are getting higher each time they are done, especially the Alpha 2 and Beta. The protein is going higher and albumin is going lower.

Unfortunatley my new PCP did not run the Immunoglobulins, but I have asked him to. I am concerned with what the IgA may be up to now.

I have many aches and pains and fatigue and have not felt right for some time. All the autoimmune test so far are negative, ANA, SED rate, CRP, Rheum factor, Lupus, etc. I recently had a 7 week bout of Costochondritis. I have low back and hip pain, but have been told it is muscular.

I do not want this to be multiple myeloma or MGUS, but am concerned that something may being missed, or that something else is going on? To my knowlege, I have not had a Chain test, not sure what it is called?

My main question is, I guess, do those #'s mean anything on the SPEP if there is no m spike? The Dr told me they are normal, but if they are out of range, how can that be?

Thank you for your time.

[Dr. Adam Cohen]

Re: Can you please look at my test results?

by Dr. Adam Cohen on Wed Aug 01, 2012 10:06 pm

With a negative serum IFE and no M-spike on SPEP, an MGUS or myeloma is unlikely. If you get serum free light chains tested and the kappa:lambda ratio is normal, then it's extremely unlikely. Sometimes immunoglobulins and/or portions of the SPEP can be elevated without an M-spike - this is a non-specific finding but can sometimes reflect some underlying inflammation in the body, such as from chronic infections (e.g hepatitis, HIV, Lyme disease), liver disease, or autoimmune disease. Sounds like your doctor is working you up for some of these. If work-up remains negative, then given your musculoskeletal symptoms an evaluation by a rheumatologist may be helpful.
Hope this is helpful.