[pwood369]

Elevated kappa and lambda levels with high k/l ratio

by pwood369 on Tue Jul 01, 2014 11:11 pm

My kappa level is 658 mg/dL, lambda is 221 mg/dL and ratio is 3.0. Total protein is 8.3 with gamma globulin level of 2.6. Can anyone tell me what this might be? Should I be concerned?

[antelope1225]

Re: Elevated kappa and lambda levels with high k/l ratio

by antelope1225 on Tue Jul 01, 2014 11:21 pm

My paperwork says:

Normal kappa free light chains should be 0.33 - 1.94 mg/dL
Normal lambda free light chains should be 0.57 - 2.63 mg/dL
The kappa/lambda free light chain ratio should be 0.26 - 1.65
Total protein should be 6.2 - 8.4

So, your total protein is still in normal range, but I would talk to your doctor.

[dnalex]

Re: Elevated kappa and lambda levels with high k/l ratio

by dnalex on Tue Jul 01, 2014 11:23 pm

Hello,

What are your GFR (glomerular filtration rate), albumin, and creatinine levels?

I am not a physician, and so therefore inadequate at making lab results interpretation, but it does look like that both your serum/plasma kappas and lambdas are elevated, as well as elevated kappa to lambda ratio.

Are your kidneys functioning normally?

[Ron Harvot]

Re: Elevated kappa and lambda levels with high k/l ratio

by Ron Harvot on Wed Jul 02, 2014 9:39 am

I second what dnalex is suggesting. An elevated concentration of both the lambda and kappa light chains combined with a high ratio is indicative of some form of monoclonal gammopathy (MGUS, smoldering myeloma, or multiple myeloma) plus renal impairment.

The potential for renal impairment would be my first concern.

Ron

[Dr. Heather Landau]

Re: Elevated kappa and lambda levels with high k/l ratio

by Dr. Heather Landau on Thu Jul 03, 2014 12:34 pm

Pwood369,

It sounds like the advice you have gotten thus far from others is good. When both kappa and lambda levels are high, it usually means the kidneys are not clearing these free light chains.

Alternately, it may mean that you have an infection or another source of inflammation that has your immune system amped up, causing a "polyclonal gammopathy".

Lastly, when patients are on Revlimid maintenance, we can see elevations in both light chains as the result of a polyclonal gammopathy.

I would encourage you to speak to your MD. Hope this helps!

[pwood369]

Re: Elevated kappa and lambda levels with high k/l ratio

by pwood369 on Thu Jul 03, 2014 7:57 pm

Thank you for all the help. I have an appointment with a hematologist on July 14th. So we shall see. Wish me luck!

Thanks again,
Patti

[Beacon Staff]

Re: Elevated kappa and lambda levels with high k/l ratio

by Beacon Staff on Thu Jul 03, 2014 10:25 pm

Glad you've made an appointment, Patti. Let us know what you find out. We hope it turns out to be nothing serious.