[Amrit]

High beta-2 protein - does it mean multiple myeloma?

by Amrit on Sat Sep 17, 2016 6:16 am

I have a question regarding blood test results for my mother.

She has a high level of beta-2 protein, which is really worrying me. Her blood test results are following:

Total protein - 78.8 g/l (normal range is 66-83)
Albumin - 51.6 % (normal range is 53.1- 66.4)
Alpha1 - 10.9% (normal range is 3.2-5.7)
Alpha-2 - 7.3% (normal range is 7.5-12.4)
Beta-1 - 7.3% (normal range is 5.2-8.1)
Beta-2 - 22.5 % (normal range is 3.7-5.5)
Gamma - 0.4 % (normal range is 10.3-19.6)

CRP - 6.5mg/l ( normal range is <5)
Haemoglobin - 12.4 (normal range is 11.5-16)
Iron - 44.1 (normal range is 60-180)
Creatinine - 0.58 mg/dl (normal range is 0.51-0.95)

One year back, her bone marrow biopsy was conducted and it was found all normal.

Please help me to understand these results, I am really stressed whether is can be related to multiple myeloma.

Thanks in advance.

[Multibilly]

Re: High beta-2 protein - does it mean multiple myeloma?

by Multibilly on Sat Sep 17, 2016 9:13 am

Hi Amrit,

I'm assuming there were no other entries on the serum protein electrophoresis test results than those which you posted (e.g. an entry labeled abnormal band, M-spike, etc.)?

What did the serum immunofixation test state?

What did her quantified immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, IgM) test state?

Without knowing the results of the aforementioned tests, you really can't say if multiple myeloma might be in play based on just the test results you posted. I'm not a doc, but the elevated beta2 fraction could simply be due to an infection that might be raising one of the immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA and/or IgM) levels. Alternatively, the beta2 fraction could be elevated because her beta-lipoprotein level might be elevated (beta-lipoprotein lives in the beta2 region and can become elevated when there is an iron deficiency). In any case, a doctor really needs to make the interpretation.

If these are the only test results you have, I would suggest not assuming something like multiple myeloma and to go over the test results with a hematologist.

[Amrit]

Re: High beta-2 protein - does it mean multiple myeloma?

by Amrit on Sat Sep 17, 2016 5:47 pm

Hey Multibilly,

Thanks for the quick reply. I will ask her doctor to conduct all tests suggested by you.

I am really worried. Does the low gamma globulin suggest something? She has very low gamma values.

Also her bone marrow biopsy was conducted one year back, and everything was found normal. But can things change so quickly in one year?

Thanks again for replying and helping us out

[Multibilly]

Re: High beta-2 protein - does it mean multiple myeloma?

by Multibilly on Sat Sep 17, 2016 10:47 pm

Amrit,

Low gamma globulin levels can be caused by a wide variety of things.

Again, you likely need some additional tests and discussions with the doctor to sort this out. I'd really encourage you to chat this over with the doc rather than try to come up with possibilities on your own with this very limited data.