[Bullitbob]

Interpreting lab results (primary amyloidosis)

by Bullitbob on Thu Sep 18, 2014 7:21 pm

Hello everyone,

My name is Bob and I am new to this forum. I was diagnosed with primary amyloidosis last May and have since gone into remission. I just received my lab results and need some help. Any help would be appreciated.

Lab result Value Reference range
 
Kappa free light chains 27.66 mg/L 3.30 - 19.40
Lambda free light chains 7.55 mg/L 5.71 - 26.30
Kappa/lambda FLC ratio 3.66 0.26 - 1.65

[Dr. James Hoffman]

Re: Interpreting lab results (primary amyloidosis)

by Dr. James Hoffman on Thu Sep 18, 2014 11:33 pm

Bob, it is always perilous to interpret a lab test out of context. However, as a guide, if you had kappa free light chain disease at the outset, and if, after treatment, you had normalization of the kappa free light chain number and (more importantly) the kappa/lambda ratio, then a rise in the ratio would suggest relapsing disease.

In light chain amyloidosis, picking up relapse early is critical so that treatment can be re-initiated before new amyloid deposits occur.

Hope this helps.

[Bullitbob]

Re: Interpreting lab results (primary amyloidosis)

by Bullitbob on Fri Sep 19, 2014 2:22 am

Note from my last post. My M-Spike did not elevate. It is normal.

Did you say I was relapsing or it could be possible that I am? I got these results about 2 weeks ago. I would think I would have gotten a call by now.

[Dr. James Hoffman]

Re: Interpreting lab results (primary amyloidosis)

by Dr. James Hoffman on Fri Sep 19, 2014 4:35 pm

Again, impossible to give you precise diagnosis in this way. However, the M-spike is not always positive in amyloidosis. That said, I usually like to see more than one rising number before conclusively calling something a relapse.

Hope this clarifies.

[Cheryl G]

Re: Interpreting lab results (primary amyloidosis)

by Cheryl G on Fri Sep 19, 2014 6:19 pm

Hi Bob,

What was your initial diagnosis? Were you first diagnosed with myeloma, and then later diagnosed with amyloidosis?

Also, when you say you were diagnosed "last May", do you mean May 2013, or May 2014?

Finally, what treatments have you received, and when?

As Dr. Hoffman said, it's really hard to say anything based on the results of a single lab test, particularly with so little information on your diagnosis and treatment history.

[Bullitbob]

Re: Interpreting lab results (primary amyloidosis)

by Bullitbob on Fri Sep 19, 2014 11:19 pm

Cheryl G,

I was diagnosed May 2013 with primary amyloidosis. I was never diagnosed with myeloma. I was treated with Velcade, and CyBorD. I went into remission in September 2013. Trying to figure your point.

Thanks

[Bullitbob]

Re: Interpreting lab results (primary amyloidosis)

by Bullitbob on Sun Dec 14, 2014 3:04 pm

Thank you Dr. Hoffman.