[blair77]

Rise in SPEP total protein - does it mean relapse?

by blair77 on Sat Apr 12, 2014 9:15 am

I can only access the total SPEP score which is 7.2 ( it was never out of the normal range even when he had a M spike) since his remission it has never been above a 6.8 always less then 6.8 for over a year and now 7.2. I can only think a relapse must be causing this rise? Is there any other explanation? He was deemed " stringent complete response" less then 60 days ago!!!

[Multibilly]

Re: Rise in SPEP total protein - does it mean relapse?

by Multibilly on Sat Apr 12, 2014 9:56 am

I would suggest not trying to get worked up about this one lab result until you have all the other data in. An SPEP total protein count sums many different proteins in your blood . A small rise in one's total protein count can be due to something as simple as dehydration or just regular variation of one's numbers.

Last edited by Multibilly on Sun Apr 13, 2014 8:18 am, edited 2 times in total.

[AliceNorth]

Re: Rise in SPEP total protein - does it mean relapse?

by AliceNorth on Sat Apr 12, 2014 1:05 pm

My protein levels vary quite a bit from month to month. On diagnosis 3 years ago, they were very low due to a very low albumin caused by nephrotic syndrome and amyloid kidney. On reaching complete response, my albumin level continued to improve. During the last 18 months with a normal albumin level, my protein level has ranged anywhere between 61 and 69 (6.1 and 6.9) often a seemingly large jump from one month to the next before coming down again. My FLC shows I am still in complete response. Don't panic!

[Dr. Jason Valent]

Re: Rise in SPEP total protein - does it mean relapse?

by Dr. Jason Valent on Tue Apr 15, 2014 8:25 am

Need the M-protein to know if the rise in total protein is significant or not.

[blair77]

Re: Rise in SPEP total protein - does it mean relapse?

by blair77 on Wed Apr 16, 2014 3:53 pm

There was no M protein found but I am still worried that this rise could still be an ominous sign.

[Multibilly]

Re: Rise in SPEP total protein - does it mean relapse?

by Multibilly on Wed Apr 16, 2014 4:15 pm

Blair, if your M-Spike is zero, then which of your specific proteins in your latest SPEP has you concerned? Various protein levels fluctuate from day to day in a perfectly healthy person.

[blair77]

Re: Rise in SPEP total protein - does it mean relapse?

by blair77 on Thu Apr 17, 2014 12:26 pm

Multibilly,
I guess it is a silly thing to worry about. I just worry about any test fluctuations out of the norm.