[Rhonda]

Serum protein electrophoresis results: is my M-spike 0?

by Rhonda on Sat Feb 13, 2016 2:00 pm

Hi

I know there are a lot of very smart people out there that can hopefully answer this probably simple question.

I recently had a serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) done and the results read as follows:

SPEP/IFE Interpretation

Suspicious broadening of the complement component in the beta region. Hypo­gamma­globuli­nemia. Suggest IFE to rule out or define a gammopathy, if clinically indicated. Immunofixation electro­phoresis (IFE) is a more sensitive technique for the identification of small M-proteins.

I don't want to sound stupid, but this is where I would normally find my M-spike reading. Is this suggesting my Mm-spike is zero?

If you could help, that would eliminate me having to wait and talk with my doctor next week.

Thank you
Rhonda

[Multibilly]

Re: Serum protein electrophoresis results: is my M-spike 0?

by Multibilly on Sat Feb 13, 2016 3:21 pm

Hi Rhonda,

First off, I'm not a doc, so please check with yours.

This sounds like a pathologist's interpretation of your SPEP graph and that you may possibly be experiencing hypo­gamma­globuli­nemia (which could be the result of your multiple myeloma treatment). Hypo­gamma­globulinemia appears differently on an SPEP graph than does an M-spike. Hypogammaglobulinemia tends to flatten out / broaden a region on your SPEP graph. On the other hand, M-spikes on an SPEP graph are just what they sound like - a very distinct and narrow spike. You can get a clue if hypo­gamma­globuli­nemia is potentially occurring by looking at your quantified immunoglobulin level test results and check if your IgG, IgA, etc are below their normal levels.

Your IFE test result (probably a separate entry and different from your SPEP graph) is usually a written comment that will tell you if any M-spike exists at all. The IFE would say what isotype (IgG lambda, etc) the M-spike is (if one is present), but it won't give the actual value.

On your SPEP protein level results, there should be listing a series of several different protein values such as your gamma, gamma globulin, and albumin values, and then a listing or notation for your M-spike value (if one is present). An M-spike may also be referred to as a paraprotein, M-protein, abnormal protein band, monoclonal protein, etc on the SPEP test results. If no M-spike exists per the IFE, it may not be listed at all with the aforementioned protein values.

Hope this isn't too confusing. Let me know if you have any questions.

[Rhonda]

Re: Serum protein electrophoresis results: is my M-spike 0?

by Rhonda on Sat Feb 13, 2016 4:06 pm

Hi Multibilly

Thank you for the response.

My IgM has been low since diagnosis but continues to increase with treatment.

My Urine Protien Electrophoresis / IFE interpretation is as follows:

Urine is negative for monoclonal Free Light Chains (Bence Jones Protein).

The values within this test appear to be all within normal range. I guess I can assume this is good news. I will definitely talk with the doctor next week.

Based on your answer, this was not a simple question, but then again what is simple with myeloma!

Thanks again,
Rhonda

[Multibilly]

Re: Serum protein electrophoresis results: is my M-spike 0?

by Multibilly on Sat Feb 13, 2016 4:17 pm

Glad to be of some help.

I'm guessing that you already know that urine PEP is a completely different measurement than the SPEP. Even though they call the presence of Bence Jones protein (FLCs) in one's urine an "M-spike", this is completely different than the M-spike measured by the serum PEP. I've never understood why the medical industry has to make these things so confusing and why labs can't agree on set of common terminology (and measurement values) that don't have dual meanings.

In any case, it's great news that you have no FLCs in your urine! Sounds like you are responding well to your treatment.