[sunshine15]

Lab interpretation - beta-2 microglobulin & M-spike

by sunshine15 on Tue Jun 28, 2011 7:11 pm

Hi All-

I was wondering if anyone has had similar labs results or could explain the relationship between beta-2 microglobulin and M-spike.

During my hospital stay last week (from calcium / glucose complications), they tested the myeloma. Today we received the results and my M-Spike decreased from 1.4 to 0.08 g/dL. My doctor ran the tests again today and we're anxiously awaiting the results. Slowly labs are posted on the patient online portal. One of the first labs to be posted was the beta-2 microglobulin. Unfortunately for some reason the value has increased in 1 month (unfortunately I do not have the B2M values for last week as it was a hospital stay and only clinic results are posted) from 1.9 to 3.0. I'm still waiting the results for the M-spike and IgG.

My question is: If the doctor told us today that last week's results were great and showed a drop in the M-spike and IgG, how could the B2M increase? I went from being ecstatic to extremely concerned.

Has anyone had similar labs? Is the B2M insignificant at this time.

Thank you so much!

[Dr. Edward Libby]

Re: Lab interpretation - beta-2 microglobulin & M-spike

by Dr. Edward Libby on Wed Jun 29, 2011 1:09 pm

Hello,

Beta-2 microglobulin is far less important than the fall in m-spike. If your m-spike is falling then the myeloma is responding.

Beta-2 microglobulin is affected by kidney function, so if you have renal insufficiency this could be the cause. In addition, the fall in beta2 microglobulin could lag behind the m-spike.

What is the normal range for beta 2 microglobulin in this laboratory?

Overall I think the minor elevation is not clinically important and you should continue to be pleased about the m-spike response.

[sunshine15]

Re: Lab interpretation - beta-2 microglobulin & M-spike

by sunshine15 on Wed Jun 29, 2011 4:06 pm

Thank you Dr. Libby! Wheeww, what a relief.

The normal range for the lab is <2.7 mg/L. I was just a bit worried as the B2M increased from 1.9 to 3.0 in one month. Thank you for easing my mind. I've had so many setbacks it's nice to hear and enjoy some good news. The advice you give to everyone on this site is priceless and truly appreciated!!!

I will focus on the IgG and M-spike. Hopefully the numbers continue to decrease