Renal, hematologic and infectious complications in multiple myeloma

Renal failure is a common complication in patients with multiple myeloma. It is generally due to tubular light-chain damage, and it is reversible in about 50% of patients. The reversibility rate depends on the degree of light-chain nephropathy. The initial therapy should consist of dexamethasone- or cyclophosphamide-based regimens. High-dose therapy/autologous transplant may be of benefit in selected patients. Early plasma exchange may be useful in patients who have severe renal failure but do not yet require dialysis. Renal replacement with dialysis is a worthwhile measure in patients with end-stage renal failure. Anemia is the most common hematologic complication. About 70% of anemic patients respond to recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO), resulting not only in an increase in the hemoglobin level but also in an improvement in the quality of life. The hemoglobin level should ideally be maintained at around 12 g/dL. Infection is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with myeloma. The highest risk of infection is within the first 2 months of initiation of therapy as well as in patients with renal failure and in those with relapsed and refractory disease.