Clinical profile of multiple myeloma in a tertiary medical college northern Kerala, India

Abstract

Introduction: Multiple myeloma is a clonal plasma cell disorder which varies its clinical course ranging from relatively indolent form to frankly aggressive neoplasia. Objectives: To study the clinical profile of Multiple myeloma. Materials and Methods: Descriptive study was conducted at a tertiary medical College in Kerala. 70 patients of Multiple myeloma was found with help of laboratory work up including urine Bence Jones with heat coagulation method. Serum albumin, calcium, uric acid was also done using standard biochemical kits. X-ray of Thoracic, Lumbar spine, Humerus, Hip region was evaluated. The frequency of variables was expressed as proportions and analysed. Results: The mean age of males was 62 and females 59 appropriately. The male/female ratio of Multiple myeloma was found to be 1.6:1. The associated neurological symptoms were root pain for 14.3% of patients. Almost 8.6% had paraparesis and 2.9% were suffering from paraplegia and 1.4% had quadriplegia, paraesthesia, buldging right eye and diplopia. Anemia was found in 87.1% and ESR was raised above 30 in 92.8% of patients. The total count more than Eleven thousand was found for 10% and less than four thousand for 1.4% of patients. Easnophilia was seen among 7.1%, 1.4% of patients had Peripheral smear >10% and Electrophoresis M band was seen in 78.6% of patients. Lytic lesions on X- Ray Skull neck were found in 62.9% and X Ray Spine were found in 1.4% of patients. Conclusion: 70 cases detected at a tertiary Medical College at Northern Kerala in a year indicate significant incidence of the disease. Professional Medical Associations should give importance to this topic and case studies of Multiple Myeloma should be included in medical conferences to raise the competence of doctors regarding the disease. Keywords: Multiple Myeloma, Northern Kerala.