High and low M protein levels, often referred to as M spike, are indicators of the presence and activity of abnormal plasma cells in the body. Here are the key points:
High M Protein Levels
- Indication: High levels of M protein suggest the presence of abnormal plasma cells.
- Conditions: This can be a sign of multiple Show Full Answer
High and low M protein levels, often referred to as M spike, are indicators of the presence and activity of abnormal plasma cells in the body. Here are the key points:
High M Protein Levels:
- Indication: High levels of M protein suggest the presence of abnormal plasma cells.
- Conditions: This can be a sign of multiple myeloma or other plasma cell disorders.
- Diagnosis: High M protein levels are used to diagnose conditions, determine disease stage, monitor disease progression, and evaluate treatment effectiveness.
Low M Protein Levels:
- Indication: Lower levels of M protein may indicate monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).
- Conditions: MGUS is a condition with small numbers of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow, which can potentially progress to multiple myeloma or other diseases like lymphoma, Waldenström macroglobulinemia, or amyloidosis.
Tests to Measure M Protein:
- Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP): Measures overall M protein levels in the blood.
- Urine Protein Electrophoresis (UPEP): Measures M protein levels in the urine.
- Quantitative Immunoglobulins Testing: Used for tracking disease over time, especially in IgA myeloma.
Importance:
- Monitoring: M protein levels help in monitoring the effectiveness of treatments. Successful treatment will decrease M protein levels, ideally to zero.
- Staging: M protein levels are used in staging systems like the Durie-Salmon Staging System to determine the stage of myeloma.
Additional Notes:
- Types of M Protein: Determining the type of M protein (e.g., IgG, IgA) is crucial for diagnosing specific conditions. For instance, about 50% of people with multiple myeloma have M protein made up of IgG proteins.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the resources provided by MyMyelomaTeam.
August 15, 2024
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