title: Serum beta 2-microglobulin in myelomatosis: potential value in stratification and monitoring.
abstract: In a longitudinal study of the evolution of serum beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-m) levels in 37 patients with myelomatosis, those patients with a level of < 4 mg/l at first presentation had a median survival of 46 months, whereas those with an initial level of > mg/l had a median survival of 15 months. THe beta 2-m appeared to be independent of the level of the paraprotein and its class, as seen in a vertical study of 129 patients. Analysis of the influence of a rising serum creatinine on the serum beta 2-m indicates that beta 2-m production is excessive in advanced disease with or without renal failure. Practical application of the measurement of serum beta 2-m in the stratification and monitoring of patients is suggested.
mesh_terms: D001609:Beta-Globulins / Q000032:analysis*; D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000097:blood* / Q000401:mortality; D011379:Prognosis; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D001609:Beta-Globulins; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin; D003404:Creatinine