Increased prevalence of light chain monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (LC-MGUS) in first-degree relatives of individuals with multiple myeloma

Br J Haematol. 2012 May;157(4):472-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2012.09075.x.

Abstract

Previously, we reported increased risk of heavy-chain (HC) monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) among first-degree (1°) relatives of multiple myeloma (MM) or HC-MGUS probands. This study investigated whether there was comparable risk for light-chain (LC) MGUS among 911 relatives of the same HC-MGUS/MM probands versus a reference population of 21 463. Seventeen 1° relatives had LC-MGUS (adjusted prevalence = 1·7%, 95% CI = 0·9–2·6%). There was increased risk of LC-MGUS in relatives of MM probands (RR = 3·4, 95% CI = 2·0–5·5). We saw no increased risk in relatives of HC-MGUS probands. We conclude that the prevalence of LC-MGUS is significantly higher among 1° relatives of MM probands compared to the reference population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Family
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Light Chains*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance / complications*
  • Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance / epidemiology*
  • Multiple Myeloma / complications*
  • Prevalence

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin Light Chains