Understanding Disorders of Plasma Protein Metabolism: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

What is it?

Disorders of plasma protein metabolism are a group of disorders of unknown etiology. These disorders are characterized by a disproportionate proliferation of a single clone of B cells and presence of monoclonal immunoglobulin or polypeptide subunit in serum, urine or both. Complications of plasma cell proliferation and M-protein production including organ damage- mainly the kidney, imparied immunity, amyloidosis in the kidney and the heart, and bone marrow damage.Plasma cell disorders may vary from asymptomatic, stable condition (only the monoclonal protein is present) to progressive cancer such as multiple myeloma. Rarely, transient plasma cell disorders occur in patients with drug hypersensitivity (eg, sulfonamide, phenytoin, and penicillin), with presumed viral infections, and after heart or transplant surgery.

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Additional names

This group contains additional names:
- Atypical pseudocholinesterase deficiency

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms of plasma protein metabolism may vary and include easy bruising, slow blood clotting, fatigue, ridged nails, hair loss, rashes, headache, nausea, bone pain, numbness in the feet and legs, weight loss, thirst, and frequent infections.

Diagnosis

Plasma cell disorders may be suspected because of clinical manifestations most often bone disease, renal failure, and low blood counts, or an incidental finding of elevated serum protein. To diagnose disorders of plasma protein metabolism, plasma protein tests may be performed. Elevated protein levels may be associated with bone marrow disorders, infections, inflammation. Another test called A/G ratio may be done, the normal ratio is 1 and a higher or lower ratio may indicate different problems. Electrophoresis often detects an M-protein and/or elevated serum free light chains.

Treatment

Treatment varies depending on the specific disorder. Treatment May include coagulation factors, immunoglobulins, hyperimmune globulins, alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor, albumin,C1-esterase inhibitor.

☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.

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Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:

National Institution of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ University of Illinois hospital