In a nutshell
This paper studied the risk of stroke in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. The risk of stroke is increased in patients with certain type of multiple myeloma and a high creatinine level.
Some background
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells of the blood. The risk of a stroke is higher in patients with cancer. Initial studies have found that the risk of stroke is 1.5 times higher in patients with multiple myeloma compared to patients without multiple myeloma. Studies are limited on the risk factors of stroke in patients with multiple myeloma.
Methods & findings
395 patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma were observed. They were followed-up for an average 18 months. 39.5% of patients had kidney disease. 29% of patients had high blood pressure. 17% of patients had heart failure. 16.4% of patients had diabetes.
16 patients (4%) had a stroke. Of these, 10 were ischemic (stroke caused by lack blood) and 6 were hemorrhagic (stroke caused by bleeding). The average time to a stroke was 13 months. It was estimated that after 5 years, 7.45% of patients would have had a stroke.
A previous stroke increased the risk of a stroke by 5.16 times. Multiple myeloma with the κ light chain isotype (a type of antibody) increased the risk of a stroke by 8.37 times. A creatinine level of less than 2mg/dL (type of molecule indicating kidney function) also increased the risk of a stroke by 4.21 times. When various factors were considered, age of more than 70 and stage 3 myeloma did not increase the risk of stroke. Atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rhythm) increased the risk of an ischemic stroke.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that the risk of stroke is increased in those with κ light chain multiple myeloma, previous cardiovascular events, and a high creatinine level.
The fine print
There was a small number of patients who had a stroke.
Published By :
Hematological Oncology
Date :
Dec 01, 2017
