Abstract
Background: The incidence of multiple myeloma (MM) is known to be variable according to ethnicity
and is increasing rapidly in Asian countries. Because of huge disparities in economy,
lack of adequate health-care infrastructure and the lack of access to novel drugs
in our country, treatment of multiple myeloma is still a challenge to medical field
in India. Methods: This was a descriptive longitudinal study conducted in the medicine and oncology
units of a tertiary care hospital in south India. During the one year period of data
collection, 37 cases of multiple myeloma were diagnosed, of which 5 cases were excluded.
The diagnosis of MM was made based on the International Myeloma Working Group: Criteria
for the classification of monoclonal gammopathies, multiple myeloma and related disorders.
The clinical and laboratory characteristics, and treatment were studied. Results: The male to female ratio was 1.3:1. The commonest symptoms noticed were fatigue 32
(100%) and bone pain 31 (96.9%). 6 (18.8%) patients had hypercalcemia and 7 (21.9%)
patients had elevated serum creatinine levels. 29 (91%) of 32 had lytic lesions in
the skull and 27 (84%) had lytic lesions in the spine. One patient expired during
the course of the treatment. 20 (64%) of 32 patients had partial response to treatment,
7 (23%) had complete response and 4 (13%) of them had stable disease not responding
to treatment. Conclusions: To conclude, the patients with multiple myeloma in the
present study had a male preponderance. Most common symptoms noticed were fatigue
and bone pain and majority had spine tenderness on examination. The presentation of
MM is non-specific and patient can come with varied presentations at onset. The quality
of life and survival in MM patients can be improved significantly if there is access
to newer therapies.
Keywords
Clinical profile - multiple myeloma - South India
