Why do multiple myeloma patients get infections?

Why do multiple myeloma patients get infections?

Infection is a major complication and a leading cause of death in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) [1]. The risk of infection is due to a multifactorial immunodeficiency caused by the disease itself and the treatment regimens given during the different phases of therapy [2].

What infections are associated with multiple myeloma?

The most common infections were meningitis, septicemia, pneumonia, osteomyelitis, cellulitis, and pyelonephritis. The risk of viral infections was 10-fold higher overall and 18-fold during the first year. Influenza infection and herpes zoster were the most frequent viral infections.

Is multiple myeloma a bacterial infection?

Characteristics of patients with myeloma, and their matched controls. The majority of infections were bacterial: 87\% in MM patients and 85\% in controls. Overall, multiple myeloma patients had a significant 7-fold (HR=7.1; 95\%CI: 6.8–7.4) increased risk of developing any infection compared to matched controls.

Can multiple myeloma cause UTI?

A total of 59 infections were encountered in 29/46 patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Most infections arose in the urinary tract (31\%), respiratory tract (29\%), followed by blood (12\%), oropharynx (12\%), skin and soft tissue (7\%).

What chemicals cause multiple myeloma?

People who have been exposed to radiation or to asbestos, benzene, pesticides, and other chemicals used in rubber manufacturing may be at higher risk for developing myeloma. People often exposed to wood products, such as carpenters, furniture makers, and paper makers, are also at higher risk.

Can multiple myeloma cause pneumonia?

“We found the risk of specific infections, such as pneumonia and septicemia to be more than 10 times higher in patients than in controls during the first year after diagnosis of multiple myeloma.” The infection rate doubled between the earliest and latest years included in the analysis, which spanned 1988 to 2004.

Is there a way to prevent multiple myeloma?

For example, smoking causes most lung cancers. This provides an opportunity for prevention. With multiple myeloma, few cases are linked to risk factors that can be avoided, so there is no known way to prevent most multiple myelomas from developing.

How does multiple myeloma affect white blood cells?

Multiple myeloma is a cancer that forms in a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell. Healthy plasma cells help you fight infections by making antibodies that recognize and attack germs. In multiple myeloma, cancerous plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow and crowd out healthy blood cells. Rather than produce helpful antibodies, the

What are the possible complications of multiple myeloma?

As it progresses, bone pain, anemia, kidney dysfunction, and infections may occur. Complications may include amyloidosis. The cause of multiple myeloma is unknown. Risk factors include obesity, radiation exposure, family history, and certain chemicals.

What is multiple myeloma (MM)?

Multiple myeloma ( MM ), also known as plasma cell myeloma and simply myeloma, is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that normally produces antibodies. Often, no symptoms are noticed initially.