Vnitr Lek 1993, 39(8):817-827

[Damage caused by monoclonal immunoglobulins and possibilities of therapy. 1].

Z Adam: II. interní klinika Fakultní nemocnice Brno,-Bohunice.

Pathological clones of plasma cells produce monoclonal immunoglobulins (M-Ig), either the entire molecule or only light chains. These proteins lead in the organism to various pathological process. The increased blood viscosity causes eyesight damage. Impaired coagulation or haemolysis caused by cold agglutinins are frequent. Depending on the orientation of the antigenic determinant of M-Ig, nervous and muscular structures suffer damage, as well as the kidney; metabolic disorders, hypoglycaemia or endocrinopathies may develop. Some of the mentioned disorders are readily diagnosed, some can be detected only by an aimed examination. The presented review should help early diagnosis of these pathological processes.