Renal involvement in 204 cases with multiple myeloma admitted over a 10-yea
r period to this tertiary care center in north India was retrospectively ex
amined. Renal involvement occurred in 55 cases (27%); the vast majority of
whom (94.5%) had presented with renal failure and 7.3% had nephrotic syndro
me. The diagnosis of multiple myeloma was made after admission in 51 of the
55 (92.7%) cases. Oliguria was seen in 23.6% and two-third patients requir
ed dialysis. Factors precipitating renal failure were identified in 53% and
included dehydration (33%), hypercalcemia (24%), nephrotoxic drugs (16%),
sepsis (9%), recent surgery (5%) and contrast media (2%). Severe anemia, hy
percalcemia, Bence Jones proteinuria and skeletal abnormalities were more f
requent in those with renal involvement. Patients with renal involvement we
re more likely to have a high tumor burden. The myeloma was of light chain
type in 68% of those with renal involvement whereas IgG myeloma was commone
st (57%) in those without evidence of renal disease. Renal histology was st
udied in 27 cases with myeloma cast nephropathy seen in over 60%. Tubuloint
erstitial nephritis was seen in 14% cases. 11% had amyloidosis, 7% had acut
e tubular necrosis and 3.6% each had nodular glomerulosclerosis and plasma
cell infiltration. In 8 cases (14.6%). renal biopsy provided the first clue
to the diagnosis of myeloma. Renal function improved in 33% cases. Only 22
% of patients on dialysis survived over 6 months. Median survival in those
with renal involvement was only 4 months. Development of unexplained renal
failure in an elderly individual with normal sized kidneys, in association
with disproportionate anemia even in the absence of skeletal lesions should
alert the physician to the diagnosis of multiple myeloma.