The clinical and laboratory features of plasma cell neoplasialn the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the clinical and laboratory features of Multiple Myeloma at presentation in a tertiary centre in Port Harcourt Southern Nigeria.

METHODS

The medical records of all patients diagnosed for plasma cell neoplasia within a 10 year period at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical presentation, investigation results, support and specific therapy used were documented.

RESULTS

A total 20 patients were diagnosed with multiple myeloma, 70% were male, the mean age was 61.30 +/- 8.8 years, 50% of them had pathological fractures. The mean duration before presentation was 11.89 +/- 11.7 months (Median = 7 months) and associated with poor outcome. The most common method treatment was chemotherapy with Melphalan and Predisolone.

CONCLUSION

MM is a disease of the elderly that can negatively impact on the quality of life due to the complications associated with it. A long duration of symptoms before presentation is a common problem and it has been associated with substantial morbidity and mortality in this study.