Malignant transformation in polyneuropathy associated with monoclonal gammopathy.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the frequency of hematologic malignancies at diagnosis and to determine the incidence and predictors of malignant transformation during follow-up in patients with polyneuropathy associated with monoclonal gammopathy.

METHODS

Potential predictors of malignant transformation from medical history, hematologic, neurologic, and laboratory examination performed each 6 months were evaluated by univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis.

RESULTS

Of 193 patients with polyneuropathy associated with monoclonal gammopathy, 17 patients had a hematologic malignancy at diagnosis. The incidence rate of malignant transformation in 176 patients without a malignancy at diagnosis was 2.7/100 patient years. Weight loss, progression of the polyneuropathy, unexplained fever or night sweats, and M-protein level were independent predictors.

CONCLUSIONS

Since hematologic malignancies occur frequently in polyneuropathy associated with monoclonal gammopathy, the authors suggest that all patients should be screened at diagnosis and subsequently during follow-up if malignant transformation is suspected.