Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS, unknown or uncertain may be substituted for undertermined) is a condition in which a low or non-quantifiable level of a monoclonal paraprotein is detected in the blood by means of protein electrophoresis. It is generally benign with patients experiencing no ill health, but there is a very small risk (1-2% a year) that this might progress to multiple myeloma. In addition, some patients develop a polyneuropathy (damage to peripheral nerves) or other problems related to the secreted antibody. more...

The protein electrophoresis test should be repeated annually and if there is any concern for a rise in the level, then prompt referral to a haematologist is required. The haematologist, when first evaluating a case of MGUS, usually performs a skeletal survey (X-rays of the proximal skeleton), checks the blood for hypercalcemia and deterioration in the renal function and performs a bone marrow biopsy. If none of these tests are abnormal, a patient with MGUS is followed up once every 6 months to a year.

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