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[Incidence of monoclonal gammopathies in blood donors]
Abstract:
A routine screening of monoclonal gammopathies (M.G.) was performed in the serum from 36, 015 blood donors by cellulose acetate electrophoresis. The incidence of M.G. was estimated to 0.14 per cent. About 86 per cent of cases can be classified as asymptomatic M.G. and 14 per cent as malignant M.G. (myeloma or Waldenström macroglobulinemia). In asymptomatic forms, heavy chain classes are only IgG or IgM with a large predominance of IgG (86,4%). It is suggested that donors in whom M.G. have been detected should not be allowed to give blood. A yearly clinical, hematological and an immunoglobulin check-up is recommended to these patients in order to defect the first sign of a malignant process.
Insights
Routine blood donor screening detected monoclonal gammopathies (M.G.) in 0.14% of individuals. Most cases were asymptomatic, but a small percentage indicated potential malignancy, suggesting donor exclusion and regular follow-ups.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Clinical Chemistry
Context:
- Monoclonal gammopathies (M.G.) represent a spectrum of plasma cell disorders.
- Routine screening in blood donors can identify individuals with M.G.
Purpose:
- To determine the incidence of M.G. in a large blood donor population.
- To characterize the types of M.G. detected and assess their clinical implications.
Summary:
- Cellulose acetate electrophoresis screened 36,015 blood donors for M.G.
- The incidence of M.G. was found to be 0.14%.
- 86% of M.G. cases were asymptomatic, while 14% were malignant (myeloma or Waldenström macroglobulinemia). Asymptomatic forms predominantly involved IgG or IgM heavy chains.
Impact:
- Identifies a low but significant incidence of M.G. in blood donors.
- Suggests excluding donors with M.G. to ensure blood safety.
- Recommends regular clinical and immunoglobulin monitoring for early detection of malignant transformation.