Transient paraproteinemia: an intriguing immunological anomaly

Serum transient paraproteins are small monoclonal immunoglobulins that are induced by a self-limiting regulatory defect in the control of certain terminally differentiated B-cell clones. Relatively uncommon and ill-defined in the medical literature, such proteins may be regarded as immunologic anomalies. Their clinical significance and potential impact on patient management are poorly understood. To elucidate this phenomenon, we reviewed the serum transient paraproteins that were encountered in a large community hospital during a 12 mo period. Twelve transient paraproteins were identified in a total of 895 serum protein electrophoreses reviewed (1.3% incidence). The relationships of the transient paraproteins to specific diseases were studied.