[Prognostic value of serum beta2-microglobulin in multiple myeloma]

We have analysed a series of 96 patients with multiple myeloma (MM) to the purpose to verify the prognostic meaning of the beta2-microglobulin (B2M) and the validity of the staging systems proposed by Bataille and Jacobson who use the B2M respectively associated to the serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and to the serum albumin. In our series of patients the serum level of B2M at the diagnosis was directly correlated with the myelomatous cellular mass. We have found besides an inverse correlation between B2M and survival. Also the serum level of CRP was inversely correlated with the survival, while a direct correlation was found between the serum albumin and the survival: ipoalbuminemia was confirmed as a predictive index of short survival. Staging our patients with MM according to the proposal of Bataille, we identified also in our series three prognostic groups with different median survival: respectively 72, 40 and 18 months. Applying finally the staging proposal of Jacobson to our series, four stages were individualized, with median survival respectively of 70, 52, 26 and 10 months. We confirm the prognostic value of the B2M in MM.