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Published on: March 29, 2017
Prevalence of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance
Robert A Kyle1, Terry M Therneau, S Vincent Rajkumar
1Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn 55905, USA. kyle.robert@mayo.edu
Background:
The prevalence of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), a premalignant plasma-cell disorder, among persons 50 years of age or older has not been accurately determined. We used sensitive laboratory techniques to ascertain the prevalence of MGUS in a large population in a well-defined geographic area.
Methods:
We identified all living residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, as of January 1, 1995. We obtained serum that remained after the performance of routine clinical tests at Mayo Clinic or asked subjects for whom such serum was unavailable to provide a sample. Agarose-gel electrophoresis was performed on all serum samples, and any serum sample with a discrete band of monoclonal protein or thought to have a localized band was subjected to immunofixation.
Results:
Serum samples were obtained from 21,463 of the 28,038 enumerated residents 50 years of age or older (76.6 percent). MGUS was identified in 694 (3.2 percent) of these persons. Age-adjusted rates were higher in men than in women (4.0 percent vs. 2.7 percent, P<0.001). The prevalence of MGUS was 5.3 percent among persons 70 years of age or older and 7.5 percent among those 85 years of age or older. The concentration of monoclonal immunoglobulin was less than 1.0 g per deciliter in 63.5 percent and at least 2.0 g per deciliter in only 4.5 percent of 694 persons. The concentration of uninvolved immunoglobulins was reduced in 27.7 percent of 447 persons tested, and 21.5 percent of 79 tested had a monoclonal urinary light chain.
Conclusions:
Among residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, MGUS was found in 3.2 percent of persons 50 years of age or older and 5.3 percent of persons 70 years of age or older.
Insights
The prevalence of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) was found in 3.2% of individuals aged 50 and older. This premalignant plasma-cell disorder affects 5.3% of those 70 and older, with higher rates in men.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a premalignant plasma-cell disorder.
- Accurate prevalence data for MGUS in individuals aged 50 and older is lacking.
- This study aimed to determine MGUS prevalence in a large, defined population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To accurately determine the prevalence of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) in individuals aged 50 years and older.
- To investigate demographic variations in MGUS prevalence.
- To characterize monoclonal protein levels and immunoglobulin concentrations in identified cases.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from Olmsted County, Minnesota residents aged 50+ as of January 1, 1995.
- Sensitive laboratory techniques including agarose-gel electrophoresis and immunofixation were employed.
- Prevalence was calculated based on 21,463 participants, representing 76.6% of the target population.
Main Results:
- MGUS was identified in 694 (3.2%) of the 21,463 participants.
- Prevalence increased with age: 5.3% in those 70+ and 7.5% in those 85+.
- Higher age-adjusted rates were observed in men (4.0%) compared to women (2.7%).
Conclusions:
- MGUS prevalence is 3.2% in individuals aged 50 and older in Olmsted County, Minnesota.
- The prevalence rises to 5.3% in those aged 70 and older.
- Findings highlight the importance of age and sex in MGUS prevalence.
