Multiple myeloma and pregnancy: a case report and literature review

Multiple myeloma, a hematological malignancy generally affecting elderly people, was diagnosed at the beginning of the pregnancy of a 33-year-old woman. We carried out a literature review in order to evaluate the consequences of this cancer on pregnancy and of pregnancy on multiple myeloma, as to determine the specific follow-up required.

A systematic search for articles of interest published between 1949 and 16 November 2010 was performed in MEDLINE, SCOPUS and EMBASE, using the words "multiple myeloma" and "pregnancy". We identified 398 publications of potential interest, 20 of which were selected and included in the analysis.

The selected articles included 26 cases. No specific risk factors were identified in pregnant women. The most common presentations were bone pain and/or anemia, as in the general population. Pregnancy seemed to have no effect on multiple myeloma progression. Most pregnancies went to term, with only two medical terminations and six cesareans performed before term, due to the severity of the cancer. No effect of the cancer or its treatment by chemotherapy during pregnancy was found in the children.

Pregnancy does not seem to be contraindicated in women with multiple myeloma. Nevertheless, the management of pregnant patients with multiple myeloma is a diagnostic, therapeutic and social challenge, requiring a multidisciplinary approach and regular follow-up. Decisions should be taken based on the severity of the disease, its prognosis and maternal choice.