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Monoclonal gammopathies in human aging: increased occurrence with age and correlation with health status
G J Ligthart1, J Radl, J X Corberand
1Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
To determine the incidence of monoclonal gammopathies (MG) in relation to the aging process as such, and to evaluate the influence of disease on the occurrence of MG, we studied 439 elderly subjects aged 75-84 years. These individuals were categorized into 4 groups on the basis of their health status. There was a group of "optimally healthy" elderly, a group of "apparently healthy" residents of homes for the aged, a group of geriatric outpatients and a group of randomly chosen inpatients from a general hospital. Whereas no MG were detected in a control group of healthy young subjects aged 25-34 years, the frequency of MG in the aged groups ranged from 11% in the "optimally healthy" aged group to 38% in the inpatients group. In a tentative classification according to possible cause, most of the MG belonged to the pathogenetic category of immunodeficiency. There was a clear association of the occurrence of monoclonal gammopathies of this category with the health status.
Insights
Monoclonal gammopathies (MG) increase with age and poor health. This study found MG in 11-38% of elderly individuals, linked to immunodeficiency and declining health status.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Immunology
- Hematology
Background:
- Monoclonal gammopathies (MG) are associated with aging.
- The impact of health status on MG incidence in the elderly is not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of MG in relation to aging.
- To evaluate the influence of health status on MG occurrence in the elderly.
Main Methods:
- Studied 439 elderly subjects (75-84 years) across four health status groups.
- Included "optimally healthy" elderly, healthy aged-care residents, geriatric outpatients, and general hospital inpatients.
- A control group of young healthy adults (25-34 years) was used for comparison.
Main Results:
- No MG detected in young controls.
- MG incidence in the elderly ranged from 11% (optimally healthy) to 38% (inpatients).
- Most MG cases were classified as immunodeficiency-related, associated with poorer health status.
Conclusions:
- MG incidence significantly increases with age and is strongly associated with declining health status.
- Immunodeficiency appears to be a key factor in the pathogenesis of MG in the elderly.
- Health status is a critical determinant for MG occurrence in aging populations.