[Theralite and multiple myeloma]

Multiple myeloma associated with an increased FLC production causes renal failure (cast nephropathy) requiring dialysis. Theralite is a dialyser with a high cut-off membrane (HCO) - with large size pores that allow permeability for substances of molecular masses up to 45 kDa. The FLC concentrations over hemodialysis will significantly decrease and if hematological treatment is also effective, the FLC production will significantly fall as well. The aim of this comprehensive therapy is to improve the renal functions to such an extent that a substantial removal of FLC (70-90 %) is reached in patients and even interruption of dialysis therapy (50-75 %). The number of HD with this membrane rather varies in individual patients according to the literature (e.g. an average of 12 HDs/per 1 patient - 3-45). Our cohort comprised 17 patients aged 38-71 years, with 9 HDs per 1 patient, 10 patients (59 %) stopped the dialysis therapy and 7 remained on the dialysis programme. FLC removal reached 87 % in the whole cohort after the completed HDs with Theralite, but it specifically reached 93 % in the patients without further dialysis therapy, as opposed to 75 % in those who continued to undergo HD. No patient died when receiving HD with Theralite, in 4 complications occurred without causing interruption of the therapy. We assume that monitoring FLC concentrations before each dialysis may be of prognostic significance for patients including the length of treatment with an HCO membrane. Close cooperation with a hematologist is necessary.Key words: cast nephropathy - FLC - HCO membrane - multiple myeloma - kidney failure - Theralite.