Acquired platelet dysfunction in newly diagnosed myeloma.

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Plasma cell dyscrasias, such as multiple myeloma, are associated with various hematological complications.
• Bleeding disorders can arise secondary to underlying plasma cell dyscrasias, impacting patient safety during invasive procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of severe bleeding complication following bone marrow biopsy in a patient with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.
• To investigate the association between paraproteinemia and acquired platelet dysfunction.
• To highlight the clinical significance of recognizing this risk in patients with untreated plasma cell dyscrasias.

Main Methods:

• A patient underwent bone marrow biopsy for suspected IgA paraprotein.
• Platelet function was assessed using light aggregometry.
• Treatment for multiple myeloma included antimyeloma therapy and plasma exchange.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced unexpected and severe bleeding post-biopsy.
• Abnormal platelet aggregometry suggested an acquired platelet disorder.
• Impaired platelet aggregation resolved with reduction of the paraprotein load.

Conclusions:

• Acquired platelet dysfunction is a potential complication of untreated plasma cell dyscrasias.
• Reduction of paraprotein load can restore normal platelet function.
• Clinicians should consider this risk in patients with plasma cell dyscrasias undergoing procedures.