[Prognostic value of thrombocytopenia in myeloma]

The incidence, severity and prognostic value of thrombocytopenia were studied in 80 patients with myeloma in connection with the clinical stage of the disease and the reaction to the cytostatic treatment. The studies were carried out before the treatment and followed up in the course of the treatment to remission or absence of remission. The results established a progressing thrombocytopenia with the evolution of the disease. Severe thrombocytopenia was established only in stage III, being with an unfavourable prognosis as regards the therapeutic response. The pathogenetic mechanism of its origination are discussed--malignant process in bone marrow, renal insufficiency, advancement of DIC syndrome and toxic effect by the cytostatics administered.