Monoclonal Gammopathies in a Fracture Liaison Service

Monoclonal gammopathies are a spectrum of disorders characterized by the overproduction of plasma B-cells and immunoglobulin. Monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance (MGUS), a pre-malignant form of multiple myeloma, is defined by relatively low bone marrow concentration of clonal plasma cells and asymptomatic clinical presentation. New evidence, however, points to an association of MGUS with osteoporosis, microarchitectural bone deficiency, and fractures, and it has been suggested that it be renamed "Monoclonal Gammopathy of Skeletal Significance." The prevalence of MGUS in the general geriatric population is estimated to be 3-8%, while the prevalence in geriatric vertebral fracture patients is 15%, and the prevalence in all fracture patients within the Rhode Island Fracture Liaison Service is 10%. Therefore, MGUS and other monoclonal gammopathies should be suspected in all patients diagnosed with osteoporosis or an osteoporotic fracture, and patients diagnosed with monoclonal gammopathies should be evaluated for osteoporosis and fracture risk and treated appropriately.