Clinical and laboratory correlates of kidney function in multiple myeloma patients

Aim: To investigate the relationships of kidney function with clinical and laboratory parameters in multiple myeloma (MM) patients.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study involved 105 MM patients. Data included clinical manifestations and standard laboratory parameters. Kidney function was assessed via estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum creatinine, urea, uric acid (UA), calcium (Ca), and albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR). The markers of MM activity and burden included M-protein, beta-2 microglobulin (β2m), albumin, hemoglobin (Hb), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and platelets (PLT). Rank biserial correlation assessed associations between symptoms and laboratory parameters. Rank-based canonical correlation analysis (RCCA) explored the multivariate relationship between six kidney function indicators and six MM-related markers.

Results: Common laboratory abnormalities included elevated β2m (90,5 %) and anemia (indicated by low Hb in 52,4 % of patients). Frequent symptoms included bone pain (71,4 %) and weakness (68,6 %). Symptoms like weakness/breathlessness correlated significantly with (β2m, M-protein) and renal impairment (creatinine, ACR, eGFR). RCCA identified one significant canonical correlation (R1=0,497; p=0,013), linking impaired renal function (characterized by low eGFR, high ACR, creatinine and urea) with a myeloma profile indicative of disease activity and burden (high β2m, low Hb, low albumin, and high M-protein).

Conclusions: The study confirms a significant multivariate association between a profile of impaired renal function and markers reflecting MM activity, hematopoietic suppression and systemic burden. These findings underscore the multifactorial nature of MM-related kidney injury and highlight the clinical utility of monitoring key laboratory markers (including eGFR, ACR, creatinine, β2m, Hb and albumin) alongside clinical evaluation for comprehensive assessment and management of MM patients.