Multiple myeloma and macrogammaglobulinemia. I. Urinary protein excretions and serum interrelationships

Protein studies measuring selected serum and urinary biopolymers, representing activities of different organ systems, e.g., IgG, IgA, and C'3 complement (reticuloendothelial system), and albumin, transferrin, ceruloplasmin, and alpha-2 macroglobulin (liver) are compared and discussed. Mean normal excretions were 2.91 mg. per 24 hr. for IgG, 2.00 mg. per 24 hr. for IgA, and 20.39 mg. per 24 hr. for albumin. Renal function was estimated using creatinine clearance. The data suggest that concentration variations in certain of the proteins of the plasma pool are related to altered renal function. Such differences strayed below the normal but little, yet significant quantities of these proteins were found in urine. The identification and quantitation of abnormal urinary protein components in urine of patients who have myelomatosis and macrogammaglobulinemia may eventually be useful in medical management.