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Monoclonal gammopathies and aging

Publication ,  Journal Article
Cohen, HJ
Published in: Hospital Practice
January 1, 1988

The monoclonal gammopathies are a group of disorders that are most prevalent in the elderly. Their common denominator is overproduction of a homogeneous immunoglobulin by plasma cells derived from a single ancestral B lymphocyte. The overproduction represents at least partial escape from normal controls. Monoclonality notwithstanding, the disorders have a remarkable range: They vary from a rather benign form, in which the abnormal protein is present without marked clinical manifestations, to the highly malignant form characterized by multiple myeloma. The wide variety of signs, symptoms and complications that may be produced by these disorders can present a physician with serious diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas, especially in older patients with a background of other chronic illnesses. Still, the diagnosis and the planning of therapy can often be based on careful assessment of fairly routine historical information, physical findings, and laboratory studies. A crucial aspect of management lies in deciding when a patient's circumstances warrant a decision only to follow the patient expectantly and when a change in circumstances, such as a rise in the serum level of the abnormal protein, mandates initiation of treatment.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Hospital Practice

ISSN

8750-2836

Publication Date

January 1, 1988

Volume

23

Issue

3 A

Start / End Page

75 / 80+82+85

Related Subject Headings

  • General & Internal Medicine
 

Citation

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MLA
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Cohen, H. J. (1988). Monoclonal gammopathies and aging. Hospital Practice, 23(3 A), 75-80+82+85.
Cohen, H. J. “Monoclonal gammopathies and aging.” Hospital Practice 23, no. 3 A (January 1, 1988): 75-80+82+85.
Cohen HJ. Monoclonal gammopathies and aging. Hospital Practice. 1988 Jan 1;23(3 A):75-80+82+85.
Cohen, H. J. “Monoclonal gammopathies and aging.” Hospital Practice, vol. 23, no. 3 A, Jan. 1988, pp. 75-80+82+85.
Cohen HJ. Monoclonal gammopathies and aging. Hospital Practice. 1988 Jan 1;23(3 A):75-80+82+85.

Published In

Hospital Practice

ISSN

8750-2836

Publication Date

January 1, 1988

Volume

23

Issue

3 A

Start / End Page

75 / 80+82+85

Related Subject Headings

  • General & Internal Medicine