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Why Do I Have Slight Elevations On Bun And Slightly Elevated Kappa Free Light Chain?
Question: I have slight elevations on bun and Cr with GFR of 45, spilling some protein in 24hr urine with abn protein creat ratio. Everything else has been neg except for kappa free light chain which is just slightly elevated. What should I expect for a treatment plan?
Brief Answer:
if only small amounts, would be monitored
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Light chains are a type of protein that form part of immunoglobulins ( part of the immune system).
The part of the body that makes the light chains is called plasma cells. Plasma cells normally make a slight excess of the light chains that are either broken down or released by the kidneys so that only a small amount is seen in the urine.
A lot may appear in the urine if the kidneys are not able to get rid of it or the body (plasma cells) is making too much.
If there is only a slight elevation, then monitoring would be considered only, no active treatment. This means that your doctors would only be monitoring your levels of protein every few months. May also check your blood count and check for inflammation as well.
If there is a large amount, then myeloma ( a type of cancer that comes from the plasma cells in the bone marrow) would be considered and you would be treated for this. Other causes would be lymphoma or leukemia.
These are NOT likely since only small amounts were seen.
If myeloma was present then treatment would involve the use of chemotherapy.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
if only small amounts, would be monitored
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Light chains are a type of protein that form part of immunoglobulins ( part of the immune system).
The part of the body that makes the light chains is called plasma cells. Plasma cells normally make a slight excess of the light chains that are either broken down or released by the kidneys so that only a small amount is seen in the urine.
A lot may appear in the urine if the kidneys are not able to get rid of it or the body (plasma cells) is making too much.
If there is only a slight elevation, then monitoring would be considered only, no active treatment. This means that your doctors would only be monitoring your levels of protein every few months. May also check your blood count and check for inflammation as well.
If there is a large amount, then myeloma ( a type of cancer that comes from the plasma cells in the bone marrow) would be considered and you would be treated for this. Other causes would be lymphoma or leukemia.
These are NOT likely since only small amounts were seen.
If myeloma was present then treatment would involve the use of chemotherapy.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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