Elevated Kappa Light Chains In Urine

Leclair is a patient power host and retired.

Elevated kappa light chains in urine.

Susan leclair discusses what kappa light chains are and answers what an increase in kappa light chain numbers might mean for a patient with myeloma. Thank you for putting things in simple terms and also for the deciphering my myeloma lab results which i printed out. These tests are used as an aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of multiple myeloma and related disorders. In this patient power segment host dr.

In the clip dr. Increased kappa free light chains and an increased kappa lambda ratio may be seen with plasma cell disorders that produce excess monoclonal kappa light chains. Told me my kappa light chain is elevated at 26. His kappa light chain free serum level is high.

What else should i ask answered by dr. Light chains molecular weight 22 000 d are polypeptides that are synthesized by plasma cells and form part of immunoglobulins. She told me not to worry and we ll check again in 3 months. Plasma cells normally produce a slight excess of light chains that are either excreted or catabolized by the kidney and only a minute amount of light chain protein normally appears in the urine.

Free light chains will normally be present in the blood at low levels with a kappa lambda ratio of approximately 0 26 to 1 65 for individuals with normal kidney function. Leclair provides a thorough scientific breakdown of light chains and the way they work. There are two types of immunoglobulin light chain produced in humans. His lambda level is within normal range.

The decades old urine test is still used by pathologists and requested by physicians but its use declined when the serum free light chain assay became available about a dozen years ago singh. You have a minimal degree of change this may be wi.