Waldenstrom's macrogloblinaemia: modified plasmapheresis as treatment option in a Nigeria setting

Niger J Med. 2002 Oct-Dec;11(4):190-2.

Abstract

We describe a case of Waldenströms macroglobulinaemia in a 56 year old Negroid male, to whom modified plasmapheresis/plasma exchange was offered with good control of symptomatic hyperviscosity Amelioration of the clinical status and objective assessment of response was evident by dramatic reduction in monoclonal immunoglobulins M (IgM) from 100g/L to 14.7 g/L and a fall in erythrocyte sedimentation rate from 130 mm/hr to 80 mm/hr with this therapy. This highlights the need to adopt a modification of manual plasmapheresis in the treatment of the hyperviscosity syndrome complicating this B-cell disease in this environment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Blood Chemical Analysis
  • Developing Countries
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nigeria
  • Plasmapheresis / methods*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia / diagnosis*
  • Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia / therapy*