Autoimmune Diseases Are Not Associated with Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance: Results of the Prospective Population-Based Istopmm Study

The promise and harms of screening for plasma cell dyscrasias

“…10 As another example, a recent prospective study has shown no association between MGUS and autoimmunity. 11 Although some neurological diseases (such as neuropathies resulting from IgM disease) are indeed related to plasma cell disorders, and treatment for plasma cell-directed therapy is warranted, in many other situations the diagnosis is purely incidental. 12 Although some monoclonal gammopathies can clearly cause renal damage, in a nationwide prospective population-based screening study of nearly 70 000 individuals, there was no clear association between MGUS and chronic kidney disease.…”

“…Currently, MGUS is routinely diagnosed as part of the workup for a wide variety of symptoms and conditions, including conditions such as osteoporosis (in the absence of unexplained fractures) for which it may not have a firm association 10 . As another example, a recent prospective study has shown no association between MGUS and autoimmunity 11 . Although some neurological diseases (such as neuropathies resulting from IgM disease) are indeed related to plasma cell disorders, and treatment for plasma cell‐directed therapy is warranted, in many other situations the diagnosis is purely incidental 12 .…”