Plasma cell diseases and organ transplant: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Plasma cell diseases are a class of hematologic diseases that are sometimes present as preexisting diagnoses prior to organ transplantation, causative factors leading to a need for organ transplantation, or may occur posttransplant as part of the spectrum of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders. Herein, we review the most common plasma cell diseases, both as coexisting with other causes of organ failure, but also as a primary underlying cause for organ failure. In many cases, treatment of the underlying clonal disease may be indicated before proceeding with organ transplant. This review aims to provide current and relevant data regarding the management of these conditions in the organ transplant patient, for transplant providers, and those who take care of these patients.

Inflammation and infection in plasma cell disorders: how pathogens shape the fate of patients

“…When considering MM, the standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) from 1980–1996 and 1996–2002 were 2.60 and 2.20, respectively, suggesting the incidence decreased with effective HAART [ 2 ]. When considering transplant patients, several publications have suggested a higher risk of MM compared to the general population [ 4 , 5 ]. Of note, 39% of cases were EBV-positive, far higher than the rates in MM that develop in non-immunosuppressed patients, suggesting they may be a separate disease entity that lie somewhere on the spectrum of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders.…”