Renal insufficiency is a frequent complication in patients with Multiple Myeloma (MM). It occurs in 35% of newly diagnosed patients and in more than 50% during the evolution of the disease. The most frequent mechanism of renal failure is the so-called "myeloma kidney", which is the renal tubular damage caused by the excretion of light chains. Other mechanisms of renal damage are light chain tissue deposition and acquired Fanconi's syndrome. This renal impairment might be aggravated by precipitating factors such as hypercalcemia, hyperuricemia, dehydration, hyperviscosity, and nephrotoxic drugs. Supportive measures must be taken for all patients; for those with an irreversible renal function, dialysis must be considered. Specific myeloma treatment has an important prognostic value for patients with renal impairment. The recommendation of induction treatment is VAD or a combination of cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone. High dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplant can be considered for under 60-year-old patients with a good performance status.
Multiple myeloma; renal insufficiency
