Med. Pro Praxi 2009; 6(4): 197-199
Multiple myeloma is one of the most frequent haematological malignancies. The prognosis of patients has substantially improved within
last decade. However, the early diagnosis is still a crucial factor for the patient´s prognosis. The CMG (Czech Myeloma Group) initiated the
early diagnosis program- „CRAB“ – in 2007. Program is focused on family physicians and key out-patients physicians responsible for
recognizing the symptoms related to MM. In 2007 46,5 % of patients was diagnosed late. Many patients had serious irreversible damage
iniatially (21 % of patients had neurologic deficiency, 36,8 % of patients had patologic fracture and 8,6 % of patients had renal failure
on haemodialysis). The first symptoms of MM are C (hyperCalcemia), R (Renal disorders), A (Anaemia), B (Bone lesions). Recommended
examinations at the level of primary care physicians: FW, blood count, total protein, calcium, ALP, urea, kreatinin, elektroforesis (in case
of suspicion for paraprotein immunofixation), chemical examination of urine – imunoelectrophoresis in case of proteinuria. Radiography:
simple X-ray examination of painful skeleton. Skeleton scintigraphy is not suitable for diagnosis myeloma.
Published: September 1, 2009 Show citation