[PAGID] serum IL-6

[Anita Gewurz, M.D.]

Charlotte:

Elevated serum IL-6 may be observed in monoclonal gammopathy of unknown
signficance (MGUS).  Blade J, Filella X, Montoto S, Bosch F, Rosinol L, Coca
F, Gine E, Nadal E, Aymerich M, Rozman M, Montserrat E. Interleukin 6 and
tumour necrosis factor alpha serum levels in monoclonal gammopathy of
undetermined significance. Br J Haematol. 2002 May;117(2):387-9, report that
"[Patients] with MGUS had a higher IL-6 and TNF-alpha serum levels than
normal controls. Up to a third and a fifth of MGUS individuals had elevated
IL-6 and TNF-alpha serum levels respectively."  In this study, increased
IL-6 and TNF-alpha serum values were not significantly associated with a
higher probability of malignant transformation.

Our suggestion is for the patient's hematologist/oncologist perform
immunofixation electrophoresis of her serum and urine to check for
monoclonal gammopathy.

Sincerely,

Vivian Chou MD, Fellow-in-Training
Anita Gewurz MD <agewurz at rush.edu>
Fellowship Director
Rush Medical College-Stroger/Cook County Hospital
Allergy/Immunology Training Program
Rush University Medical Center
1725 W Harrison - 117
Chicago IL 60612
TEL (312) 942-6296
FAX (312) 563-2201