Protein electrophoresis, immunoelectrophoresis and immunofixation electrophoresis as predictors for high-risk phenotype in familial XXXX .

@entity1 @entity8057 @entity1581
Protein electrophoresis is used for the detection, evaluation and follow-up of @entity1581 ( @entity1581 ) conditions such as @entity8057 ( @entity8057 ). Immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) is currently the most common method for isotyping of @entity1581 because of its superior sensitivity relative to immunoelectrophoresis (IEP). We designed a study to evaluate the clinicobiological relevance of small monoclonal bands detected by serum protein electrophoresis, IEP, and IFE. Serum protein electrophoresis, IEP, and IFE were used to evaluate possible @entity1581 in 46 members (29 relatives and 17 nonbloodline spouses) from 3 families with multiple cases of @entity8057 . IFE identified small monoclonal bands initially missed by IEP in 5 individuals (2 blood relatives, 3 spouses) among 46 study @entity1 . All bands were IgM type. Twenty-three individuals, including the 2 blood relatives and 2 of 3 spouses with @entity1581 , were then followed for a median of 17 years (range, 13-25). The @entity1581 progressed in the 2 relatives but disappeared in the spouses, and new IgM @entity1581 developed in 2 additional relatives with a prior history of IgM @entity1581 . Small monoclonal bands detected by IFE in a familial context may be biologically meaningful, both as phenotypic biomarkers and possibly as predictors of high risk for @entity8057 . Polyclonal IgM may also be a marker of genetic susceptibility in @entity8057 families. Larger studies are needed to confirm these observations.
