Renal involvement in IgD myeloma.

Nine patients affected from IgD myeloma were studied retrospectively in order to elucidate the incidence and peculiar traits of related nephropathy. Eight patients developed chronic renal failure, and as many as 5 were already suffering from renal failure since first admission to the hospital. In 3 cases acute renal failure was the major presenting symptom of the disease. Five patients underwent a regular dialytic treatment. We suggest that the high incidence of renal involvement found in IgD myeloma is related to the high incidence of Bence-Jones proteinuria observed in this disease. Presenting atypical symptoms, among which renal failure is the most important, are misleading and characteristic of the disease. Survival time seems to be negatively influenced by the presence of renal failure at the time of diagnosis.