Comprehensive Guide To The Symptoms Of POEMS Syndrome

Monoclonal Plasmaproliferative Disorder

Monoclonal plasmaproliferative disorder, a common occurrence in POEMS syndrome, can be best defined as an overproduction of a single clone of plasma cells. Plasma cells are an imperative element of the immune system and are produced in the bone marrow. Plasma cells secrete antibodies that combat microorganisms, toxins, and other foreign substances when they invade the body. This excessive antibody is referred to as the M-protein. When this one type of plasma cell that grows out of control makes the M-protein that also exceeds others in quantity, the numbers of other types of antibodies decrease. This increases the individual's susceptibility to invasion of bacteria and infection because they have a less diverse antibody population to fight infections and bacteria off. In addition, excessive M-proteins can invade and damage other healthy tissues around the body including vital organs. The kidneys and the bones are both common tissues affected by the excessive M-protein presence in the body.

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