Jorden M. Veeneman

Multiple myeloma related cells in patients undergoing autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation

A high incidence of oligoclonal serum M‐components is observed in multiple myeloma (MM) patients treated with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). To determine whether these M‐components are produced by myeloma clonally related cells or caused by an aberrant B‐cell regeneration we analysed by semi‐nested ASO‐RT‐PCR and DNA sequencing the immunoglobulin (Ig) variable genes (VH) obtained from bone marrow samples obtained before and after transplantation and peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) samples from seven patients.

Membrane Biocompatibility Does Not Affect Whole Body Protein Metabolism during Dialysis

Background: Protein-calorie malnutrition is present in 30–50% of dialysis patients. The lack of biocompatibility of the dialysis membrane, which results in low-grade inflammation, could be responsible for this malnutrition. We investigated whether protein-energy malnutrition could be partly due to incompatibility of the dialyzer during the dialysis session. Methods: Five patients were dialyzed during 2 periods of 3 weeks (cross-over) with either a single-use low-flux polysulfone or cellulose triacetate (biocompatible) or a single-use cuprophan (bio-incompatible) membrane. As a measure of whole body protein metabolism, a primed constant infusion of L-[1-13C]-valine was used during a 4-hour dialysis session. Results: Cuprophan was a more powerful activator of the complement system than other membranes. Protein metabolism parameters during both study protocols were not different and resulted in the same protein balance during polysulfone/cellulose triacetate (–15 ± 3) and cuprophan (–13 ± 2 µmol/kg/h) dialysis. Conclusion: In stable hemodialysis patients with no apparent complications, protein metabolism during dialysis is not affected by the compatibility of the dialysis membrane.