Hemostatic abnormalities in multiple myeloma and related disorders.

Patients with multiple myeloma, Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, benign monoclonal gammopathy, and other B-cell disorders associated with high titer serum paraproteins can manifest unique hemostatic disorders. Most of these disorders predispose the patient to hemorrhage, especially following surgical procedures. Mechanisms can include: acquired von Willebrand syndrome, paraprotein-induced platelet function defects, factor X deficiency, and local tissue fragility associated with amyloidosis, abnormalities of the function of fibrin, circulating anticoagulants, and thrombocytopenia. The mainstay of therapy is the treatment of the underlying disease. Depending on clinical circumstances, additional therapies might include: plasmapheresis with appropriate factor replacement, arginine vasopressin, fibrinolysis inhibitors, and splenectomy. Less commonly, the paraprotein disorders are associated with thrombotic complications, especially in those cases in which the lupus anticoagulant is present.