Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) precedes multiple myeloma (MM). Population-based screening for MGUS could identify candidates for early treatment in MM. Here we describe the ...Iceland Screens, Treats, or Prevents Multiple Myeloma study (iStopMM), the first population-based screening study for MGUS including a randomized trial of follow-up strategies. Icelandic residents born before 1976 were offered participation. Blood samples are collected alongside blood sampling in the Icelandic healthcare system. Participants with MGUS are randomized to three study arms. Arm 1 is not contacted, arm 2 follows current guidelines, and arm 3 follows a more intensive strategy. Participants who progress are offered early treatment. Samples are collected longitudinally from arms 2 and 3 for the study biobank. All participants repeatedly answer questionnaires on various exposures and outcomes including quality of life and psychiatric health. National registries on health are cross-linked to all participants. Of the 148,704 individuals in the target population, 80 759 (54.3%) provided informed consent for participation. With a very high participation rate, the data from the iStopMM study will answer important questions on MGUS, including potentials harms and benefits of screening. The study can lead to a paradigm shift in MM therapy towards screening and early therapy.
Abstract
Serum free light chain (FLC) concentration is greatly affected by kidney function. Using a large prospective population-based cohort, we aimed to establish a reference interval for FLCs in ...persons with chronic kidney disease (CKD). A total of 75422 participants of the iStopMM study were screened with serum FLC, serum protein electrophoresis and immunofixation. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated from serum creatinine. Central 99% reference intervals were determined, and 95% confidence intervals calculated. Included were 6461 (12%) participants with measured FLCs, eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m
2
, not receiving renal replacement therapy, and without evidence of monoclonality. Using current reference intervals, 60% and 21% had kappa and lambda FLC values outside the normal range. The FLC ratio was outside standard reference interval (0.26–1.65) in 9% of participants and outside current kidney reference interval (0.37–3.10) in 0.7%. New reference intervals for FLC and FLC ratio were established. New reference intervals for the FLC ratio were 0.46–2.62, 0.48–3.38, and 0.54–3.30 for eGFR 45–59, 30–44, and < 30 mL/min/1.73 m
2
groups, respectively. The crude prevalence of LC-MGUS in CKD patients was 0.5%. We conclude that current reference intervals for FLC and FLC ratio are inaccurate in CKD patients and propose new eGFR based reference intervals to be implemented.
The Icelandic health care system ranks favourably in international comparison but patients' experience of interaction with the health service has not been well studied. The goal of this study was to ...examine the satisfaction of patients admitted to the Acute Cardiac Unit (ACU) at Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland.
A questionnaire based on the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire III was mailed to patients admitted to the ACU between 1 January and 29 February 2012. Questions were presented as statements and participants asked to respond how strongly on a scale from 1 to 5 they agreed or disagreed with each statement. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, Cronbach´s alpha for internal consistency of scales and principal components analysis, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests for comparison of groups and Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients for correlation between variables.
The questionnaire was mailed to 485 individuals of whom 275 (57%) responded. The median age of the participants was 62 (range, 19-95) years and 132 (48%) were women. Internal consistency of the scales was mostly high (Cronbach's alpha 0.62-0.91) and principal components analysis revealed one main factor. The mean score of the questionnaire was 6.8 ±1.0 and 91%, and 86% of the participants were pleased with their interaction with physicians and nurses, respectively. Similarly, 88% were pleased with the care they recieved but 25% felt they received insufficient explanations of their symptoms or that follow-up care was lacking.
Patients of the ACU generally appear to be satisfied with their care. However, our results suggest that improvement is needed in several areas, including information provided at discharge and follow-up care.
Constricitve pericarditis is an uncommon condition, often of unknown etiology but can be caused by infections, such as tuberculosis, inflammation of the pericardium, radiation therapy or asbestos ...exposure. Constrictive pericarditis is characterized by fibrosis and often severe calcifications of the pericardial sac which eventually restricts normal diastolic filling of the heart. This consequently leads to a combination of left and right heart failure, often with prominent jugular venous distentsion, liver enlargement, peripheral edema and lethargy. Diagnosis can be difficult and is often delayed. Surgery, involving partial removal of the pericardial sac, usually leads to relief of symptoms. Here we report a case from Landspitali together with a review of the literature.
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