Dr. Jackson discussed the common complication of renal impairment in patients with MM; 20-30% of patients suffer from renal impairment at diagnosis, 50% at some time during the course of their disease, while 2% require dialysis. He reviewed major factors contributing to renal impairment such as dehydration and hypercalcemia with the major cause of renal impairment due to tubular damage. There has been conflicting evidence in the literature about the use of plasma exchange to improve renal function. Dr. Jackson presented a new study taking place in the UK (the MERIT study), which is currently enrolling patients to determine whether plasmapheresis affects overall survival and quality of life. He encouraged collaborators from different countries to participate in this trial.
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