Prevalence of paraproteinaemia in older Australians

D. Suan, M. Hughan, S. Bates, E. Rochtchina, M. Empson, P. Mitchell, D. A. Fulcher*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Estimates of the prevalence of paraproteinaemia vary, from 1% in persons aged over 25years to 10% in those aged over 80years, although there are limited data from well-defined populations. We sought to determine the prevalence of paraproteinaemia in Australians aged 50 years and over, and to determine risks factors for its presence. Methods: We performed a population-based, cross-sectional study using data and serum collected in the Blue Mountains Eye Study. Serum samples from 2933 patients were analysed by capillary zone electrophoresis and, where indicated, immunosubtraction, which allowed for both quantitation and isotype detection. Results: A paraprotein was detected in 134 of the 2933 samples, giving an overall prevalence of 4.6% (95% confidence interval, 3.8-5.3%). The presence of a paraprotein was strongly age-related (P trend= 0.001), with a prevalence of 2.8% in persons aged 50-59years, rising steadily to 9.1% in those aged 80years and over. The prevalence was significantly higher in men (5.9%) compared with women (4.0%) (P= 0.03). Conclusion: We conclude that approximately one in 20 Australians aged 50years or over harbours a paraprotein, a prevalence that appears higher than from similar cohorts in other countries.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)165-169
Number of pages5
JournalInternal Medicine Journal
Volume42
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2012
Externally publishedYes

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