It increases dramatically with age, with the median age at diagnosis being 72. The strip is then scanned in a densitometer. A monoclonal Ig is identified by thickening and bowing of the arc. This is the most sensitive commonly used method for detecting monoclonal Igs. The fine turbidity that results is proportional to the amount Ig in the serum, and is read in a nephelometer that measures the reflected light from this precipitate and compares it to control standards.
Treatment relieves symptoms, and prolongs survival, but there is no benefit to early treatment.
Treatment should be reserved to patients who are symptomatic. Since most of the symptoms come from this latter cell, there is usually a marked response to glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids alone have no effect on survival however, because they do not affect the proliferative 'stem' cell. Bone disease - this causes most of the symptoms, and progression can be reduced by the use of bisphophonates. Infection - the patients have a deficit in B cell mediated immunity, and are susceptile to infections with encapsulated organisms.