Plasma Cell Disorders

Ninja Nerds!

In this lecture, Professor Zach Murphy delivers a high-yield, in-depth breakdown of Plasma Cell Disorders, focusing on the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approach, and treatment of diseases characterized by abnormal monoclonal plasma cell proliferation.

We begin by revisiting normal plasma cell development and the role of immunoglobulin production in humoral immunity. From there, Zach transitions into a comprehensive review of multiple myeloma, covering key concepts such as CRAB criteria (hyperCalcemia, Renal dysfunction, Anemia, Bone lesions), monoclonal (M) protein spike, and associated complications like AL amyloidosis and hyperviscosity syndrome.

The lecture continues with discussions on monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), smoldering multiple myeloma, and Waldenström macroglobulinemia. It highlights clinical differences, diagnostic markers (serum protein electrophoresis, immunofixation, bone marrow biopsy), and progression risk. Zach also covers the significance of light chain disease, including Bence-Jones proteins and renal involvement.

You’ll learn to differentiate these disorders using high-yield lab patterns (e.g., SPEP, UPEP, serum free light chains), bone marrow findings, and imaging techniques like skeletal surveys and MRI. Key treatment principles such as proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, and stem cell transplant are also reviewed in the context of disease severity and staging. Please support us below!

Table of Contents:
0:00 Lab
1:20 Pathophysiology of Plasma Cell Disorders
19:19 Complications of Plasma Cell Disorders
59:17 Diagnostic Approach to Plasma Cell Disorders
1:11:01 Treatment of Plasma Cell Disorders
1:19:33 Comment, Like, SUBSCRIBE!

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