Objective: Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is the asymptomatic precursor of multiple myeloma (MM). Lytic bone lesions and fractures are hallmarks of MM and although there are no lytic lesions in MGUS, it has also been associated with fractures. The causes of fractures in MGUS are currently unclear but potential causes include inherent MGUS bone disease, undiagnosed MM, and peripheral neuropathy (PN). We therefore conducted a large population-based study including 8395 individuals with MGUS and 30 851 matched controls from Sweden.
Methods: Data on fractures, PN, and confounders were acquired from high-quality registers in Sweden.
Results: Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and PN were independently associated with fractures (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.29; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.21-1.37; P < .001 and HR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.16-1.55; P < .001). Imminent MGUS progression increased the risk of fractures (odds ratio: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.27-2.16; P < .001). Fractures were not associated with long-term risk of MGUS progression (HR: 1.08; 95% CI: 0.77-1.53; P = .64).
Discussion: Based on these findings, we speculate that MGUS leads to fractures through at least 3 independent mechanisms: undetected MGUS progression to MM, MGUS inherent bone disease, and PN through falls. These findings highlight the need for further study of MGUS inherent bone disease and can inform further research into fracture prevention in MGUS.
Keywords: bone disease; fractures; monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance; multiple myeloma; neuropathy.
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