Paraproteinemia and neuropathy

Paraprotein-associated neuropathies are a diverse group of disorders. The pathogenesis of many of them is poorly understood. Treatments have usually consisted of plasma exchange, corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and other immunosuppressive therapies. Response to treatment has varied from good to very poor. Most recent work in this field has had two goals: achieving a better understanding of pathogenesis and developing better treatments. Such diverse entities as hepatitis C virus, vascular endothelial growth factor, and cytokines now appear to play a role in pathogenesis. More aggressive therapies such a bone marrow transplantation, interferon-α, and Rituximab have shown some promise.