Multiple Myeloma, Hyperviscosity, Hemodialysis Filter Clogging, and Antigen Excess Artifact: A Case Report.

Kidney involvement in multiple myeloma can result in kidney failure. Unlike Waldenström macroglobulinemia, hyperviscosity syndrome is a rare occurrence in multiple myeloma. Timely detection of hyperviscosity syndrome and initiation of plasma exchange to remove paraproteins can significantly alter the clinical course and be potentially lifesaving. We report a case of hospitalized patient with kidney failure due to multiple myeloma not in remission who experienced shortened hemodialysis sessions due to early dialysis filter failure due to hyperviscosity, which was later corrected with plasmapheresis. When confirmation of high levels of serum free light chains (sFLCs) was attempted, sFLC was initially reported as "not detectable." This false-negative result reflected a laboratory artifact caused by a high abundance of sFLCs, known as antigen excess or hook phenomenon. Manual serial dilutions led to unmasking of markedly elevated κ light chain levels. This case exemplifies that patients with multiple myeloma can exhibit clinically challenging kidney manifestations even after becoming dialysis dependent.

Acute Kidney Injury Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Urban New Orleans.

Background: AKI is a manifestation of COVID-19 (CoV-AKI). However, there is paucity of data from the United States, particularly from a predominantly black population. We report the phenotype and outcomes of AKI at an academic hospital in New Orleans. Methods: We conducted an observational study in patients hospitalized at Ochsner Medical Center over a 1-month period with COVID-19 and diagnosis of AKI (KDIGO). We examined the rates of RRT and in-hospital mortality as outcome measures. Results: Among 575 admissions (70% black) with COVID-19 [173 (30%) to an intensive care unit (ICU)], we found 161 (28%) cases of AKI (61% ICU and 14% general ward admissions). Patients were predominantly men (62%) and hypertensive (83%). Median body mass index (BMI) was higher among those with AKI (34 versus 31 kg/m2, P<0.0001). AKI over preexisting CKD occurred in 35%. Median follow-up was 25 (1-45) days. The in-hospital mortality rate for the AKI cohort was 50%. Vasopressors and/or mechanical ventilation were required in 105 (65%) of those with AKI. RRT was required in 89 (55%) patients. Those with AKI requiring RRT (AKI-RRT) had higher median BMI (35 versus 33 kg/m2, P=0.05) and younger age (61 versus 68, P=0.0003). Initial values of ferritin, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and lactate dehydrogenase were higher among those with AKI; and among them, values were higher for those with AKI-RRT. Ischemic acute tubular injury (ATI) and rhabdomyolysis accounted for 66% and 7% of causes, respectively. In 13%, no obvious cause of AKI was identified aside from COVID-19 diagnosis. Conclusions: CoV-AKI is associated with high rates of RRT and death. Higher BMI and inflammatory marker levels are associated with AKI as well as with AKI-RRT. Hemodynamic instability leading to ischemic ATI is the predominant cause of AKI in this setting.