Search

Background: Upon infection activated plasma cells produce large quantities of antibodies which can lead to the emergence of a monoclonal component (MC), detectable by serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP). This study aims to investigate any correlation between SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and MC development and, if identified, whether it persists during follow‐up. Methods: SPEPs of 786 patients admitted to hospitals between March 01 2020 and March 31 2022 were evaluated. Positive (SARS‐CoV‐2+) and negative (SARS‐CoV‐2−) patients to nasopharyngeal swab for SARS‐CoV‐2 by RT‐PCR were included. The persistence/new occurrence of MC was investigated for all patients during follow‐up. Patient groups were compared by chi‐square analysis. Results: MC was identified in 12% of all patients admitted to hospital, of which 28.7% were SARS‐CoV‐2+. The most common immunoglobulin isotype in both groups was IgG‐k. There was no correlation between MC development and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (p = 0.173). Furthermore, the risk of MC persistence in SARS‐CoV‐2‐negative patients was revealed to be higher than in the SARS‐CoV‐2+ at follow‐up (HR = 0.591, p = 0.05). Conclusions: Our study suggests that the detection of MC during SARS‐CoV‐2 infection is most likely due to the hyperstimulation of the humoral immune system, as also occurs in other viral infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The protein concentration in urine is a valuable parameter in assessing kidney function. Usually, blood proteins do not pass through the renal filter in healthy subjects; proteinuria, which can sometimes be detected as a simple, occasional laboratory finding, is a relatively common condition of which those affected are unaware. Epidemiologically, it is a condition that involves almost 10% of the population worldwide. The mechanisms underlying the release of proteins by the kidneys are different: a newly detected proteinuria may precede the onset of renal disease or systemic diseases, and the physician must appropriately evaluate it. This paper provides a hint of epidemiology, some notes of pathophysiology, an overview of the types of proteinuria, a rundown on laboratory techniques and a brief, certainly not exhaustive, review of some non-oncological pathologies associated with proteinuria. The aim is to show the extent to which proteinuria can play a decisive role in the patient's overall assessment. The urine protein test, a basic, non-invasive test, easy to perform by any laboratory, even the most poorly equipped, is a fundamental indicator of a subject's health status in combination with other markers. Thus, it confirms once again the crucial role of the laboratory in providing the physician with necessary diagnostic and prognostic data that is easy to perform, inexpensive and yet of great benefit for the patient management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryofibrinogen (CF) is an abnormal protein in plasma that precipitates at 4 °C and dissolves at 37 °C. Whilst serum cryoglobulins (CGs) analysis is common practice, CF investigation is rarely performed. This study aims to describe the testing methodology developed at our laboratory, potential pitfalls for all analytical phases, the distribution among hospital wards and clinical conditions underlying test requests and clinical conditions in which to order CF analysis is useful. Retrospective analysis of laboratory samples received between January 2019 and June 2021 with CF testing requests. A complete protocol for CF pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical phases are supplied. Most test requests were received from the rheumatology department for systemic sclerosis or liver transplant screening. Among the 103 in-patients included, CF+ was confirmed in 68 patients (66%). Of observed CF+ patients (n=68) most cases were CGs− (n=44, 67%). Isolated CF was found in 43% of the cases. Among CF− patients (n=35; 34%) only 2 patients had positive CGs (CGs+). Among rheumatology patients (n=66), isolated CF+ was observed in 45% (n=30/66), whilst among patients with systemic sclerosis with CF+ (n=19), isolated CF+ was detected in 79% (n=15/19). Described analytical procedures may be used for the creation of harmonized recommendations and indications for CF analysis. Isolated CF positivity among hospitalized patients, predominantly rheumatology and systemic sclerosis patients, appears higher than rates previously reported in literature. We propose CF test recommendations should be included in investigation protocols for diseases where cryofibrinogenemia may occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]