Elevated Kappa Light Chains But Normal Ratio

Once an abnormal free light chain flc k l ratio has been demonstrated and a diagnosis has been made the quantitation of the monoclonal light chain is useful for monitoring disease activity.

Elevated kappa light chains but normal ratio.

There are two types of light chains. Lambda and kappa light chains. Our results suggest that an abnormal kappa lambda ratio in most cases higher than normal is a common and most likely nonspecific finding in patients with proteinuria or ckd of an unknown origin or both. The specificity of this assay for detection of monoclonal light chains relies on the ratio of free kappa and lambda k l light chains.

The exact normal ratio of kappa to lambda according to a novel polyclonal free light chain assay ranges from 0 26 to 1 65. Kappa light chain concentration range. This balance of kappa and lambda together is called the kappa lambda ratio which can also indicate a change in levels of disease. She told me not to worry and we ll check again in 3 months.

If the amount of free light chains is higher or lower than normal it can mean you have a disorder of the plasma cells. The kappa lambda ratio did not correlate with age proteinuria or egfr. Told me my kappa light chain is elevated at 26. These unlinked chains are known as free light chains.

What else should i ask answered by dr. The ratio or proportion between the kappa and lambda light chains indicates an excess production of one chain over the other and therefore can be used as an indication of disease progression or remission said dr. You have a minimal degree of change this may be wi. An abnormal light chain ratio has been defined as a kappa to lambda chain ratio of less than 0 26 or more than 1 65.

Serum free light chains can also be increased usually with a normal kappa lambda ratio with some connective tissue disorders inflammatory conditions neurological conditions and some cancers but are not typically monitored in. A free light chains test measures the amount of lambda and kappa free light chains in the blood. This risk is increased in those with increased free light chain production and an abnormal kappa lambda ratio. In a healthy individual the total kappa to lambda ratio is roughly 2 1 in serum measuring intact whole antibodies or 1 1 5 if measuring free light chains with a highly divergent ratio indicative of neoplasm.

Lambda light chain concentration range. 5 7 26 3 mg ml.