What is the POEMS Syndrome?

Exploring POEMS Syndrome: A Comprehensive Overview

Imagine having a mix of symptoms. Say you are having a tingling sensation in your feet, dark patches on your skin, blurred vision, and sudden weight loss. They seem unrelated, but when combined, they point towards a complicated and rare disease, POEMS syndrome.

POEMS is a rare disorder of the blood that impacts several internal systems. The condition is more common in men, and symptoms appear in their 40s and 50s.

Read on to learn more about POEMS, its symptoms, treatments, and other details.

What Does POEMS Stand For?

POEMS is an acronym that represents the key symptoms of the condition.

• Polyneuropathy: Multiple nerve damage that causes numbness or tingling in extremities.
• Organomegaly: Enlargement of organs. For example, enlarged liver, spleen, or lymph nodes.
• Endocrinopathy: Hormonal imbalances, which can lead to diabetes, hypothyroidism, swelling in arms and legs, or sexual issues.
• Monoclonal Plasma Cell Disorder: An atypical plasma cell in our bone marrow makes the Monoclonal protein (M-protein). The accumulation of this protein in the blood is an absolute indicator of POEMS syndrome.
• Skin Changes: Visible spots on the skin(hyperpigmentation), increased hair growth, thickening of skin, and other skin-related changes.

Some people may have all these symptoms, while some may have other symptoms, such as:

• Higher levels of red blood cells.
• Fluid buildup between the lungs and ribs and swollen ankles.
• Swelling in the back of the eye.

But all of those people will show signs of polyneuropathy, monoclonal protein, and unexplained weight loss.

What Causes POEMS Syndrome?

No one can fully understand the cause of POEMS syndrome. However, researchers point toward the abnormal plasma cells that produce the M-protein. This protein accumulation is responsible for multiple internal damage to the body.

What Is The Diagnosis of POEMS Syndrome?

There is no single symptom of POEMS syndrome. Therefore, no single test can confirm the disease. Patients suspected of having POEMS undergo thorough clinical and physical exams.

To confirm POEMS, signs of polyneuropathy and monoclonal protein are a must. The tests include:

• Blood and urine tests to detect the presence of M-protein.
• Scans and X-rays check the thickening or hardening of bones. This happens due to high monoclonal protein buildup.
• Bone marrow biopsy to check for abnormal plasma cells.
• Electromyogram (EMG), a test used to measure nerve function, confirms polyneuropathy.

Your doctor may also prescribe tests apart from these, depending on your symptoms.

How Is POEMS Syndrome Treated?

The good news is that POEMS is treatable. With treatment and regular monitoring, the prognosis is good.

The usual treatments include:

• Radiation: Targeted at the atypical plasma cells.
• Chemotherapy: Although known as an anti-cancer drug, injecting chemo in POEMS patients can slow down or kill the M-protein producing plasma cells.
• Autologous Stem-Cell Transplantation: Introduction of healthy stem cells in place of abnormal plasma cells. In an autologous transplant, doctors collect healthy stem cells from your body and replace them in the bone marrow after killing the abnormal cells.
• Physical Therapy: Prescribed to help with polyneuropathy and mobility issues associated with it.

If you are having unrelated physical symptoms, don't hesitate to ask your doctor about POEMS syndrome. Knowing rare diseases makes early diagnosis possible. Effective treatment and therapy can produce life-improving results in patients.

Hospital charges and treatments can be financially draining. It helps to have health insurance. Star Health covers treatments for rare diseases and provides seamless claim settlements in 14000 hospital chains across India.