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What Does Kappa Light Chain 31.6, Lambda Light Chain 17.1,

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Posted on Thu, 5 Sep 2019
Question: What does Kappa Light Chain 31.6, Lambda Light Chain 17.1, and Kappa/lambda ratio of 1.85 indicate?
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Answered by Dr. AJEET SINGH (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Raised kappa lambda ratio

Detailed Answer:
Hi...
Welcome to "Ask a Doctor"service.
I am Dr Ajeet XXXXXXX
I have gone through your query and here is my opinion.
Kappa and lambda are light chain immunoglobulin proteins produced by white immune cells called plasma cells.
They always mantain a normal ratio in humans which is in the range of 0.24 to 1.65.
Any increase in this ratio predicts a kidney disease or myeloma (if kidney functions are normal).

In your case,there is an escalation of the ratio with an increase in kappa chains.This gives a suspecion of myeloma but needs further evaluation in the form of electrophoresis study of proteins in urine,electrophoresis study of proteins in blood,tissue biopsy (Bone marrow/kidney),blood counts and other blood work up and bone imaging.

It is hardly of any clinical significance if we read this report in isolation.
Kndly share the age,gender,clinical history,details of symptoms,associated comorbidities and significant past /family history so that these reports can be read in their context.

Hope that I have answered your query.
Stay healthy and stay blessed.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Follow up: Dr. AJEET SINGH (2 hours later)
I am 65, female, diagnosed with AIH last year due to cholesterol meds but in remission. Father had kidney cancer 6 years ago he is fine now, my GFR was 34 3 weeks ago is now 51, Creatinine was 1.60 is now 1.13. I am fatigued, itch without rash, back pain, headache.
doctor
Answered by Dr. AJEET SINGH (18 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Raised kappa lambda ratio

Detailed Answer:
Hi....
Welcome back.

Kappa and Lambda Light Chains are the bio markers of B-cell activity (They are the lymphocytes which produce plasma cells which in turn produce these light chains) and adaptive immune activation in a number of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
Their numbers rise in autoimmune diseases like AIH,SLE,Multiple sclerosis etc but they lack any specificity.
Adaptive immune response to infections,at times,may not actually and exactly validate the interpretation of their measurements.

I would suggest you to just follow the values periodically.
In my opinion,they are nonspecific and need no active intervention,at the moment.Your clinician would guide you further.

Happy living.
Regards.
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. AJEET SINGH

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 2151 Questions

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What Does Kappa Light Chain 31.6, Lambda Light Chain 17.1,

Brief Answer: Raised kappa lambda ratio Detailed Answer: Hi... Welcome to "Ask a Doctor"service. I am Dr Ajeet XXXXXXX I have gone through your query and here is my opinion. Kappa and lambda are light chain immunoglobulin proteins produced by white immune cells called plasma cells. They always mantain a normal ratio in humans which is in the range of 0.24 to 1.65. Any increase in this ratio predicts a kidney disease or myeloma (if kidney functions are normal). In your case,there is an escalation of the ratio with an increase in kappa chains.This gives a suspecion of myeloma but needs further evaluation in the form of electrophoresis study of proteins in urine,electrophoresis study of proteins in blood,tissue biopsy (Bone marrow/kidney),blood counts and other blood work up and bone imaging. It is hardly of any clinical significance if we read this report in isolation. Kndly share the age,gender,clinical history,details of symptoms,associated comorbidities and significant past /family history so that these reports can be read in their context. Hope that I have answered your query. Stay healthy and stay blessed. Regards.