All of the following are minor criteria for multiple rnyeloma except –
**Core Concept**
Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer characterized by the proliferation of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow. Diagnosis involves both major and minor criteria, which are used to establish a definitive diagnosis. The minor criteria are a set of clinical and laboratory features that support the diagnosis of multiple myeloma.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct minor criteria for multiple myeloma include anemia, lytic bone lesions, renal insufficiency, and hypercalcemia. These features are often seen in patients with multiple myeloma due to the production of abnormal proteins by the malignant plasma cells. Anemia occurs due to the replacement of normal hematopoietic cells by malignant plasma cells, lytic bone lesions are caused by the activation of osteoclasts by the abnormal proteins, renal insufficiency is a result of the deposition of light chains in the kidneys, and hypercalcemia is caused by the increased bone resorption.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect as it is not a recognized minor criterion for multiple myeloma.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect as it is not a specific criterion, but rather a general term that could apply to multiple conditions.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect as it is not a recognized minor criterion for multiple myeloma.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that the diagnosis of multiple myeloma is based on a combination of clinical and laboratory features. The major criteria include the presence of plasma cells in the bone marrow, an M-protein spike on serum protein electrophoresis, and biopsy-proven lytic lesions. The minor criteria, on the other hand, are used to support the diagnosis in the absence of major criteria.
**Correct Answer: D.**