(See also Polyglandular Deficiency Syndromes Polyglandular Deficiency Syndromes Polyglandular deficiency syndromes are hereditary disorders in which several endocrine (hormone-producing) glands malfunction. Endocrine glands are organs that secrete one or more specific hormones... read more .)
Endocrine glands Endocrine Glands The endocrine system consists of a group of glands and organs that regulate and control various body functions by producing and secreting hormones. Hormones are chemical substances that affect... read more are organs that secrete one or more specific hormones. POEMS syndrome is probably caused by antibodies (immunoglobulins) that circulate in the blood and damage organs, particularly endocrine glands. Antibodies are produced by cells called plasma cells. POEMS can develop in people with certain plasma cell disorders Overview of Plasma Cell Disorders Plasma cell disorders are uncommon. They begin when a single plasma cell multiplies excessively. The resulting group of genetically identical cells (called a clone) produces a large quantity... read more , in which abnormal plasma cells multiply and produce excessive amounts of an antibody that damages organs. POEMS sometimes develops in people with cancer. It is not caused by the cancer itself but is a condition that occurs only when a person already has cancer (called a paraneoplastic syndrome Paraneoplastic Syndromes Paraneoplastic (associated with cancer—see also Overview of Cancer) syndromes occur when a cancer causes unusual symptoms due to substances that circulate in the bloodstream. These substances... read more ).
Symptoms of POEMS Syndrome
POEMS syndrome is named for the signs and symptoms that commonly occur in affected people:
Polyneuropathy (nerve damage)
Organomegaly (enlargement of the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes)
Endocrinopathy (abnormal hormone levels)
Monoclonal gammopathy (abnormal blood antibodies)
Skin changes
People may have the following:
Liver enlargement
Swollen lymph glands
Skin abnormalities, such as darkening and thickening of the skin, hairiness, and small bright red patches (angiomas)
Areas of bone destruction
Fluid may accumulate in the legs, abdomen, or space between the layers of the membrane surrounding the lungs (called the pleural space), or near the optic nerve. Fluid accumulation in the pleural space causes difficulty breathing and chest pain. Fluid that accumulates near the optic nerve and presses on it causes vision problems.
People may also have chronic and intermittent fever.
Diagnosis of POEMS Syndrome
POEMS syndrome is diagnosed based on the presence of certain symptoms and findings during a doctor's physical examination and on abnormalities in certain antibody and hormone levels detected on blood tests.
Treatment of POEMS Syndrome
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Treatment consists of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to reduce the number of abnormal plasma cells. Sometimes autologous stem cell transplantation Stem Cell Transplantation Stem cell transplantation is the removal of stem cells (undifferentiated cells) from a healthy person and their injection into someone who has a serious blood disorder. (See also Overview of... read more is done after radiation therapy and chemotherapy. About 60% of affected people survive for 5 years after diagnosis.
