Symptoms can vary, potentially involving abdominal swelling, shortness of breath, and pain.
This condition develops during adulthood, at an average age of 40 to 60 years.The underlying cause is unknown.
There is no cure for POEMS syndrome, but treatments can help alleviate some of the effects.
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This article explains what you’re able to expect with POEMS syndrome.
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What Is POEMS Syndrome?
Several organs and areas of the body are impacted by POEMS syndrome.
The different effects are not directly related to each other, so symptoms of POEMS syndrome are wide-ranging.
POEMS syndrome may also be known as:
What Causes POEMS?
There is no known trigger or underlying cause for POEMS syndrome, and it doesnt follow a hereditary pattern.
Symptoms begin during adulthood, but there are no known contributing factors.
Some treatments work to prevent the progression of the disease by targeting VEGF.
You might have some symptoms but not others.
If you have POEMS syndrome, theres a high likelihood that it wouldnt be recognized when signs first appear.
Thats because your symptoms and diagnostic testing would be directed to features youre experiencing.
Its also possible to be misdiagnosed because signs and symptoms mimic those of other disorders.
It may be initially diagnosed asmultiple myelomaor another blood cell disorder.
POEMS syndrome is expected to progress rapidly and can be life-threatening without treatment.
Diagnosis and treatment can help your outcome.
Individualized treatments can alleviate specific effects, such as diabetes, thyroid disease, or pain from polyneuropathy.
What Happens If POEMS Syndrome Goes Untreated?
Without treatment, POEMS syndrome is expected to progress and cause more harm throughout the body.
Potential effects can include:
Eventually, without treatment, these effects can become life-threatening.
How Long Can You Live With POEMS?
Living with POEMS syndrome is challenging due to the many health problems it causes.
While some complications can be prevented or treated, the condition causes serious health issues that can be fatal.
Sometimes complications may be life-threatening, including:
Is POEMS Syndrome the Same As Multiple Myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a punch in of blood cancer characterized by plasma cell proliferation.
It has some similarities to POEMS syndrome, but it is not the same.
These diseases share some similar symptoms and blood test results.
If you havent been diagnosed with POEMS syndrome, the symptoms could indicate POEMS syndrome or another disorder.
You would need a diagnosis and prompt treatment.
The features include plasma cell proliferation and nerve disease throughout the body, with additional diagnostic criteria.
Diagnosis may be delayed because it’s so rare and poorly understood.
National Organization for Rare Diseases.POEMS syndrome.
2023;13(1):91. doi:10.1038/s41408-023-00859-x
