POEMS syndrome in Chinese

POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrine disturbance, M-protein and skin hyperpigmentation) syndrome occurring in Chinese has been inadequately described. Here we report our experience of 12 Chinese patients with the syndrome. This series is similar to those reported from Japan and from the Western world by the predominance of middle-aged males. Diabetic mellitus, a common feature in POEMS syndrome, was not present in our patients. M-protein of the lambda type was demonstrated in 7 patients by immunoelectrophoresis or by immunofixation electrophoresis. Osteosclerosis in Chinese patients is not as common as in patients reported from Japan or from the Western world; a common radiographic finding in our patients was a compression fracture of the thoraco-lumbar spine with or without sclerotic and lytic lesions. The condition has a grave prognosis; 9 patients die within 4 years after onset of the disease despite various kinds of treatment.