Comprehensive Guide To The Symptoms Of POEMS Syndrome
POEMS syndrome, also known as Takatsuki syndrome, is a rare syndrome that is the result of an underlying disorder of the plasma component in the blood. The increased number of plasma cells in the blood of these individuals causes an overproduction of a type of protein that can damage other organs in the body. Although the exact cause of POEMS syndrome is not clear, studies suggest irregularly elevated levels of vascular endothelial growth factor has an influence on its development. POEMS syndrome is usually diagnosed by confirming particular immunologic abnormalities in the cerebrospinal fluid or the liquid element of the blood called serum. Elevated levels of the VEGF and M-proteins are usually present in laboratory examinations of the blood serum and cerebrospinal fluid. The acronym POEMS stands for five clinical characteristics that manifest in individuals with the syndrome. When left untreated, POEMS syndrome can be extremely debilitating to an individual's everyday life and lead to life-threatening complications.