Key points

• Myeloma is associated with a variety of complications that can be challenging to manage. Treatment for myeloma can also cause a range of debilitating side effects that require attentive nursing management
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are two of the serious and potentially life-threatening thrombotic events that can occur in myeloma
• Pain and fatigue are two of the most common and debilitating complications of myeloma. Effective management of pain and fatigue in myeloma requires an accurate and thorough assessment to ensure the optimum planning of appropriate interventions or treatments.
• Myelosuppression – neutropenia, immunosuppression, infection, anaemia and thrombocytopenia – results as a complication of myeloma as well as its treatment. Infection in particular is becoming one of the most serious side effects of novel therapies.
• Renal impairment occurs in more than half of myeloma patients at some time during the course of their disease.
• Gastrointestinal side effects can compromise treatment adherence and impact significantly on patient quality of life if not treated and/or well managed.
• Early detection of peripheral neuropathy and intervention is crucial for positive outcomes for patients, better quality of life and tolerability of treatment.
• Nurses play a key role in the effective prevention, management and treatment of the complications of myeloma and the side effects of its treatments.
• You can find patient infosheets on many of the issues discussed in this section on our Support for your patients page.
• For more information on how to manage the complications discussed here see our Myeloma Nurse Guide series.