Int Urol Nephrol. 2025 Sep 11. doi: 10.1007/s11255-025-04788-5. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell disorder frequently complicated by renal failure and this is associated with high mortality and significant health care costs. It has been estimated in previous studies that 20-40% of patients with MM develop renal impairment to a varying degree during the course of the disease, and up to 10% are described as presenting with severe acute kidney injury when MM is diagnosed. Its economic consequences are prolonged hospital stays and increased costs of care. Our study evaluates two decades of national mortality data to identify patterns and disparities in renal failure-related deaths among adults with MM in the U.S.
METHODS: We analyzed national mortality data using the CDC WONDER database (CDC, 2020), including adults (25-85 + years). Deaths were identified using the ICD-10 Code C90.0 (Multiple Myeloma) AND N17-N19 (Renal failure). Age-adjusted mortality rates calculated per 100,000 were abstracted by sex, race/ethnicity, census region, state, and urbanization. Temporal trends were assessed using Join-point regression models. Annual percentage changes in AAMR were estimated using Monte-Carlo permutation and 95% confidence intervals using the Parametric Method. A two-tailed t-test was employed to measure the statistical significance of APCs.
RESULTS: From 1999 to 2020, mortality trends initially increased for multiple myeloma due to renal failure (ages 25-85 +), then declined across various racial groups, genders, census regions, as well as state and urbanization levels. The overall age-adjusted mortality rate (AAMR) fell from 1.26 per 100,000 in 1999 to 1.02 per 100,000 in 2020. For men, rates increased until 2005 (APC = 1.65%), fluctuated for several years, then declined more sharply after 2012 (falling between 1.88% and 7.32% annually). For women, the increase lasted only until 2002 (APC = 3.64%), followed by a consistent yearly decline of 3.57%. Among racial groups, Asian, Black, and Hispanic communities showed a steady downward trend starting in 1999, decreasing annually by 3.11%, 2.98%, and 2.69%, respectively. Meanwhile, the White populations initially experienced an upward trend, with deaths rising 5.22% per year until 2002, then decreasing at 2.98% per year afterward. Regional trends indicated steady improvements in the Northeast and West, with death rates decreasing by 2.36% and 3.06% annually. The Midwest and South experienced early increases (peaking at 2.72% and 2.73% in 2003) before reversing course to decline annually by 2.97% and 2.82%.
CONCLUSION: From 1999 to 2020, the mortality from MM due to renal failure initially followed a rising trend and then declined among all geographic and demographic groups. These early rises were most evident in males, the White population, the Midwest and South, as well as small metro areas. These varying trends emphasized the need for targeted strategies to lower the renal-related mortality in high-risk multiple myeloma patients.
CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.
PMID:40936059 | DOI:10.1007/s11255-025-04788-5