Multiple Myeloma is a myeloproliferative disorder of plasma cells, which may be complicated with secondary amyloidosis. We report a 48 year old woman consulting to primary care for weight loss and malaise. An initial laboratory study revealed a hypogammaglobulinemia with a monoclonal component and lambda light chains. These results motivated her derivation to hematology: her serum calcium was 11.8 mg/dl, immunofluorescence showed a monoclonal component of lambda chains and urine Bence-Jones protein was positive. A bone marrow biopsy confirmed plasma cell infiltration. A Congo-red stain of a rectal biopsy was positive. The patient was treated with thalidomide, bortezomid and dexamethasone.

Objective: The presence of trihalomethanes in the water systems of several Spanish cities has been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to analyze trihalomethane concentrations in the water provided for human consumption in the city of Barcelona. Methods: We analyzed 151 water samples collected in 1998. The analyses were performed in the Public Health Laboratory of Barcelona using the purge-and-trap method and subsequent determination by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The results are presented according to the source of the water: the rivers of Llobregat or Ter, or a mixture of these. Results: Thrihalomethane concentrations in the water from Ter were relatively low, with a predominance of chloroform and bromodichloromethane, while concentrations in the water from Llobregat were much higher, with a predominance of bromoform and dibromochloromethane. Mixed water showed intermediate concentrations. The total concentrations reached in the water from Llobregat were above 100 µg/l. Conclusions: The results show the need to continue reducing organic pollution and halogenated compounds in the water used for human consumption in Barcelona.

Objetivo: La presencia de trihalometanos en el agua de diversas ciudades españolas está demostrada. Este estudio pretende analizar sus concentraciones en el agua de la ciudad de Barcelona. Métodos: Se analizan 151 muestras de agua recogidas durante el año 1998. Los análisis se realizaron en el laboratorio municipal mediante purge and trap y posterior determinación por cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrofotometría de masas. Los resultados se presentan según el origen del agua: ríos Llobregat, Ter o mezcla. Resultados: En aguas del Ter los valores son relativamente bajos y predominan cloroformo y bromodiclorometano, mientras que en las del Llobregat son más elevados y predominan bromoformo y dibromoclorometano. Las aguas de mezcla presentan valores intermedios. Los valores totales alcanzados en las muestras procedentes del Llobregat superan los 100 µg/l. Conclusiones: Estos resultados muestran la necesidad de seguir corrigiendo la contaminación orgánica y los compuestos halogenados en el agua captada para el consumo humano en Barcelona.

Objective: The presence of trihalomethanes in the water systems of several Spanish cities has been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to analyze trihalomethane concentrations in the water provided for human consumption in the city of Barcelona. Methods: We analyzed 151 water samples collected in 1998. The analyses were performed in the Public Health Laboratory of Barcelona using the purge-and-trap method and subsequent determination by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The results are presented according to the source of the water: the rivers of Llobregat or Ter, or a mixture of these. Results: Thrihalomethane concentrations in the water from Ter were relatively low, with a predominance of chloroform and bromodichloromethane, while concentrations in the water from Llobregat were much higher, with a predominance of bromoform and dibromochloromethane. Mixed water showed intermediate concentrations. The total concentrations reached in the water from Llobregat were above 100 µg/l. Conclusions: The results show the need to continue reducing organic pollution and halogenated compounds in the water used for human consumption in Barcelona.

Objetivo: La presencia de trihalometanos en el agua de diversas ciudades españolas está demostrada. Este estudio pretende analizar sus concentraciones en el agua de la ciudad de Barcelona. Métodos: Se analizan 151 muestras de agua recogidas durante el año 1998. Los análisis se realizaron en el laboratorio municipal mediante purge and trap y posterior determinación por cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrofotometría de masas. Los resultados se presentan según el origen del agua: ríos Llobregat, Ter o mezcla. Resultados: En aguas del Ter los valores son relativamente bajos y predominan cloroformo y bromodiclorometano, mientras que en las del Llobregat son más elevados y predominan bromoformo y dibromoclorometano. Las aguas de mezcla presentan valores intermedios. Los valores totales alcanzados en las muestras procedentes del Llobregat superan los 100 µg/l. Conclusiones: Estos resultados muestran la necesidad de seguir corrigiendo la contaminación orgánica y los compuestos halogenados en el agua captada para el consumo humano en Barcelona.