Overestimation of free light chain antigen excess rate.

Background: Free light chains (FLC) are useful biomarkers for diagnosis and follow-up of plasma cell disorders. FLC quantification is encumbered by non-linearity and antigen excess (>4-fold difference between results obtained at the 2000- and 100-fold dilution).

Methods: FLC concentration was measured with Freelite® reagents on the BNII, using 100- and 2000-fold dilutions in 3645 samples.

Ketosis and cardiac failure: common signs of a single condition.

The metabolic effects of chronic alcohol abuse can induce a broad spectrum of disorders. We describe the case of an initially unidentified alcoholic, poorly nourished woman who presented with ketoacidosis. She developed severe cardiac failure, which did not respond to classical treatment.