Which condition is characterized by a combination of anemia, proteinuria, leukopenia, hypercalcemia, and renal failure?

The correct answer, multiple myeloma, is characterized by a specific combination of symptoms and laboratory findings. This condition involves the proliferation of malignant plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell responsible for producing antibodies. As the malignant cells grow, they disrupt normal blood cell production, leading to anemia—a reduction in red blood cell count.

Additionally, multiple myeloma is known for causing kidney damage due to the excessive production of light chains (part of antibodies) that can precipitate in the renal tubules, leading to renal failure. The presence of proteinuria—excess protein in the urine—is also a hallmark finding in multiple myeloma, resulting from the excretion of these light chains (Bence Jones proteins).

Leukopenia, or a decrease in white blood cells, may occur as the disease advances and the bone marrow becomes increasingly infiltrated with malignant plasma cells, impairing the production of not only red blood cells but also white blood cells.

Hypercalcemia is another critical feature associated with multiple myeloma. It arises due to osteolytic lesions caused by the disease; the release of calcium from bone breakdown contributes to elevated calcium levels.

This combination of anemia, proteinuria, leukopenia, hypercalcemia,