Which of the following symptoms is included in the CRAB mnemonic for multiple myeloma?

The CRAB mnemonic is a helpful tool for recalling the common clinical features of multiple myeloma, which is a type of cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. Each letter in the mnemonic represents a specific symptom associated with the disease:

• C stands for hypercalcemia,

• R for renal insufficiency,

• A for anemia,

• B for bone pain or lytic bone lesions.

Among these, renal insufficiency is particularly significant in the context of multiple myeloma. It can result from several factors, including the deposition of light chains in the kidneys, dehydration, or the consequences of hypercalcemia.

In contrast, the other symptoms listed—edema, lymphadenopathy, and fever—are not part of the CRAB mnemonic. While these may occur in the context of other conditions or complications related to multiple myeloma, they do not encapsulate the hallmark symptoms that healthcare providers specifically watch for when diagnosing and managing this disease. Renal insufficiency directly reflects a serious complication related to the myeloma's effects on the body's systems, making it a pivotal part of the mnemonic and an important consideration in clinical practice.