What is POEMS syndrome?

The etiology of POEMS syndrome is not clear. It may be related to vascular endothelial growth factor, proinflammatory cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases and human herpesvirus type 8 infection.

1. Vascular endothelial growth

factor levels in POEMS syndrome patients are significantly higher than those in normal people, suggesting that POEMS syndrome is related to vascular endothelial growth factor levels.

2.

Elevated proinflammatory cytokines may lead to immune response and cause POEMS syndrome.

3. Matrix metalloproteinases may also be

related to POEMS syndrome.

4. Human herpesvirus type 8 infection

Interleukin-6 plays a special role in the pathogenesis of POEMS syndrome, and a substance similar to human interleukin-6 exists in human herpesvirus type 8 gene, so POEMS syndrome may occur when infected by human herpesvirus type 8.