White blood cells produce antibodies that fight against foreign particles and protects the body from infections. During multiple myeloma, the white blood cells decrease in number that results in decreased body’s ability to prevent infections. The patients of multiple myeloma have 15 percent more risk of getting infections and catch infections more frequently than normal individuals. Doctors recommend the patients take preventive measures such as vaccination, prevent the skin from cuts, avoid contact with infectious persons, wash hands and vegetables, and cook food thoroughly to prevent infections. Several disorders are related to the decreased number of white blood cells, such as pneumonia and leukopenia. Thrombocytopenia is a condition that results from a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood. Platelets play a role in the blood clotting process and lack of platelets results in serious bleeding even from minor bruises, cuts, or scrapes.
