Amyloidosis is a condition where abnormal amounts of amyloid proteins build up in the body’s tissues and organs. These proteins are created in the bone marrow and are present in tiny amounts all over the body.
When amyloids accumulate excessively in organs, it can hinder their proper function. Organs commonly affected by this disease include the heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, nervous system, and digestive tract.
Types of Amyloidosis:
AA Amyloidosis: Caused by other chronic infectious or inflammatory diseases, often affecting the kidneys, digestive tract, liver, and heart.
Senile (Age-related) Systemic Amyloidosis: Linked to age, impacting the myocardium and leading to arrhythmia and heart failure.
Immunoglobulin Amyloid Light Chain (AL) Amyloidosis: The most common type, related to abnormal antibodies and multiple myeloma, affecting kidneys, heart, liver, intestines, and nerves.
Hereditary Amyloidosis (Familial Amyloidosis): Rare and passed down through families, affecting the liver, nerves, heart, and kidneys.
Organ-specific Amyloidosis: Resulting in amyloid protein buildup in specific organs like the skin.
Risk Factors:
Age: Most cases occur between ages 60 and 70.
Dialysis: May increase the risk if proteins accumulate in the blood.
Gender: More common in men, especially in AL amyloidosis.
Genes: Hereditary amyloidosis can be passed down in families.
Race: People with African ancestry are at higher risk.
Related Diseases: Conditions like multiple myeloma can be connected to amyloidosis.
Symptoms:
Symptoms vary depending on the protein type and location. For example, cardiac amyloidosis may cause fainting, shortness of breath, or weakness. Kidney-related amyloidosis can lead to swollen feet and legs, while general symptoms include skin tone changes, fatigue, sudden weight loss, and more.
Treatment Options:
While there’s no cure, medications can slow down amyloid protein buildup. A multidisciplinary team of specialists is crucial for managing this complex condition that affects multiple organs. Treatment options include transplants, anti-inflammatory medicines, high-dose chemotherapy, and modern therapies to hinder abnormal protein growth.
Additional treatments like diuretics, compression stockings, thickeners, and diet changes may help ease symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for improved prognosis. If you suspect amyloidosis, consult a doctor promptly for appropriate care.
