Pronounced: am’i-loy-dō’sis
Amyloidosis is a group of rare diseases. It involves deposits of a protein called amyloid. These proteins build up in body tissues and organs.
The build up of amyloid can make it difficult for the organ or tissue to function. These conditions are serious. They require care from your doctor.
The causes of vary in its different forms.
The following factors increase your chance of developing amyloidosis:
If you experience one or more of these, contact your doctor.
This condition can be difficult to diagnose. Underlying conditions may be fatal before it is found.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor may refer you to see specialists.
Tests may include the following:
There is no cure for any form. The main goal is to treat an underlying condition. Treatment to decrease or control symptoms and complications has been only modestly successful. Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Treatment options include:
Chemotherapy is the use of a series of drugs. It may be given by pill, injection, or via a catheter. In this case it is used to help improve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. It is used in:
Stem cells are immature cells. They are transplanted to replace damaged or diseased cells. This process is used in:
This is the removal of a diseased organ and transfer of a healthy donor organ to the recipient. In these cases it is the liver or kidney. It may be done in all major forms of amyloidosis.
This is the removal of the spleen. It’s removal can decrease the production of amyloid. It may be done for:
Special diets may be given. The diet will depend on the organ(s) affected and related complications.
RESOURCES:
Amyloidosis Support Groups
http://www.amyloidosissupport.com/
Amyloidosis Support Network
http://www.amyloidosis.org/
Familydoctor.org, American Academy of Family Physicians
http://familydoctor.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders
http://www.raredisorders.ca/
The Kidney Foundation of Canada
http://www.kidney.ab.ca/
References:
Amyloidosis. Amyloidosis Support Network. Available at: http://www.amyloidosis.org/ . Accessed September 15, 2005.
Amyloidosis. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, National Institute of Health & National Library of Medicine website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000533.htm . Accessed September 13, 2005.
Dambro MR. Griffith's 5-Minute Clinical Consult. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2001.
Diseases and conditions A-Z. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/findinformation/diseasesandconditions/index.cfm . Accessed September 15, 2005.
Merlini G, Bellotti V. Molecular mechanisms of amyloidosis. N Engl J Med. 2003; 349:583.
Special subjects amyloidosis. Merck Manual, 2nd Home Online Edition website. Available at: http://www.mercksource.com/pp/us/cns/cns_merckmanual_frameset.jsp . Accessed September 14, 2005.
Special subjects “amyloidosis.” Merck Manual, 17th Edition Centennial Online Edition website. Available at: http://80-online-statrefcom.ezproxy.library.tufts.edu/Document.aspx?DocId=87&FxId=21&SessionId=5353B6FTZGIRXSNW&Scroll=1&Index=0 . Accessed September 13, 2005.
Westermark, P, Benson, MD, Buxbaum, JN, et al. Amyloid: toward terminology clarification. Report from the Nomenclature Committee of the International Society of Amyloidosis. Amyloid 2005; 12:1.
Last reviewed January 2009 by Igor Puzanov, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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