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Amyloidosis occurs when abnormal proteins called amyloids build up and form deposits. The deposits can collect in organs such as the kidney and heart. This can cause the organs to become stiff and unable to work the way they should.

There are three main types of amyloidosis:

  • Primary - with no known cause
  • Secondary - caused by another disease, including some types of cancer
  • Familial - passed down through genes

Symptoms can vary, depending upon which organs are affected. Treatment depends on the type of amyloidosis you have. The goal is to help with symptoms and limit the production of proteins. If another disease is the cause, it needs to be treated.

Symptoms of Amyloidosis

The following features are indicative of Amyloidosis:
  • fatigue
  • weight loss
  • edema
  • joint pain
  • dysfunction
  • difficulty swallowing
  • altered taste

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Common Causes of Amyloidosis

The following are the most common causes of Amyloidosis:
  • when insoluble fibrils are deposited in body organs

Risk Factors for Amyloidosis

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Amyloidosis:
  • presence of a hereditary autoinflammatory or chronic rheumatic disease
  • elevated C-reactive protein levels
  • increased serum amyloid A serum levels
  • advanced age

Prevention of Amyloidosis

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Amyloidosis. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • minimizing dietary sodium
  • lowering liquid intake
  • having diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol

Occurrence of Amyloidosis

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Amyloidosis cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Rare between 10K - 50K cases

Common Age Group

Amyloidosis most commonly occurs in the following age group:
  • Aged > 50 years

Common Gender

Amyloidosis can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Amyloidosis

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Amyloidosis:
  • Biopsy: To determine the type of amyloidosis
  • Molecular genetic testing: To diagnose mutations in the transthyretin gene
  • Senile systemic amyloid: To diagnose elderly man with clinically isolated cardiac involvement
  • Immunogold electron microscopy: To determine the type of amyloid
  • Radiolabeled serum amyloid P scanning: To monitor the accumulation of amyloid deposits
  • Mass spectrometry: To determine precisely the molecular structure of the amyloid deposits

Doctor for Diagnosis of Amyloidosis

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Amyloidosis:
  • Hematologist
  • Cardiologist
  • Gastroenterologist
  • Pulmonologist
  • Nephrologist
  • Neurologist

Complications of Amyloidosis if untreated

Yes, Amyloidosis causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Amyloidosis is left untreated:
  • infections
  • may be fatal

Procedures for Treatment of Amyloidosis

The following procedures are used to treat Amyloidosis:
  • Chemotherapy: To stop the growth of abnormal cells
  • Peripheral blood stem cell transplant: most appropriate for people whose disease isn't advanced and whose heart isn't greatly affected

Self-care for Amyloidosis

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Amyloidosis:
  • Follow a balanced diet: To provide your body with adequate energy

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Amyloidosis

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Amyloidosis:
  • Eat a balanced diet: To provide adequate energy to body

Patient Support for Treatment of Amyloidosis

The following actions may help Amyloidosis patients:
  • Find someone to talk with: Discuss your feelings with a friend or family member
  • Set reasonable goals: Helps you feel in control and can give you a sense of purpose

Time for Treatment of Amyloidosis

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Amyloidosis to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • More than 1 year

Related Topics

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Amyloidosis.

Related Topics

Metabolic Disorders

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