Amyloidosis

Amyloidosis is caused when an abnormal protein called amyloid is deposited in the organs and tissues. This is usually produced in the bone marrow and frequently affects the liver, spleen, nervous system, kidneys, heart and digestive tract. Severe Amyloidosis can cause life-threatening organ failure.

Different forms of amyloidosis are:

  • Primary amyloidosis
  • Secondary amyloidosis
  • Hemodialysis-associated amyloidosis
  • Familial (inherited) amyloidosis
  • Senile amyloidosis

Signs and Symptoms

  • Swelling of ankles and legs
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Enlarged spleen
  • Shortness of breath
  • Vomiting
  • Hemorrhaging
  • Diarrhea, possibly with blood and constipation
  • Skin changes, such as thickening or easy bruising, and purplish patches around the eyes

Risk Factors

Anyone can develop amyloidosis but the factors that increase your risk are:

  • Gender
  • Age
  • Family History
  • Kidney Dialysis
  • chronic infections increases the risk of AA amyloidosis 

Treatment

There is no specific cure for dialysis, however treatment can reduce the production of amyloid protein. The treatment for amyloidosis differs from person to person because each type of amyloidosis is different. There are many factors on which the treatment depends such as the organs or tissues that are affected; the severity of symptoms; and the person's age, overall health and medical history.

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