Amyloidosis

Amyloidosis is a group of diseases resulting from the unusual evidence of a certain protein known as amyloid. It can be deposited into localised areas without being harmful but also be deposited into tissues of the organs causing more serious changes. The condition may occur on its own, or as a result of another illness.

Illnesses that can cause amyloidosis include multiple myeloma, chronic inflammatory diseases and chronic infections. It may also occur in its localised form due to aging, where the localised form will not have implications for other areas of the body.

Types of Amyloidosis

There are three main types of the condition. Primary amyloidosis, also known as AL, is when a cell in bone marrow overproduces a certain protein. It occurs with bone marrow cancer, and is not associated with other diseases. However, it can occur on its own and requires treatment through chemotherapy.

With secondary amyloidosis, or AA, it has resulted from another illness such as those mentioned above. The treatment of this type of amyloidosis will revolve around treatment of the underlying illness that is involved in the individual case.

Familial amyloidosis, or ATTR, is a rare form of amyloidosis that is inherited. In genetics terminology this condition is an inherited autosomal dominant. For anyone who has the condition, their offspring will have a 50% chance of also having it.

Symptoms of Amyloidosis

Amyloidosis will result in abnormal functioning of the organs that are involved. Many organs can be affected, meaning that symptoms can be vague but can include fatigue, weight loss, shortness of breath, tingling, weakness and many more. If it affects the kidney this will result in a swelling of extremities and a severe loss of protein in urine.