Amyloidosis is a rare and often life-threatening condition. It is caused by the buildup and deposit of an abnormal protein called amyloid in a person’s organs. The accumulation of this protein can lead to the failure of vital organs like the liver, kidneys, heart, intestines, nerves, and skin. Although this condition cannot be prevented, it can be controlled and treated with appropriate medical care. This article discusses the types, symptoms, risk factors, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of amyloidosis.

Types: Amyloidosis can be of different types, including the following:

• AL amyloidosis: It affects the bone marrow, causing it to produce abnormal antibodies that are impossible to break down. It is often associated with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, and can harm many organs, including one’s heart and kidneys.
• AA amyloidosis: It is often a result of diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and is caused by the type A amyloid protein, which affects the liver and heart.
• DRA amyloidosis: It is caused by deposits of beta-2 microglobulin and generally affects older people or those who have undergone many years of dialysis.
• Hereditary amyloidosis: It is a rare form of amyloidosis, passed down by one’s family members.
• Age-related amyloidosis: This type generally occurs in older men due to an abnormal protein called TTR.
• Organ amyloidosis: In this type, deposits of amyloidosis mostly affect only one organ of the body.

Symptoms: One may experience various symptoms depending on the part of the body that is affected. However, the general symptoms of amyloidosis are:

• Fatigue
• A sense of weakness
• Swelling on the tongue
• Pain in the joints
• Numbness
• Bruising on the skin or around the eyes
• Weight loss
• Shortness of breath
• Anemia

Risk factors: Amyloidosis is more common in men and is more likely to develop in people as they grow older. Patients affected with a form of cancer called multiple myeloma are at a higher risk of developing the condition. Also, people who have been undergoing dialysis for a long time are at a higher risk of getting affected.

Causes: The condition is caused by a protein called amyloid, which turns insoluble and lodges into organs, damaging them and, in some conditions, failure. Gene mutations of DNA cause these proteins to turn into amyloid and settle down between the cells. It is a rare and severe condition. However, it can be treated if one seeks appropriate medical help immediately.

Diagnosis: For diagnosis, the doctor may conduct a physical examination and inquire about the patient’s family and medical history. This may be followed by a few tests to determine the problem. Diagnosis of amyloidosis is made using the following methods:

• Blood and urine tests: Blood and urine tests help assess the levels of protein present in the body and analyze the functioning of organs like the liver and kidneys.
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests help doctors diagnose the problem by looking at the results.
• Biopsy: The doctor performs this test by taking a tissue from the patient’s abdominal fat, kidneys, or bone marrow to determine which protein is accumulated in which organ of one’s body.

Treatment: Amyloidosis currently does not have a cure. However, doctors prescribe medicines to control the symptoms and slow the spread of the disease. Treatments may include:

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is generally used to treat cancer. However, it can also help treat amyloidosis by discarding the substances that motivate amyloid formation in the body.
• Steroids: Steroids are powerful medicines that are prescribed to help treat inflammation.
• A transplant: A liver transplant may be required if the problem is hereditary or if the patient deems it necessary.