AMYLOIDOSIS
TREATMENTS |
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The goal of treatment is to slow down or
stop production of amyloid protein, eliminate existing amyloid
deposits, alleviate underlying disorders (that give rise to
secondary amyloidosis), and relieve symptoms caused by heart or
kidney damage. Specialists in cardiology, hematology (the study of
blood and the tissues that form it), nephrology (the study of kidney
function and abnormalities), neurology (the study of the nervous
system), and rheumatology (the study of disorders characterized by
inflammation or degeneration of connective tissue) work together to
assess a patient's medical status and evaluate the effects of
amyloidosis on every part of the body.
Colchicine (Colebenemid, Probeneaid), prednisone, (Prodium), and
other anti-inflammatory drugs can slow or stop disease progression.
Bone-marrow and stem-cell transplants can enable patients to
tolerate higher and more effective doses of melphalan (Alkeran) and
other chemotherapy drugs prescribed to combat this non-malignant
disease. Surgery can relieve nerve pressure and may be performed to
correct other symptom-producing conditions. Localized amyloid
deposits can also be removed surgically. Dialysis or kidney
transplantation can lengthen and improve the quality of life for
patients whose amyloidosis results in kidney failure. Heart
transplants are rarely performed.
Supportive measures
Although no link has been established between diet and development
of amyloid proteins, a patient whose heart or kidneys have been
affected by the disease may be advised to use a diuretic or follow a
low-salt diet. |
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| AMYLOIDOSIS RELATED ITEMS |
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