Amyloidosis

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Amyloidosis

Amyloidosis refers to a group of conditions in which proteins (amyloids) accumulate in the body's organs and tissues in abnormal amounts, disrupting normal functions. Amyloidosis may be caused by a bone marrow cell disorder or an inherited protein variation or may be associated with other conditions, including multiple myeloma, tuberculosis, and familial Mediterranean fever.

Organs most often affected by amyloidosis include the heart, liver, kidney, skin, and certain nerves, but any organ system may be involved. Symptoms of amyloidosis depend upon the organ system affected and may not help determine what condition is causing the protein accumulation. Amyloidosis can be disabling and even life-threatening.

Treatment of amyloidosis depends upon the condition that is causing the protein accumulation. In some cases, experimental stem cell transplant, chemotherapy, or corticosteroid therapy may be used.

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Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

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Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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