Amyloidosis

Amyloidosis is an incurable fatal disease where abnormal proteins called amyloid fibrils are misfolded and then deposited in the tissues and organs of the body. It is a serious condition that can affect one organ or tissue or multiple organs at the same time. This study was performed to analyze and describe the latest clinical trials, research, diagnosis procedures, treatment plans, and drugs available for the treatment of amyloidosis AL (primary), AA (secondary), ATTR (hereditary and senile), and Localized. The findings show that middle age and elderly, males more than females, are at higher risk to develop this disease. The study suggests the importance of diagnosing the disease in an early stage and accurately in order to treat it satisfactorily …show more content…
The kidneys, heart, liver, GI tract, and nerves are most often affected. In AA (secondary amyloidosis) the body produces this protein as a natural response to chronic infection or inflammation. The presence of organ dysfunctions is also taken into consideration. The kidneys, liver, and spleen are the main sites of amyloid deposition. In ATTR amyloidosis, the amyloid originates from genetic amyloid proteins. Familial genetic mutations contribute to amyloid formation. Can cause nerve damage and heart problems. A more genetically form of the disease known as senile systemic amyloidosis results from TTR amyloid building up in the hearts of the elderly by generic factors and age. In localized amyloidosis (similar to AL) made of life chain proteins are found in plasma cells affecting specific organs such as the skin, lung, or brain. …show more content…
The main course of treatment has been transplantation of the organ to help eradicate completely the production of the amyloid protein. The reasoning behind the transplantation is because the new liver will only produce healthy transthyretin protein. It can be identified also, with a genetic (DNA) test, the gene and indicate the precursor that generated the amyloid fibrils. There are also other types of treatments for this fatal genetic disease, caused by misfolded transthyretin that ultimately affects the peripheral nerves. A clinical trial was conducted with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (diflunisal) to reduce and prevent the progression of amyloid fibrils deposition in neuropathy amyloid, and ATTRm cardiac amyloidosis. When treating patients with familial amyloid polyneuropathy and cardiomyopathy this procedure resulted in a positive outcome and effectiveness as well as improvement in quality of life.