Amyloidosis and lupus are two different chronic diseases, but they both affect many different tissues and organs. The most common forms of amyloidosis and lupus are associated with abnormal antibodies. Exact causes or cures for neither amyloidosis nor lupus are known, but there are treatments that can relieve the symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, most people with lupus can lead active lives by following their treatment plan. Amyloidosis is a rare disease that affects mostly people older than 40, according to the Mayo Clinic. Lupus is more common, with at least 1.5 million Americans affected, according to the Lupus Foundation of America. The majority are women between the ages of 15 and 40.
Amyloidosis Overview
Amyloidosis occurs when proteins called amyloids accumulate in organs, interfering with their function. Symptoms depend on which organs are affected, and may include swelling in the ankles, weakness, weight loss, shortness of breath, numbness in hands or feet, diarrhea or constipation, severe fatigue, enlarged tongue, skin changes, irregular heartbeat and difficulty swallowing. According to the Mayo Clinic, amyloidosis can be very severe, and potentially life-threatening complications include kidney and heart failure.
Amyloidosis Types and Causes
According to the Mayo Clinic, primary amyloidosis is the most common form, which can affect many different organs, including the heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, nerves, skin, blood vessels and gastrointestinal tract. It starts in the bone marrow, which produces antibodies that after fulfilling their functions are broken down and recycled. In amyloidosis, the body cannot break down the abnormal antibodies, and they accumulate in organs. Secondary amyloidosis is associated with chronic infections or inflammatory diseases, such as tuberculosis or rheumatoid arthritis. It mostly affects the kidneys, spleen, liver and lymph nodes. Rare hereditary amyloidosis affects the liver, nerves, heart and kidneys.
Lupus Overview
Lupus erythematosus is an inflammatory disease, with symptoms that can alternately worsen and improve. According to the Mayo Clinic, lupus symptoms are different from patient to patient; they can develop slowly or suddenly; and they can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. They include fatigue, fever, weight loss or gain, joint pain and swelling, a butterfly-shaped rash on the face, mouth sores, hair loss, shortness of breath, chest pain, easy bruising, anxiety, depression and memory loss.
Lupus Types
The most common type of lupus is systemic lupus erythematosus, which can cause inflammation in many organs and body parts, including joints, the skin, kidneys, blood cells, heart, lungs and brain. In some very rare cases, patients with systemic lupus can develop secondary amyloidosis. Discoid lupus affects only the skin, with 10 percent of patients developing systemic lupus, according to the Lupus Foundation of America. Drug-induced lupus occurs after taking certain prescription medications, and it usually disappears after stopping the medications. Neonatal lupus is a rare form that affects newborns, in most cases disappearing after several months.
Lupus Causes
Lupus is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the antibodies mistake the body's own healthy tissues for foreign tissues and attack them, causing inflammation and damage. The cause of autoimmune diseases is still unknown. According to the Mayo Clinic, lupus may result from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors, such as sunlight, certain prescription medications, chemicals, certain viruses, emotional stress, pregnancy or giving birth.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Amyloidosis
- Mayo Clinic: Lupus
- Lupus Foundation of America: Understanding Lupus
- Amyloidosis Foundation: What Is Amyloidosis?
- "Rheumatology International"; AA amyloidosis associated with systemic lupus erythematosus: Impact on clinical course and outcome; Banu Aktas Yilmaz, Nursen Düzgün, Türkan Mete, Levent Yazicioglu, Müyesser Sayki, Arzu Ensari, Sehsuvar Ertürk; 2008
