Occasionally, the cells in the bone marrow produce an abnormal protein called amyloid that can travel to any of the body tissues or organs. Amyloidosis occurs when amyloid accumulates in one of the organs or organ systems. The condition most commonly affects the heart, liver, kidneys, spleen, nervous system or gastrointestinal tract, according to MayoClinic.com. The condition is rare and, most of the time, the exact cause is unclear.
Types
Amyloidosis is characterized into three main types -- primary, secondary and hereditary, or familial. Primary amyloidosis occurs when the protein accumulates in many areas of the body. The condition usually occurs independently of other diseases, although it may develop in conjunction with multiple myeloma, a form of bone marrow cancer.
Secondary amyloidosis develops as a result of a chronic inflammatory disease or infectious disease. The most commonly affected sites of secondary amyloidosis include the liver, spleen, kidneys and lymph nodes.
Hereditary, or familial, amyloidosis develops as a result of genetics and usually affects the heart, kidneys, liver or nervous system.
Risk Factors
Although the exact cause of amyloidosis is unclear, several risk factors for developing the condition have been identified. The condition affects men two-thirds of the time, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Those over the age of 50 are also more susceptible to amyloidosis. Other risk factors include undergoing dialysis and the presence of other diseases.
Symptoms
The specific symptoms of amyloidosis vary based on which organ or organ symptom is affected. General symptoms include irregular heartbeat, kidney failure, rectal bleeding, decreased digestive motility, changes in skin color, bruising, inflammation of the joints, swollen tongue and abnormal bleeding.
Treatment
There is no cure for primary amyloidosis. Treatment focuses on decreasing the amount of proteins that make up amyloid. Depending on the specific condition, treatment may involve chemotherapy, combination drug therapy or surgery. MayoClinic.com notes that treatment of the underlying condition in secondary amyloidosis usually stops the accumulation of protein and can help reverse the condition. If the heart or kidneys are affected, a low-sodium diet may help reduce water retention and ease unnecessary strain on the organs.
Prognosis
According to the UMMC, most people with primary amyloidosis die within two years of diagnosis. The most common causes of death include heart failure and urema, which is the accumulation of toxic wastes in the bloodstream. The survival rate for those with secondary amyloidosis is usually five to 10 years.
