What are the Different Types of Amyloidosis Treatment?

Amyloidosis treatment is administered to extend the life of the patient and to treat symptoms. There is no cure for the condition, and the primary goal of treatment is to obstruct further production of amyloid protein in the body. There are several factors to consider when deciding which kind of amyloidosis treatment to pursue, including the type of amyloid protein, how it is affecting the body and the areas where it is accumulating. All patients are prescribed medication and a specific diet, but further details of treatment, including drugs, transplants and other procedures, depend on whether the amyloidosis is AL, secondary or familial.

Proper diet and medication are crucial parts of any kind of amyloidosis treatment. The specific diet, drug or combination of drugs depends on what effect the amyloidosis is having on the body. For instance, if the symptom is fluid retention, a low-salt diet may be prescribed with a diuretic. Overall, patients are usually advised to take care with nutrition and to eat balanced meals according to generally-accepted nutritional guidelines.

The most common type of amyloidosis is AL, also known as light chain. This kind of amyloidosis treatment consists mostly of stem cell transplantation or chemotherapy. The goal is to restore bone marrow that has been damaged or afflicted with disease. Material for the transplant can come from either a donor or from healthy cells in the patient.

With secondary amyloidosis, it is necessary to treat underlying conditions that cause the strain of the disease, including kidney or heart failure. That can mean expanding the specific amyloidosis treatment to a much more complex series of procedures. For the most part, treatment consists of a combination of drugs to treat symptoms.

The most serious type of amyloidosis is commonly known as familial or genetic. A liver transplant is the primary element of this variety of amyloidosis treatment. The introduction of a healthy new organ can help to cut off the disease at its source. It does not provide a cure, but can improve symptoms exponentially.

Amyloidosis is a disease in which amyloid proteins accumulate in the body. The proteins primarily originate in bone marrow. It can affect the nervous system, liver, and kidneys. The heart, spleen and gastrointestinal tract can also be affected. This accumulation can compromise the proper functioning of the affected organs. Though there is no cure, effective treatment can help to prolong and improve the quality of life for a patient with the condition.