Amyloidosis medical therapy
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Amyloidosis Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
There is no treatment for primary amyloidosis. Since the disease is typically discovered at an advanced stage, the initial treatment is aimed at preventing further organ damage, and correcting the effects of organ failure.
Medical Therapy
Some patients with primary amyloidosis respond to chemotherapy focused on the abnormal plasma cells. A stem cell transplant may be done, as in multiple myeloma.
- The initial target in the treatment of this disorder is to correct the organ failure, as the disease is discovered at an advanced stage.
- Nephrotic syndrome is treated using supportive therapy and diuretics.
- Renal failure is treated with dialysis.
- Heart failure is treated using diuretics.
- Gastrointestinal and nerve involvement are treated symptomatically.
Treatment options with limited success include melphalan, prednisone, and colchicine.
In secondary amyloidosis, aggressively treating the disease that is causing the excess amyloid protein can improve symptoms and/or slow the disease from getting worse. Complications such as heart failure, renal failure, and other problems can sometimes be treated, when needed.