The systemic amyloidoses

Article Abstract:

Physicians need to diagnose amyloidosis as early as possible so the patient can benefit from treatment. Amyloidosis has several forms, but all are characterized by the deposition of proteins in organs and tissues. In many cases, the protein is a fragment of the immunoglobulin light chain, which is a component of antibodies. The kidneys and the heart are the organs most often involved. The protein can also be deposited in soft tissues. Amyloidosis is diagnosed from the symptoms and a tissue biopsy can confirm the diagnosis. The disease is fatal unless treated. Treatment can be specific to the particular organ involved, although chemotherapy and surgery are also used.

Analysis

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Resolution of heart failure in patients with AL amyloidosis

Article Abstract:

Melphalan appears to be effective in reversing congestive heart failure in patients with AL amyloidosis. The medical records of 140 patients with AL amyloidosis were reviewed and patient characteristics of three of these patients with congestive heart failure reversal (2.1%) were highlighted. All three of these patients had received melphalan chemotherapy treatment. The rest of the patients had been treated with only colchicine. None of the three patients had evidence of any free light protein chains in their blood samples after treatment.

Complications and side effects, Drug therapy, Congestive heart failure, Congestive heart failure agents

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Melphalan plus stem-cell transplantation improves kidney function in patients with primary amyloidosis

Article Abstract:

Intensive chemotherapy with melphalan followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplants can improve kidney function in patients with amyloidosis. However, the treatment has serious side effects. Amyloidosis is caused by excess production of a protein called amyloid, which can collect in organs and affect their function.

Hematopoietic stem cells, Chemotherapy, Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

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