AMYLOIDOSIS

Amyloidosis is a form of protein dystrophy, in which an abnormal protein - amyloid - is deposited (or formed) in organs and tissues. More common secondary amyloidosis, which develops in chronic diseases, accompanied by suppuration and (or) decay of tissues (for example, bronchiectasis, pulmonary tuberculosis, bones, chronic osteomyelitis, etc.). In secondary amyloidosis, mainly the kidneys, spleen, liver, adrenals are affected. Less common are other forms of amyloidosis, in particular primary amyloidosis, in which there is no chronic disease accompanied by suppuration. Primary amyloidosis is characterized by a predominant lesion of the muscles. In this case, severe myasthenia gravis with paralysis, muscle atrophy and trophic ulcers can develop; Possible defeat of the heart, lungs, skin.

The clinical picture of amyloidosis depends on its location: in kidney damage, a nephrotic syndrome develops (proteinuria, hypoproteinemia, anasarca); With liver damage - hepatomegaly, sometimes portal hypertension, ascites , less often jaundice , hemorrhages; With heart damage - cardiomegaly, arrhythmias and severe heart failure .

The diagnosis of amyloidosis can be established on the basis of the indicated signs, but is confirmed only with a biopsy of the affected organ.

Treatment for secondary amyloidosis is directed to the underlying disease. Specific therapy of primary amyloidosis includes the appointment of glucocorticosteroids, immunosuppressants, symptomatic - the use of diuretics for edema, antiarrhythmic drugs in arrhythmias.