Amyloidosis is a rare but serious condition that can significantly affect various organs, including the kidneys. When amyloid builds up in the kidneys, it damages their ability to function properly, clearly leading to kidney disease and even kidney failure if left untreated. As the Best nephrologist in Ahmedabad, Dr. Ravi Bahdania specializes in diagnosing and treating kidney diseases caused by amyloidosis.
What is Amyloidosis?
Amyloidosis is a condition in which proteins fold abnormally and accumulate in tissues and organs, including the kidneys. These misfolded proteins, known as amyloids, are resistant to being broken down and cleared by the body, causing them to build up over time. There are several types of amyloidosis, but the two main types affecting the kidneys are:
- AL Amyloidosis (Primary Amyloidosis): This form occurs when abnormal proteins (light chains) produced by bone marrow accumulate in tissues such as the kidneys. It is commonly similar to multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.
- AA Amyloidosis (Secondary Amyloidosis): This type is commonly linked to chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or infections. The amyloid protein produced during these conditions can be deposited in the kidneys and other organs, causing damage.
Amyloidosis of Kidney Causes
Although the precise causes of amyloidosis are not fully understood, several factors and underlying health conditions increase the risk of developing kidney-related amyloidosis. These include:
- Genetic Factors: Certain hereditary forms of amyloidosis, such as familial amyloidosis, can be passed down through generations.
- Chronic Inflammatory Diseases: AA amyloidosis can begin from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and prolonged infections.
- Multiple Myeloma: AL amyloidosis is frequently associated with multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow. In this condition, the plasma cells produce abnormal light chain proteins, which can build up in various organs, including the kidneys. And it can damage organs.
- Dialysis-Related Amyloidosis: Long-term dialysis for kidney failure may result in a form of amyloidosis caused by the increasing protein called beta-2 macroglobulin.
Amyloidosis Kidney Symptoms
In the early stages, amyloidosis affecting the kidneys may not present obvious symptoms. However, as the amyloid deposits increase, kidney function deteriorates. Common signs of amyloidosis in the kidneys include:
- Proteinuria (Excess Protein in Urine): Protein leakage into the urine is the first sign of amyloidosis in the kidneys, detectable through a routine urine test.
- Swelling (Edema): Extra fluid builds up in the body, causing swelling, particularly in the legs, ankles, and around the eyes, when kidney function decreases.
- Fatigue and Weakness: Amyloidosis can cause chronic fatigue and general weakness due to anaemia and poor kidney function.
- Foamy Urine: Foamy or bubbly urine can be caused by protein in the urine.
- Decreased Urine Output: Urine output may decrease, As the kidneys become more impaired.
- High Blood Pressure: Damaged kidneys may struggle to balance blood pressure, leading to hypertension.
Amyloidosis Kidney Diagnosis
Due to the nonspecific nature of its symptoms, which often overlap with other kidney diseases, diagnosing kidney amyloidosis can be challenging. Dr. Ravi Bhadania recommends a comprehensive diagnostic approach to identify amyloidosis and assess its impact on kidney function. Diagnostic tools include:
- Urine and Blood Tests: Urine and blood tests are indicators of kidney amyloidosis. These tests can reveal excess protein in the urine and abnormal protein levels in the blood.
- Kidney Biopsy: A small tissue sample is taken from the kidney and examined under a microscope for amyloid deposits. A kidney biopsy is important to confirm amyloidosis.
- Electrophoresis: This test can find abnormal proteins in the blood or urine, specifically useful for diagnosing AL amyloidosis.
- Imaging Tests: To assess the extent of organ damage caused by amyloidosis, MRI or CT scans may be used.
Amyloidosis Kidney Treatment
The treatment of kidney amyloidosis focuses on managing the basic condition and reducing amyloid deposits. Early noticing and treatment are critical, as amyloidosis is developing and can lead to kidney failure
- Medications: Chemotherapy drugs may be prescribed to target the abnormal cells producing amyloid proteins. Addressing the underlying inflammatory condition is essential for AA amyloidosis.
- Kidney Amyloidosis Treatment: Medicines may focus on controlling blood pressure, reducing proteinuria, and managing fluid retention if amyloidosis has caused serious kidney damage.
- Dialysis: Dialysis is important to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood if amyloidosis has led to kidney failure.
- Kidney Transplant: A kidney transplant may be considered in serious cases of kidney failure. Amyloid deposits may recur in the transplanted kidney, so taking care and keeping an eye on it is important.
Conclusion
Amyloidosis affecting the kidneys is a complex and potentially life-threatening condition. If you are experiencing symptoms of amyloidosis or have concerns about your kidney health, consult with a nephrologist for proper guidance and treatment. Early intervention can surely improve outcomes and prevent further kidney damage. It is possible to manage the disease and protect kidney function. Dr. Ravi Bhadania and his team provide high-quality care to patients with kidney-related conditions, including amyloidosis. For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ravi Bhadania, please contact our clinic Alfa Kidney Care today.
