Renal Amyloidosis

Renal amyloidosis is deposition of amyloid fibrils in glomeruli/tubules, causing nephrotic-range proteinuria and progressive renal failure. Types: AL (light-chain, primary plasma-cell dyscrasia), AA (secondary to chronic infection/inflammation, e.g. FMF), and hereditary (fibrinogen/lysozyme). Clinical: edema, heavy proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, progressive uremia. Treatment: treat underlying cause (chemotherapy for AL, colchicine for FMF/AA), RAAS blockade, renal transplant when appropriate.

Common Symptoms

Edema; nephrotic-range proteinuria; hypoalbuminemia; progressive renal failure; fatigue; weight loss

Causes and Pathogenesis

Misfolded light-chain (AL), inflammatory SAA (AA), or hereditary variant fibrils deposit in glomeruli, disrupting filtration and causing nephrotic syndrome/renal failure.

Treatment

Treat underlying cause (chemotherapy for AL; colchicine for FMF); RAAS blockade; dialysis/renal transplant; manage nephrotic complications

Preventive Measures

Treat chronic inflammation/infection; early biopsy of nephrotic syndrome; family screening in hereditary types.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Nephrology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.