Is amyloidosis a serious condition?

Question

Hello doctor,

I need to talk about my uncle. He is 68 years old and was recently diagnosed with amyloidosis. His health seems to be getting worse every day, and we are now arranging hospice care for him. I am really worried about what the future holds. What exactly can we expect with this condition? He has been experiencing a lot of fatigue, swelling, and difficulty breathing. Is this normal for his condition? I am also concerned about how much time we have left with him. Is it likely we will lose him soon? I understand this might be a tough question to answer, but we want to be prepared.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Amyloidosis occurs when an abnormal protein called amyloid builds up in organs and tissues, interfering with their normal function. Fatigue is due to the impact on organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver, which can lead to overall weakness and a lack of energy. Swelling caused by amyloid deposits in the kidneys leads to nephrotic syndrome, resulting in fluid retention. Difficulty in breathing due to fluid buildup in the lungs. Unfortunately, in advanced stages, especially with significant organ involvement, the prognosis tends to be poor. Palliative care is to be given. Both the patient and family members need emotional and psychological support. Predicting exact timelines in terminal illnesses like advanced amyloidosis is difficult.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.