Context
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Recently, former Pakistan President has been hospitalized due to a complication of his ailment Amyloidosis.
What is Amyloidosis?
- A rare disease that occurs when an abnormal protein, called amyloid, builds up in one’s organs, affecting their shape and functioning.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia - Amyloid deposits can build up in the heart, brain, kidneys, spleen and other parts of the body, leading to life-threatening conditions like organ failure.
- Amyloid isn’t normally found in the body, but can be formed from several different types of proteins.
- Some varieties of amyloidosis occur in association with other diseases.
- These types may improve with treatment of the underlying disease.
- Some varieties of amyloidosis may lead to life-threatening organ failure.
- It may be secondary to a different health condition or can develop as a primary condition as well.
- Sometimes, it is due to a mutation in a gene, but usually, the cause of it remains unknown.
Cause
- Many different proteins can lead to amyloid deposits, but only a few lead to major health problems.
- The type of protein and where it collects tell the type of amyloidosis one has.
- Amyloid deposits may collect throughout one’s body or in just one area.
Treatment
- There is not currently a cure for the disease.
- The amyloid deposits cannot be directly removed. But there are treatments to stop more of the abnormal proteins being produced and treat your symptoms.
- These treatments can give your body time to gradually clear the deposits before they build up again. This can help prevent organ damage.
Reference:
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-what-is-amyloidosis-7963439/
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