Is AA amyloidosis a terminal?
In AA amyloidosis, the deposited protein is serum amyloid A protein (SAA), an acute-phase protein which is normally soluble and whose plasma concentration is highest during inflammation….
| AA amyloidosis | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Rheumatology |
Is AA amyloidosis curable?
Unicentric Castleman’s disease complicated by systemic AA amyloidosis: a curable disease. QJM 2002; 95:211. Zemer D, Pras M, Sohar E, et al. Colchicine in the prevention and treatment of the amyloidosis of familial Mediterranean fever.
What is amyloidosis type AA?
AA amyloidosis (previously known as secondary [AA] amyloidosis) is a disorder characterized by the extracellular tissue deposition of fibrils that are composed of fragments of and/or intact serum amyloid A protein (SAA), a hepatic acute phase reactant. (See “Pathogenesis of AA amyloidosis”.)
What does AA protein mean?
AA (secondary) amyloidosis is characterized by a protein called “serum amyloid A.” This protein is produced by the body in response to inflammation or infection. High levels of the protein do not cause amyloid deposits over the short term, but can lead to amyloid deposits over a long period of time.
What does a positive AA mean?
AA amyloidosis occurs when Serum Protein A levels in the bloodstream remain high for a long period of time. This can be seen in chronic (long-term) inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis), and chronic infections.
What causes AA amyloidosis?
AA Amyloidosis is caused by the accumulation of Serum Amyloid A protein into amyloid fibrils causing organ dysfunction. It is usually a complication of patients who have states of chronic inflammation as the inflammation causes a heightened production of this particular protein.
What is the cause of AA?
AA amyloidosis occurs as a reaction to another illness, such as a chronic inflammatory disease or a chronic infection. Infections and inflammation cause the liver to produce a protein called SAA (serum amyloid A protein) in high levels. This is a normal reaction.
Can positive ANA go away?
The new criteria require that the test for antinuclear antibody (ANA) must be positive, at least once, but not necessarily at the time of the diagnosis decision because an ANA can become negative with treatment or remission.
What are the symptoms of an AA patient?
Signs and symptoms of amyloidosis may include:
- Swelling of your ankles and legs.
- Severe fatigue and weakness.
- Shortness of breath with minimal exertion.
- Unable to lie flat in bed due to shortness of breath.
- Numbness, tingling or pain in your hands or feet, especially pain in your wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome)
What is AA amyloidosis?
Secondary, AA, amyloidosis is a rare systemic complication that can develop in any long-term inflammatory disorder, and is characterized by the extracellular deposition of fibrils derived from serum amyloid A (SAA) protein.
What are the possible complications of AA amyloidosis?
Some patients experience complications with their liver, spleen, thyroid, digestive tract or heart. Any chronic inflammation that elevates the SAA protein for a long time has potential to lead to AA amyloidosis. Inflammatory diseases that are more commonly known to lead to AA amyloidosis are in the following categories.
What is the prognosis of amyloidosis?
In general, amyloidosis shortened the median life span 7.7 years, and survival strongly depended on controlling the underlying inflammatory process.
Can AA amyloidosis show up in a urine test?
If it is the anti-AA serum result that is positive in this lab test, then AA amyloidosis is diagnosed. It is important to rule out other types because other amyloid diseases may involve the kidneys and those patients may also present with a high level of protein in their urine.