What causes Amyloid?
Several types of protein can cause amyloid. By far the commonest are fragments of antibodies. This occurs if the bone marrow overproduces a single antibody molecule by mistake. This overproduction by the bone marrow is very common as we get older, and fortunately only causes amyloid in a very few cases. If amyloid is caused by antibodies, doctors will discuss the case with blood specialists, who may perform a bone marrow test. In most cases amyloid is caused by a benign growth of the bone marrow, but sometimes there is a more serious condition called myeloma. Rarely, amyloid is caused by chronic severe inflammation in the body, such as some types of arthritis. Very rarely, amyloid runs in families, but the amyloid protein is not an antibody in these cases. What Treatment is Available? Amyloid is not usually curable, but doctors are able to offer symptom control. There are several types of treatment. Fluid retention. This requires control of the amount of fluid that is drunk, and usuall
