Dr. Morie Gertz, professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester and world renowned expert in amyloidosis, shares his views on the past, present, and future treatments of AL (light chain) amyloidosis. Over his four decades of experience with this disease, he has diagnosed and treated thousands of patients, advanced research, and managed countless clinical trials. This makes him the perfect professor to orate on the dramatic evolution of treating this historically devastating disease to the optimism of today, and the breakthrough world of tomorrow. This is a must-watch video from a legendary expert.
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Amyloidosis and the Gut
Dr. Melissa Hershman, assistant professor from the OHSU Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, provides an informative overview of how, and where, amyloidosis can present in the G.I. tract. She reviews patient symptoms, many of which are nonspecific and can be associated with other more common issues, delaying diagnosis. Dr. Hershman goes through how G.I. amyloidosis is tested for, where in the G.I. tract biopsies are most commonly performed, and how the tissue is stained for diagnosis by pathology. In closing, she reviews the array of treatments available to assist patients.
Timing and co-occurrence of red-flag symptoms prior to a diagnosis of light chain (AL) amyloidosis
Dr. Anita D’Souza, associate professor of hematology and medical oncology from the Medical College of Wisconsin, discusses recent study findings regarding the timing and co-occurrence of symptoms within the three years prior to a diagnosis of light chain (AL) amyloidosis. Organized by organ system, Dr. D’Souza lists red-flag symptoms that patients may experience, typically presenting in varying combinations. Analyzing EHR records she sought to understand whether red-flag symptoms were indeed being identified, and how their occurrence would accumulate over time towards diagnosis.
Bottom line:
- This work confirms that patients are being diagnosed within the healthcare system with multiple red-flag diagnoses before AL amyloidosis is formally diagnosed.
- It is possible to catalog these diagnoses from electronic health records data and thus has the potential for earlier diagnosis of this complex disease.
- This study shows the timing and combinations between these diagnoses and lays the foundation to develop clinical algorithms aimed at earlier recognition of AL amyloidosis.
Why is Amyloidosis Bad for Your Kidneys?
One of the organs most frequently impacted by amyloidosis is the kidney. Dr. Jeffrey Zonder from the Karmanos Cancer Institute provides a brief summary of amyloidosis and the most common types of this disease. From there, he goes on to describe how AL (Light Chain) and AA ((Apo)serum Amyloid A) are the two most prevalent types to affect the kidneys, detail how amyloidosis affects the kidneys, how this damage is assessed, and strategies for reducing kidney damage.
