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.