All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
How is amyloidosis treated?
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
In secondary amyloidosis, the underlying disease is treated: in rheumatic diseases, immunosuppressive therapy is selected to suppress the activity of the disease, in chronic purulent processes, antibiotics or surgical treatment are used, in oncological diseases, tumors are removed, etc. In addition, there are drugs that inhibit the development of amyloidosis. The most effective drug used in the treatment of periodic disease is colchicine. Dimethyl sulfoxide and drugs (for example, melphalan) that inhibit the function of lymphocyte clones that synthesize light chains of immunoglobulins are also used. These chains participate in the formation of amyloid fibril in primary amyloidosis and amyloidosis in myeloma disease (AL-amyloid). Symptomatic treatment is also carried out in chronic renal failure, arterial hypertension, malabsorption syndrome, and heart failure.
Colchicine, when taken for a long time, inhibits bone marrow hematopoiesis and causes agranulocytosis, pancytopenia, thrombocytopenia, and aplastic anemia. In this regard, it is necessary to periodically conduct a general blood test. The patient should be warned that at the first signs of an infectious disease (weakness, headache, sore throat, fever), they should contact their doctor.
In case of renal amyloidosis at the stage of chronic kidney failure, hemodialysis and kidney transplantation may be used.
Prognosis for amyloidosis
The prognosis for developed amyloidosis is unfavorable. Most patients die within a few years from renal failure. In some cases, remission may develop with colchicine and treatment of the underlying disease.
[