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| Micrograph showing amyloid deposition (red fluffy material) Image Source: Wikipedia.com |
• Is a condition where a waxy protein is deposited in the soft tissues, bones and joints.
• This protein, beta-2-microglobulin (B2m) is normally found on the surfaces of cells and in body fluids.
• When the kidneys fail, B2m serum levels increase, it enters the tissues, and is converted to amyloid.
• Deposits of amyloid can cause carpal tunnel syndrome (painful compression of a key nerve in the wrist.
• On x-ray, amyloid is found in about:
• 20% of patients after 10 years of hemodialysis
• 30-50% after 15 years
• 80-100% after 20 years or more
• Synthetic dialyzer membranes remove more B2m than membranes made of cellulose.
• Longer and/or more frequent treatments also remove more B2m.
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