Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Inflammatory and Autoimmune Disorders
Number of Conditions: 1
Rheumatoid Arthritis (Secondary Amyloidosis)
Specialty: Nephrology
Category: Systemic Diseases with Renal Involvement
Sub-category: Inflammatory and Autoimmune Disorders
Symptoms:
proteinuria; edema; fatigue; weight loss; joint pain and swelling
Root Cause:
Chronic inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis leads to deposition of amyloid A protein in the kidneys, causing structural damage and dysfunction.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Lab tests (elevated serum amyloid A protein, proteinuria, renal function tests), kidney biopsy (amyloid deposits confirmed with Congo red staining).
Treatment:
Controlling the underlying rheumatoid arthritis with anti-inflammatory and disease-modifying drugs, alongside supportive treatment for kidney dysfunction.
Medications:
Biological agents (e.g., TNF inhibitors like adalimumab or etanercept ), methotrexate (a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug), and supportive medications like diuretics for fluid retention.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Secondary amyloidosis occurs in 5–10% of patients with long-standing, poorly controlled rheumatoid arthritis.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Severe, chronic rheumatoid arthritis, poor disease control, male gender, older age.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With effective treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, the progression of amyloidosis can be slowed, but established renal damage may be irreversible.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic kidney disease, nephrotic syndrome, heart failure due to systemic amyloidosis, infections.