Best Doctors in India for Amyloidosis Treatment
Best Hospitals in India for Amyloidosis Treatment
- City: Bengaluru, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta, Bengaluru was established in 2006.
- The hospital is a 276 bedded multi-specialty tertiary care facility.
- The hospital specializes in cutting-edge medical technology and dedicated patient care services.
- The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies like trans-radial angioplasty, trans-abdominal cardiac surgery, and computerized TKR navigation surgery.
- The hospital provides specialty medical services in cardiology, cardiac surgery, orthopedics, neurology, neuro-surgery, GI, and Minimal Access Surgery (MAS).
- City: Chennai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Fortis Malar was established in 1992 and was formerly known as Malar Hospital.
- The hospital specializes in cutting-edge medical technology and dedicated patient care services.
- The hospital is multi-specialty, tertiary care facility with 180 beds.
- The hospital offers comprehensive medical care in specialties such as cardiology, cardio-thoracic surgery, neurology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, nephrology, gynecology, gastroenterology, urology, pediatrics, and diabetes.
- City: New Delhi, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Established in 1996, Pushpawati Singhania Research Institute is one of the top hospitals in the NCR region, as well as one of the top facilities in India for gastroenterology. The hospital is one of South Asia’s first institutes in medical and surgical treatment for diseases related to digestion.
- The hospital is equipped with state-of-the art facilities coupled with the latest equipment as well as renowned consultants from various parts of India as well as other parts of the world.
- City: New Delhi, India
Hospital Highlights:
- State-of-the-art technology and devoted healthcare professionals have been brought together under one roof at Venkateshwar Hospital to provide genuine medical care. The hospital’s professionals work together as a team to deliver the best possible treatment to their patients, using the most sophisticated equipment and information technology.
- Venkateshwar Hospital’s mission is to attain global excellence in healthcare by employing evidence-based, ethical clinical practices and cutting-edge technology by a team of highly skilled experts.
- City: New Delhi, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi is known to provide the latest medical procedures with the latest technology in all of its units.
- The hospital has a team of reputed doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals that ensure that patients receive quality care at affordable costs.
- Staffed with a team of highly qualified doctors, dedicated nurses, and paramedical and non-medical staff, the hospital aims to lead in healthcare delivery, medical education, training, and research.
- As per the vision of the founder, the hospital also provides free treatment to the economically weaker sections of society.
- Sir Ganga Ram Hospital also provides training to young doctors under the Diplomate in National Board(DNB) program. The DNB program at the hospital was started in 1984 and it is known for currently running the maximum number of DNB specialties in the country. It also has the distinction of having the first bone bank in India.
- City: Kerala, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Established in 2019, Apollo Adlux Hospital is the first Apollo Hospital in Kerala and the 73rd hospital owned by Apollo Group in India. With the state’s most advanced, comprehensive healthcare infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies, Apollo Adlux Hospital stands as an example of medical excellence in Kerala.
- With over 34 multi-specialty departments, the hospital believes in providing the best quality treatment to its patients at affordable rates, ensuring comfort at their difficult times.
- The 300-bed hospital is managed by a team of highly qualified and experienced experts who delivers exceptional hospitality to their patients and treats them with great compassion.
- With its affiliation with the Apollo Hospitals Group, the hospital aims in providing patients with top-notch healthcare services while also serving communities in Kerala.
- The hospital has good railway and road connections, and is conveniently close to Cochin International Airport.
- City: Gurugram, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Situated near DLF Cyber City, Gurugram, Narayana Superspecialty Hospital is one of the top medical facilities in the Delhi NCR region, catering to the needs of the people. Known for its commitment to quality medical care and patient service, the hospital is a state-of-the-art facility with planned and well-equipped sections, which includes a spacious OPD area as well as comfortable patient rooms.
- It is the closest super-specialty hospital from Indira Gandhi International Airport towards Gurugram, and also the nearest super specialty hospital from DLF Cyber City. It is also close to major residential areas in Gurugram.
- It is part of the renowned Narayana Health Group. Established in 2000, by Dr. Devi Shetty, a renowned cardiac surgeon, it has grown to be one fo India’s leading healthcare groups.
- City: Noida, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Fortis Hospital, Noida, stands as one of the oldest and most trusted healthcare institutions in the region, setting a benchmark for comprehensive medical care.
- As the second mega hub hospital in the Fortis Healthcare Group, Fortis Hospital, Noida, upholds a legacy of trust among more than 1.2 million patients. By integrating top-tier professionals with cutting-edge technology, the hospital delivers superior treatment across various medical disciplines.
- Specializing in advanced Neurosciences, Orthopedics, Kidney and Liver Transplant Programmes, Fortis Hospital, Noida has successfully performed over 1,500 transplants, solidifying its reputation as a leader in specialized medical interventions.
AMYLOIDOSIS
Amyloidosis is a condition in which an abnormal protein known as amyloid builds up in your tissues and organs. It is a serious health issue, which can lead to even life-threatening organ failure.
Although amyloid is not found in the body normally, it can be formed from other different types of protein. Organs that are affected include the kidneys, heart, liver, spleen, nervous system as well as digestive tract. Some types of amyloidosis also occur as complications of other diseases, and these should improve with treatment of the underlying disease.
Symptoms
In many cases, symptoms are not noticeable till the condition is at an advanced stage. Signs and symptoms are going to depend on which part of your body is affected. Some of the symptoms may include any of the following:
- Swelling of your ankles and legs
- Severe weakness and fatigue
- Unable to lie down in bed due to difficulty in breathing
- Shortness of breath with minimal exertion
- Tingling, numbness or pain in your hands or feet, especially in your wrist
- Enlargement of the tongue
- Unintentional weight loss of over 4-5 kilograms
- Diarrhea, sometimes with blood or constipation
- Irregular heartbeat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Skin changes, such as thickening or easy bruising
If you persistently experience any of the signs and symptoms, associated with amyloidosis, you should see your doctor.
Types, causes & risk factors
Many different proteins exist, which can lead to deposits of amyloid, though only a few have been linked to major health problems. The type of amyloidosis you have is determined by the type of protein and where it collects in your body. The deposits may collect throughout your body or in just one area.
The different types of amyloidosis include the following:
AL amyloidosis (immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis) – This is the most common type of amyloidosis and therefore is also known as primary amyloidosis. AL stands for “amyloid light chains,” which is the type of protein that is responsible for this condition. The cause is unknown, but it occurs when your bone marrow makes abnormal antibodies that can’t be broken down. It’s linked with a blood cancer known as multiple myeloma. It can affect your kidneys, liver, heart, intestines, as well as nerves.
AA amyloidosis – Previously this condition was also known as secondary amyloidosis. It is caused by another chronic infectious or inflammatory disease which can be rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease. It mostly affects your kidneys, though in some cases, it may also affect your digestive tract, liver, or heart.
Dialysis-related amyloidosis (DRA) – This type is generally more common in older adults and people who have been on dialysis for over 5 years. This type of amyloidosis is caused by deposits of beta-2 microglobulin that build up in the blood. Deposits can build up in various tissues, though it most commonly affects the bones, joints, and tendons.
Hereditary amyloidosis – This is a rare form that is passed down through families. It is known to generally affect the liver, nerves, heart, as well as kidneys. There are also several other genetic defects that are linked to a higher chance of amyloid disease.
Age-related (senile) systemic amyloidosis – This is caused when there is a huge deposit of normal TTR in the heart and other tissues. It occurs mostly among older men.
Organ-specific amyloidosis – This is caused by deposits of amyloid protein in single organs, including the skin.
Some types of amyloid deposits have also been linked to Alzheimer’s disease, but the brain is rarely known to be affected by amyloidosis.
Amyloidosis is more common among men than in women. Your risk for amyloidosis generally goes up as your age increases. Amyloidosis also affects around fifteen percent of patients with a form of cancer which is called multiple myeloma.
Diagnosis
Sometimes, amyloidosis can get overlooked as the signs and symptoms can mimic those of more common diseases.
Early diagnosis can help to prevent further organ damage. However, a precise diagnosis is important as treatment is going to vary depending on your specific condition. Several tests can be required which include the following:
Blood and urine tests
Analyzing your blood or urine can indicate amyloidosis.
Biopsy
A tissue sample may be taken from the fat under the skin of your abdomen, your bone marrow, or your affected organ. This is then sent to the laboratory so that it can be checked for amyloidosis.
Images
Images of the organs which are affected by amyloidosis can help to establish the extent of your disease. The tests can include the following:
Echocardiogram
This technology uses sound waves which create moving images that show how well your heart is functioning. It can also show heart damage which may be specific to particular types of amyloidosis.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field for creating detailed images of the tissues and organs in your body. These can help your doctor assess the structure and function of your heart.
Nuclear imaging
In this test, tiny amounts of radioactive material, which are also known as tracers, are injected into a vein. This can reveal early heart damage which is caused by certain types of amyloidosis.
Treatment
There is no permanent cure yet known, for amyloidosis. But treatment can help to manage the signs and symptoms and stop or slow further production of amyloid protein. If the amyloidosis has been triggered by another condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or tuberculosis, then treating the underlying condition may help.
Treatments generally include medications and surgery.
Chemotherapy
Many of the medicines which are used to treat some forms of cancer are used in AL amyloidosis as they might help to stop the growth of abnormal cells producing the protein leading to the formation of amyloid.
Heart medications
If your heart is affected, your doctor may suggest blood thinners to reduce the risk of clots, as well as medications, to control your heart rate. It is also important to reduce your salt intake.
Surgical and other procedures
Autologous blood stem cell transplant – In this procedure, your own cells are collected from your blood through a vein. They are stored for a short time while you receive high-dose chemotherapy. The stem cells are then returned to your body through a vein. This treatment is generally appropriate for people whose disease is not advanced and whose heart is not affected much.
Dialysis
If your kidneys have been damaged by amyloidosis, dialysis might be required. This procedure uses a machine that is able to filter wastes, salts, and fluid from your blood.
Organ transplant
Your doctor might also suggest surgery to replace your heart or kidneys if amyloid deposits have caused severe damage to those organs.
Complications
Amyloidosis can lead to serious complications in the following organs:
Heart – Amyloid reduces the ability of your heart to fill with blood between heartbeats. As less blood is pumped with each beat, this can lead you to experience shortness of breath. If amyloidosis affects the electrical system of your heart, the heart rhythm may get disturbed. Heart problems which are related to amyloid can become life-threatening.
Nervous system – You might experience pain, numbness, or tingling on your fingers. You might also experience numbness, lack of feeling, or a burning sensation in your toes or the soles of your feet. If amyloid affects the nerves controlling your bowel function, you may experience periods of alternating constipation or even diarrhea. If it affects the nerves that control blood pressure, you may feel faint if you stand up too quickly.
Kidneys – Amyloid can harm the filtering system of the kidneys, and this can cause the protein to leak from your blood into your urine. The kidneys’ ability to remove waste from the body gets lowered, which can result in kidney failure and may require dialysis.