Dialysis-related amyloidosis: History and clinical manifestations

Dialysis-related amyloidosis (DRA) or beta (2)-microglobulin amyloidosis (A beta M-2) is a unique type of amyloidosis that has been described in indiv iduals with both long-standing chronic renal disease and end-stage renal di sease (ESRD). It has been associated with serious complications that signif icantly add to the morbidity of long-term dialysis patients. The deposition of beta M-2 in amyloid fibrils in various joint and osteoarticular surface s leads to the clinical complaints and findings typical of this disorder. H owever, a visceral form with systemic organ involvement has also been descr ibed. Despite advances in the understanding of this disorder and in the del ivery of dialysis, the ability to alter the incidence of DRA and its course remains uncertain.