Key Information
Source
Myeloma UK
Year
2022
summary/abstract
In AL amyloidosis, an abnormal protein called amyloid is produced and accumulates in tissues and organs. The build-up of amyloid protein is called an amyloid deposit. Deposits can occur in various organs or tissues, including the kidneys, and affect their function. The kidneys and the heart are the organs most commonly affected by amyloid deposits.
What do the Kidneys do?
Most healthy people have two kidneys which carry out many essential functions in the body, such as:
- Filtering the blood to remove waste products and excess fluid from the body
- Returning essential vitamins, glucose and hormones back into the bloodstream
- Maintaining the levels of salt (e.g. sodium and potassium) and water in the body
- Controlling blood pressure
- Producing a number of essential hormones (e.g. erythropoietin, vitamin D and renin) to maintain normal body processes and function.
Abstract Source
https://www.myeloma.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Myeloma-UK-AL-amyloidosis-and-the-kidney-Infosheet.pdf