ABSTRACT
Amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis is a severe complication of chronic inflammatory disorders. The major component of amyloid represent the amyloid fibrils which are derived from the circulating precursor serum amyloid A (SAA) in AA-amyloidosis. This chapter aims to answer two questions: Can amyloidosis be halted? and Can organ functions be preserved or even restored? A high serum CRP concentration would demonstrate that the amyloidogenic process is up-regulated. Etanercept has proven effective in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Since Etanercept showed no efficacy during nine months in the patient SDL, it was discontinued and replaced by Iinfliximab, with encouraging results: CRP normalized, and the proteinuria decreased markedly. The proteinuria decreased in four of the eight patients with an elevated proteinuria prior to the Etanercept treatment. In cases with normal creatinine and no proteinuria at the beginning of the treatment with Etanercept, this condition could be maintained.
