Challenges in the management of patients with systemic light chain (AL) amyloidosis during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Year: 2020
Type: article
Abstract: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-associated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is primarily manifested as a respiratory tract infection, but may affect and cause complications in multiple organ systems (cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, kidneys, haematopoietic and immune systems), while no proven specific therapy exists. The challenges associated with COVID-19 are even greater for patients with light chain (AL) amyloidosis, a rare multisystemic disease affecting the heart, kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal and nervous system. Patients with AL amyloidosis may need to receive chemotherapy, which probably increases infection risk. Management of COVID-19 may be particularly challenging in patients with AL amyloidosis, who often present with cardiac dysfunction, nephrotic syndrome, neuropathy, low blood pressure and gastrointestinal symptoms. In addition, patients with AL amyloidosis may be more susceptible to toxicities of drugs used to manage COVID-19. Access to health care may be difficult or limited, diagnosis of AL amyloidosis may be delayed with detrimental consequences and treatment administration may need modification. Both patients and treating physicians need to adapt in a new reality.
Source: British Journal of Haematology
DOI: 10.1111/bjh.16898
Institutions: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, University Hospital Heidelberg, Boston University, Boston Medical Center, University of Pavia, Policlinico San Matteo Fondazione, Utrecht University, University Medical Center Utrecht, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Institut universitaire du cancer de Toulouse Oncopole, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Poitiers, Mayo Clinic, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Consorci Institut D'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi I Sunyer, Universitat de Barcelona
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W3029596590