Dialysis amyloidosis: clinical aspects and therapeutic approach.

Long-term survival of patients with chronic renal failure treated with regular haemodialysis has recently been recognized to be associated with peculiar complications which involve the osteoarticular system [1]. Such complications are related to a new form of systemic amyloidosis which is due to /?2-microglobulin (/J2-M), a protein which is catabolized by normal kidneys and accumulates when renal failure occurs [2]. This protein has a beta pleated sheet structure and therefore is able to form amyloid filaments. More commonly, /?2-M amyloid deposits are found in the osteoarticular system, where synovial structures are present.