What Is Amyloidosis? The Condition Pakistan Ex-President Pervez Musharraf Is Suffering From

Amyloidosis is a rare disease that occurs when a protein called amyloid builds up in the organs and interferes with their normal functioning.

Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf

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Amid speculation that Pervez Musharraf has passed away, the family of Pakistan's former President on Friday dismissed such reports and said he had been "hospitalised for three weeks" and not on the ventilator. In a statement, Musharraf's family said he was suffering from amyloidosis and it was at a stage where "recovery is not possible and organs are malfunctioning".

"He is not on the ventilator. Has been hospitalized for the last 3 weeks due to a complication of his ailment (Amyloidosis). Going through a difficult stage where recovery is not possible and organs are malfunctioning. Pray for ease in his daily living," a statement from Musharraf's family on his Twitter handle said.

Musharraf is at a hospital in the UAE, his close aide and former information minister Fawad Chaudhry told PTI.

What Is Amyloidosis?

Amyloidosis is a rare disease that occurs when amyloid, an abnormal protein, builds up in the organs and interferes with their normal functioning, according to UK's National Health Service. The amyloid protein isn't usually found in the body. It can be formed from several different types of protein. The protein can affect organs like the heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, nervous system and digestive tract. Without treatment, amyloidosis can lead to organ failure.

Amyloidosis Symptoms

Usually, amyloidosis symptoms are not experienced until the condition reached an advanced stage. Signs and symptoms depend on which of organs are affected.

Some symptoms are swelling of ankles and legs, severe fatigue and weakness, shortness of breath with minimal exertion, numbness, tingling or pain in hands or feet, pain in wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome), diarrhea, unintentional weight loss of more than 4.5 kgs, enlarged tongue, purplish patches around the eyes, irregular heartbeat and difficulty in swallowing.

READ | 'Pervez Musharraf Not On Ventilator, Organs Malfunctioning': Family Amid Death Rumours

Amyloidosis Causes and Complications

Amyloidosis is usually hereditary. Other factors include inflammatory diseases or long-term dialysis.

Amyloidosis reduces the heart's ability to pump blood between heartbeats, leading to shortness of breath. If it affects the kidneys, then it harms the filtering system, causing protein to leak from blood into urine. If amyloid affects the nerves that control bowel function, one may experience periods of alternating constipation and diarrhea.

Amyloidosis Treatment

According to UK's National Health Service, currently there is no cure for amyloidosis. The amyloid protein cannot be directly removed. However, there are treatments to stop production of more of the abnormal proteins. In most cases, chemotherapy is given to patients. Steroids are usually given together with chemotherapy to boost the effect of chemotherapy drugs.