Page 22 - Bringing UHN into Focus - 2015-2016 Year in Review

TApEr/A15MMaEyN/15GJAunG/1E5 MJuEl/N15T Aug/15 Sept/15 Oct/15 Nov/15 Dec/15 Jan/16 Feb/16 Mar/16
First lab in Canada to offer amyloid
subtypITiTnRAgNSFfOoRMrATpIONatients
UHN’s Laboratory Medicine Program
isRtEhSe EfirAstRlCabHinACNaDnaIdNa NtoOoVffeArTION
amyloidosis subtyping – a test to
identify the specific type of amyloid
that has been deposited, so that
treatment can be tailored to the patient.
Amyloidosis is aMgrIoCuHp EofNdEisReaIsNesTiEnGwRhiAcThIoOnNe
or more organ systems in the body accumulate
deposits of abnormal proteins called amyloids. The
patient’s symptoms may vary depending on where
in the body the amyloid deposits have accumulated,
though amyloidosis frequently affects the vital organs:
heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, nervous system and
gastrointestinal tract.
One form of amyloid can be a life-threatening
complication associated with some cancers, most
significantly multiple myeloma.
The symptoms associated with this disease are
progressive and severe.
Dr. Andrea Bozovic and a mass spectrometer used for amyloid Creating a safe space for psychiatric
testing (Photo: UHN)
22
“Management of amyloidosis relies on the treatment
of the underlying cause of the disease differs radically
for each different type of amyloid,” says Dr. Vathany
Kulasingam, Biochemist, Laboratory Medicine
Program (LMP). “A clear diagnosis and subtype
characterization is essential.”
But Dr. Rohan John, Pathologist, LMP, says when
patients initially present with symptoms – such as
arrhythmia or vomiting – there could be a multitude
of reasons as to why.
“We need to know whether or not the patient has
amyloidosis because they are very sick and can’t wait
for an answer,” Dr. John says. “We recognized this as
an opportunity to improve how we deliver care to our
patients.
“So, a decision was made to bring the test in house in
order to provide faster, better care to our patients.”
Link to full story: click here.
Also Making News
emergencies
Patient regains strength and stability
after brain tumour
UHN student triumphs on CBC’s
Dragons’ Den
Bringing UHN into Focus