What is amyloid protein and what is its role in JIA?
Hi. Today I went to the hospital to do my usual blood test and I notice that my doctor ordered a new test: the amyloid protein assay. I have never done such test and I have JIA for 26 years now. Does anyone know what this test is for? Have anyone of you done it already? What is amyloid protein? What is its role in JIA? Thank you. Ana
Hi Ana. First, let me say that the amyloid protein is not something I was familiar with and my wife, Kelly Mack (a contributor here), was diagnosed at two and has had JIA for about 40 years, so don't be surprised that you have not heard of it. That said, I found this article from the Annals of The Rheumatic Diseases on research looking at serum amyoid-A protein (SAA): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1001325/. This research compared this protein to CRP and alpha 1 acid-glycoprotein and concluded "These findings suggest that SAA is a more sensitive marker of inflammation than is CRP." I can't speak to whether this is what your doctor was testing for, but they should be able to clarify that for you. I'm going to try to remember to ask my wife's doctor about this as well. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
Hi Richard! Thanks for your answer. Tomorrow I have a medical appointment and I will ask my doctor the same question. Later, I will post his answers here.