Ace the CCHT Challenge 2025 – Dialysis Dreams Begin Here!

Beta2-microglobulin is a protein that is normally filtered by the kidneys. In patients with kidney failure, the ability to excrete this substance is significantly impaired, leading to its accumulation in the body. Chronic accumulation of beta2-microglobulin can result in the formation of amyloid deposits, a condition known as dialysis-related amyloidosis. This form of amyloidosis is characterized by the deposition of amyloid protein in various tissues, which can cause a variety of complications including joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and potentially life-threatening organ dysfunction.

In contrast, other conditions listed in the question relate to different mechanisms or imbalances. Hyperkalemia, for instance, is typically due to the management of potassium in dialysis; osteodystrophy relates to imbalances in calcium and phosphate, and thrombosis is not directly tied to the presence or absence of beta2-microglobulin. Thus, the connection between the failure to excrete beta2-microglobulin and the development of amyloidosis is well-established in the context of end-stage renal disease.