(SALT LAKE CITY)— University of Utah ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Care has opened one of only three clinics nationwide and the only one of its kind in the Intermountain West, designed to cater to the needs of patients with amyloidosis,
" is an uncommon disorder that affects the heart, kidneys or nervous system," said James Fang, M.D., chief, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine.
The disease occurs when a protein called amyloid builds up in a person's organs. The disease can lead to organ failure or severe nerve damage. Seventy percent of the cases of this disease are in men age 50 or older.
The University's clinic has brought together a team of doctors from across the health system, including specialists in hematology, cardiology and nephrology.
"This unique program here at the University of Utah features specialists from multiple disciplines to offer patients the latest in treatment advances, including access to special clinical trials that are not widely available in the West."
Clinic patients receive a comprehensive evaluation that includes screenings of the skin, heart, kidney and bone marrow, advanced imaging studies, innovative treatment options and resources for emotional support.
"In the past, patients with this disorder in our state had to travel to the West Coast or the Midwest for treatment. Now, patients in the Intermountain West are fortunate to have access to comprehensive treatment right here in Utah," said Fang.
Physician Leadership
Dr. Nativi-Nicolau accomplished his cardiovascular training at the University of Utah and advanced heart failure fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. He is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease and advanced heart failure & heart transplantation. His clinical interest includes various aspects of heart disease including cardiac amyloidosis, mechanical circulatory support and heart transplantation.
Dr. Kovacsovics is the associate director of hematologic malignancy clinical research in the Huntsman
Cancer Institute Clinical Trials Office and the medical director for the Inpatient Service of the Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies. His clinical interest includes the management of patients with amyloidosis and hematologic malignancies; particularly, multiple myeloma and acute leukemia.
Dr. Abraham, is an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Dr. Abraham is board certified in internal medicine and nephrology. Her clinical interest includes various aspects of kidney disease particularly amyloidosis, glomerulonephritis, vasculitis, secondary hypertension and renal transplantation.