Media Advisory - Safer and more effective way to treat Crohn's disease Feb 22, 2008
The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of early use of combined immunosuppression with infliximab with conventional management in patients with active Crohn's disease who had not previously received glucocorticoids, antimetabolites, or infliximab. "Our study clearly demonstrated that this alternative treatment method was more effective at inducing disease remission than the conventional method," said Dr. Brian Feagan, Director of Robarts Clinical Trials at Robarts Research Institute at The... (Canada Newswire)
More elderly having transplant surgery Feb 5, 2008
"This finding warrants adjustments in the immunosuppression protocols for older patients," lead author Raja Mahidhara, an assistant professor of cardiothoracic surgery at UCLA, said in a statement. He says the increased infection rate among the elderly patients may be the result of the gradual deterioration of the immune system known as immunosenescence. (USA Today -- News)
Stem Cell Therapy Studies For Stroke, Cerebral Palsy Prepare For Clinical Trials Jan 31, 2008
Interestingly, these undifferentiated stem cells don t seem to interest the immune system, so immunosuppression is not required as it typically is for organ transplants, even when a human cell is placed in a rat, Dr. Borlongan says. Also, pilot studies that have followed rat models for two months after transplant a long time considering the average rat lives two years haven t found any signs of tumor formation, which is a concern with stem cells. (Science Daily)
Transplant Patient Thrives Two Years After Stopping Immunosuppressive Drugs Jan 25, 2008
26, 2007) A new immunosuppression regimen for heart transplant patients can improve kidney function and prevent transplant coronary artery disease, according to two new Mayo Clinic. . (Science Daily)
Experimental Procedure Induces Tolerance To Mismatched Kidney Transplants Jan 25, 2008
Since the antidonor immune response of that patient -- who subsequently received a successful second transplant with conventional immunosuppression -- was primarily caused by the immune system's B cells, the study protocol was adjusted to include an additional antibody targeting B cells. The fourth and fifth patients, both of whom received the revised protocol, were able to discontinue immunosuppressives 8 and 10 months after their tranplants. (Science Daily)
Aust doctors hail teen's transplant 'miracle' Jan 24, 2008
" Other organ transplant patients have been taken off anti-rejection drugs, but nearly only with the aid of a bone-marrow transplant. Doctors say a rare few can be taken off immunosuppression but are extremely difficult to identify. The hospital's director of medicine, who was Miss Brennan's transplant doctor, says there was one other problem for his patient. Dr Stuart Dorney says the medical miracle meant she was no longer protected against any diseases she had been immunised for. "We had to... (ABC Online)
Virology: The battle within Jan 24, 2008
Some have proposed that endogenous retroviruses, long fixed in mammalian genomes, provide the immunosuppression that allows a fetus to develop in its mother's body, despite the differences between the immune systems. Viruses also interact with each other directly, as Margolis discovered for himself in 2001. (Nature News Service)
HLA-Matched Renal Transplantation without Maintenance Immunosuppression Jan 24, 2008
NEJM -- HLA-Mismatched Renal Transplantation without Maintenance Immunosuppression ... HLA-Mismatched Renal Transplantation without Maintenance Immunosuppression. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Seasonal flu levels trigger use of antiviral drugs Jan 14, 2008
Disease/Infection News. Published: Friday, 11-Jan-2008. (News-Medical.net)
Balancing Efficacy and Toxicity in Kidney-Transplant Immunosuppression Dec 20, 2007
Although protocols differ among transplantation centers, most immunosuppressive strategies for kidney-transplant recipients are built on two core practices: delivery of immunosuppression in two phases, usually termed induction and maintenance, and the concurrent use of several immunosuppressive medications that work at various sites in the cell cycle and have nonoverlapping toxic effects. In general, the induction phase involves the initial use of the same oral immunosuppressive medications that... (New England Journal of Medicine)
Infectious Diseases after Solid-Organ Transplantation Dec 20, 2007
Net State of Immunosuppression and Monitoring of Immune Function. -->Prevention of Infection. (New England Journal of Medicine)
'Mini Transplant' Patients' Outcomes Similar Using Related And Unrelated Donor Cells Dec 9, 2007
Patients who undergo mini transplants receive potent pre- and post-transplant immunosuppression drugs. This allows a major reduction in pre-transplant chemotherapy without compromising engraftment of the donor cells. (Science Daily)
New choices for patients: Transfusion-free medicine for Jehovah's Witnesses and transfusion-wary Dec 6, 2007
Bloodless procedures have proven to be safer than blood transfusion because they help eliminate complications resulting from transfusions such as immunosuppression, infection, diseases from emerging pathogens for which our blood supply is not yet tested, said Dr. Ford. The hospital stay is also shorter for our bloodless patients, a cost savings for the patient and the institution, she continues. (EurekAlert!)
Health officials encourage residents to get flu vaccine Nov 30, 2007
Adults and children who have required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the preceding year because of chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes), renal dysfunction, hemoglobinopathies, or immunosuppression. Children and teenagers who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and, therefore, are at increased risk for developing Reye s syndrome after an influenza infection. (Mexico Ledger, MO)
Green Tea--the Noble Leaf Nov 15, 2007
The polyphenols in green tea, whether applied topically or orally, protect skin against the inflammation, immunosuppression, oxidative stress, and carcinogenic effects of UVB, or medium wave, radiation. The evidence for skin protection is so strong that some pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies are putting green tea extracts in their skin care products. (Suite101.com)
Transplant key to success in diabetes cure Nov 4, 2007
The team's approach involves over-expressing the right cells that stop cell death in the body to protect the transplanted beta cells and reduce the need for immunosuppression therapy. Prof Kay said the transplant would initially work for only hyperglycaemic diabetics (those who have trouble administering insulin), but would soon be available to all Type-1 patients. (Melbourne Herald Sun)
U.Va. hospital performs first intestinal transplant Oct 25, 2007
He pointed out, however, that because of improved immunosuppression, the survival rate for the procedure has increased massively. "People are becoming more aware of it" as an option, Schmitt said. (The Cavalier Daily, VA)
Scientists: Pig cells could help diabetics Oct 23, 2007
Dr. Marc Hammerman says the approach has reduced the animals' need for insulin injections and does not call for immunosuppression, which is a major problem in treating diabetes with transplantation. Before DNA technology enabled pharmaceutical companies to manufacture human insulin in the 1980's, pig and cow insulin were routinely given to diabetic patients. (Herald Online, SC -- Health)
Risk factors for poor tuberculosis treatment outcome in Finland: a cohort study Oct 15, 2007
Significant independent risk factors for death were male sex, high age, non-HIV -related immunosuppression and any other than a pulmonary specialty being responsible for stopping treatment ... Poor outcomes associated with immunosuppression and advanced age, with frequent comorbidity, stress a low threshold of suspicion, availability of rapid diagnostics, and early empiric treatment as probable approaches in attempting to improve treatment outcomes in countries with very low incidence of TB.. (BioMed Central)
Patients over age 60 do well after liver transplantation Oct 3, 2007
Based on their lower rejection rates and excellent graft survival, they might benefit from strategies geared towards immunosuppression withdrawal and tolerance induction. However long-term follow up of these patients is warranted. (EurekAlert!)
Breakthrough research identifies how cells from pigs may cure diabetes Sep 13, 2007
To oversee immunosuppression issues, researchers are now working to transplant porcine islets in an engineered pre-vascularized, cytoprotective and immune-privileged implantation site ... Bioengineering of islet implantation sites into a pre-vascularized, cytoprotective and immune-privileged site will allow for local and selective immunosuppression. (EurekAlert!)
Aspreva Provides Update On Lupus Nephritis Development Program Sep 10, 2007
Warning: Increased susceptibility to infection and the possible development of lymphoma may result from immunosuppression. Only physicians experienced in immunosuppressive therapy and management of renal, cardiac or hepatic transplant patients should use CellCept. (Primezone Releases)
Facial Transplantation May Be A Safer Option, Study Shows Aug 30, 2007
Previous data on the immunosuppression risks involved in facial transplantation were misleading, according to Rita Alloway, PharmD, and Steve Woodle, MD, of the University of Cincinnati (UC), and a University of Louisville team led by John Barker, MD, PhD. ... In estimating the risks of immunosuppression for face transplant recipients, the biggest problem is comparing apples to oranges, Woodle says ... In the current study, the Cincinnati and Louisville researchers compared the 2004 data with... (Science Daily)
New Hope That Some Transplant Patients Could Live Free Of Anti-rejection Drugs Aug 22, 2007
"We can keep an eye on this genetic signature and watch for changes that might indicate the beginning of rejection before any clinical signs are apparent. This could be a very exciting advance for both patients and physicians as it can lead to the ability to, for the first time, safely customize immunosuppression for an individual patient.". Sarwal's Stanford and Packard colleagues include biostatistician Li Li, MD; research scientist Szu-chuan Hsieh, MS; postdoctoral scholar Meixia Zhang, PhD,... (Science Daily)
UW Medical Center Completes First Heart-Lung Transplant Aug 10, 2007
E-Mail News Alerts Get breaking news and daily headlines. POSTED: 12:20 pm PDT August 9, 2007UPDATED: 12:45 pm PDT August 9, 2007. (KIRO TV, WA)
Ovarian Tissue Transplantation Works Despite Genetic Differences Aug 5, 2007
"That's going to take further advances in immunosuppression," Dr. Silber said. Although kidney transplant survivors have given birth safely while on mild immunosuppression, "to be able to get away with mild immunosuppression, you have to have a good match," he said, noting that only a quarter of sisters are good HLA matches. (MedPage Today)
Infection-Related Cancers Elevated Among the Immunodeficient Jul 7, 2007
Coverage of HIV/AIDS Supported by an educational grant from. " Historically, only Kaposi's sarcoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and cervical cancer have represented AIDS-defining illnesses. Increased incidence of other cancers has been reported, but this was judged to be the result of lifestyle and other risk factors rather than immunodeficiency by investigators in the largest study to look at the issue, the AIDS-Cancer Match Registry Study published in the Journal of the American Medical... (MedPage Today)
Sunscreen Users Could Get Burned, Asserts Critics Jun 22, 2007
"There is some evidence for immunosuppression, and there have been papers published to show that it causes basal-cell carcinomas in humans and squamous-cell carcinomas in mouse models. The real question has been melanoma.". Dr. Mitchell also agreed with environmental group's contention that European research and development of sunscreens is superior to that of the United States, noting that the French cosmetic firm L'Oreal developed a UVA blocking sunscreen called Mexoryl, but "it took the FDA I... (MedPage Today)
Surgery to Give Jawless Boy a New Face Jun 8, 2007
Unlike a facial transplant, there s no need for immunosuppression so we ll avoid the problems that come from that, he said. And we re using his actual bone so there s no artificial exposure, which can cause infections. (Fox News)
XDx Sponsors Heart Transplant Recipient and Professional Golfer Erik Compton at The Ultimate Game at Wynn Jun 7, 2007
"We are pleased to sponsor Erik and wish him luck at Wynn. AlloMap testing is an ideal test for someone as healthy and successful as Erik. In stable patients, physicians are minimizing the number of painful, risky and anxiety-causing biopsy procedures as well as using the test with other clinical indicators to manage immunosuppression to reduce the potential of serious consequences including cancer, infection and kidney failure." For every single birdie Compton makes, XDx will donate $777 to the... (PR Newswire)
Into the Woods Jun 7, 2007
The authors recommended that if the patient still required immunosuppression after completion of therapy, prophylaxis with trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) should be given. A role of TMP-SMX prophylaxis has been well established for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, but there is no clear evidence that it will prevent patients from acquiring nocardia infections. (New England Journal of Medicine)
New Animal Model Boosts Biodefense Research On Lassa Fever Jun 5, 2007
Pregnant women have such a high mortality rate from Lassa because pregnancy already causes immunosuppression, and Lassa compounds it, Patterson said. In addition to its similarity to humans in response to the disease, marmosets also are valuable in this type of research because they are smaller and take up less space in a laboratory and require lower doses. (Science Daily)
LifeCycle Pharma Announces Positive Phase I Clinical Results for its Transplantation Product Candidate, LCP-Tacro May 31, 2007
LifeCycle Pharma's long-term strategy is to concentrate on and commit significant resources to the development of a number of product candidates for organ transplantation as it moves towards becoming a fully integrated specialty pharmaceutical company" added Dr. Ornskov. About the studies: LifeCycle Pharma has conducted a series of Phase I studies in more than 150 healthy volunteers to demonstrate the profile of LCP-Tacro under single-dose and multi-dose (steady-state) conditions. In addition to... (PR Newswire)
FDA Approves TORISEL, a Targeted First-in-Class mTOR Inhibitor for the Treatment of Advanced Kidney Cancer May 31, 2007
The use of Torisel may result in immunosuppression. Patients should be carefully observed for the occurrence of infections, including opportunistic infections. (PR Newswire)
LifeCycle Pharma Announces Positive Phase I Clinical Results for its Transplantation Product Candidate, LCP-Tacro Heads into US Phase II Clinical Trials for Organ Transplantation May 31, 2007
QUICK SEARCH BY ORGANIZATION. FREE SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES. (Canada Newswire)
Changing Heart Transplant Drugs Could Boost Kidney Function Apr 26, 2007
THURSDAY, April 26 (HealthDay News) -- Changing a heart transplant patient's immunosuppression drug regimen may improve their kidney function and help prevent coronary artery disease, according to two Mayo Clinic studies ... "Immunosuppression for heart transplant patients using calcineurin inhibitors has been essentially unchanged for 25 years, and the results have not been ideal," lead author and cardiologist Dr. Sudhir Kushwaha said in a prepared statement. (Health-Finder)
Regulatory Review Allows LCT Diabetes Clinical Program to Proceed Apr 17, 2007
The pig cells are injected into the body without any immunosuppression and produce insulin to help regulate blood glucose levels appropriate to the amount of glucose detected in the blood stream of the diabetic recipient. This approval enables LCT to apply for Regional Ethics Committee consideration, which is the step before formal approval to start the clinical trial. (PR Newswire)
Stem Cell Therapy May Combat Type 1 Diabetes Apr 12, 2007
Immunosuppression therapy, designed to dampen the immune system, can help, but these patients still need to take insulin to regulate their blood sugar ... All participants underwent high-dose immunosuppression therapy followed by a procedure called autologous nonmyeloablative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHST) to preserve beta-cell function. (MEDLINEplus)
Abbott Agrees With World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General to Expand Access to Kaletra/Aluvia (lopinavir/ritonavir) Apr 10, 2007
Although the etiology is considered multifactorial (including corticosteroid use, alcohol consumption, severe immunosuppression, higher body mass index), cases of osteonecrosis have been reported particularly in patients with advanced HIV-disease and/or long-term exposure to combination antiretroviral therapy. At this stage of development, little information is available on the cross-resistance of viruses selected during therapy with Kaletra. (PR Newswire)
Successful Islet Cell Transplant Without Immunosuppressive Therapy In Mice With Type 1 Diabetes Mar 23, 2007
"The dendritic cells made sure that this protective immunosuppression was targeted to islet cells, specifically.". The result: successful islet transplantation in diabetic mice without any pharmacologic immunosuppression; the transplanted islet cells stayed healthy and produced insulin over the full nine weeks of the study. (Science Daily)
Stem cells may benefit people with neurodegenerative disease Mar 12, 2007
e., without animal feeder layers) and even without the need forimmunosuppression ... In fact, no immunosuppression was needed at all. (SpiritIndia)
Tanning may protect against melanoma Mar 11, 2007
Role of epidermal cell-derived alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone in ultraviolet light mediated local immunosuppression. Ann N Y Acad Sci. (Food Consumer)
Hepatitis B Virus Found in Sweat of Olympic Wrestlers Mar 4, 2007
"It is well established that prolonged exercise may induce a temporary immunosuppression, termed the 'open window,' with a presumed increased susceptibility to infection," the investigator said. Another possibility "might be non-documented anabolic steroid use by the wrestlers. During the past decade the non-therapeutic use of anabolic steroids by athletes has increased. That may induce hepatocellular carcinoma, peliosis hepatitis, and general liver dysfunction," Dr. Bereket-Ycel said. (MedPage Today)
Nasal spray flu vaccine beats shots for children under 5 Feb 17, 2007
People who are in contact with others with severely weakened immune systems when they are being cared for in a protective environment (for example, people with hematopoietic stem cell transplants), should not get LAIV. People who have contact with others with lesser degrees of immunosuppression (for example, people with diabetes, people with asthma taking corticosteroids, or people infected with HIV) can get LAIV.. What side effects are associated with the nasal-spray flu vaccine (LAIV). (Food Consumer)
Insecurity may 'weaken' immunity Feb 15, 2007
Leila Collins, principal lecturer at Middlesex University and counselling psychologist said the association between stress and immunosuppression was well known, in that when people are stressed they start to get ill more often. "This is profoundly interesting. "Psychosomatic illnesses obviously have a psychological basis and attachment insecurity is not the only case. (BBC News)
Virus mutations discovery buoys transplant patients' prospects Jan 17, 2007
"The percentage of resistance is probably quite small but it can become a problem that is more likely to develop with heavy immunosuppression with patients receiving lung and bone marrow transplants.". send photos, videos ffs to 0424 SMS SMH (+61 424 767 764), or us. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Coping with HIV| Jan 11, 2007
CMV-mediated immunosuppression probably contributes to the T-cell deficiency in HIV.. CMV infection is often heralded by prolonged fever, malaise, lack of appetite, fatigue, night sweats and muscle and joint pains. (iAfrica.com)
Sensory Nerve Discovery In Diabetes Opens Door To New Treatment Strategies Dec 25, 2006
This discovery, a breakthrough that has long been the elusive goal of diabetes research, has led to new treatment strategies for diabetes, achieving reversal of the disease without severe, toxic immunosuppression ... The two effects synergized to reverse diabetes without severely toxic immunosuppression. (Science Daily)
Kidney Transplants Boost Cancer Risk Dec 22, 2006
Secondary Navigation. By Steven ReinbergHealthDay Reporter Wed Dec 20, 2:02 PM ET. (Yahoo News -- Cancer)
Transplanted Brain Cells Hold Promise For Parkinson's Disease Dec 8, 2006
While the rats needed immunosuppression because they received human cells, Dr. Borlongan says humans would not. About a half-million Americans have Parkinson s disease. (Science Daily)
Workouts Help Ward Off Cancer's Return Nov 30, 2006
Secondary Navigation. 2 hours, 1 minute ago. (Yahoo News -- Cancer)
Chemotherapy temporarily affects the structures of the human brain Nov 27, 2006
Gastrointestinal complaints, immunosuppression, and painful mucositis, for example, are the immediate risks of the treatment. Patients receiving chemotherapy have also long complained of problems with memory, problem-solving and other cognitive abilities. (EurekAlert!)
Marathon Runners May Be At Increased Risk For Skin Cancer Nov 22, 2006
"In short, until further sport-physiologic studies elucidate in detail the potential association between exercise-induced immunosuppression and malignant melanoma, runners should be alerted to the crucial role of UV radiation in the development of malignant melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer," the authors conclude. "In particular, they should be advised to reduce UV exposure during exercising by choosing training and competition schedules with low sun exposure, wearing adequate clothing and... (Science Daily)
Marathon Training Runs Up Risk of Melanoma Nov 22, 2006
In addition to UV radiation from sunlight, marathon runners may also experience repeated immunosuppression from excessive endurance exercise that favors development of skin cancer, the researchers theorized. "Although regular low-impact exercise is well established to improve one's health," they wrote, "overtraining, high-intensity training, and excessive exercise, such as cumulative training for a marathon, the marathon itself, and, in particular, an ultramarathon, may lead to suppressed immune... (MedPage Today)
Marathon runners 'face skin cancer risk' Nov 21, 2006
Along with sun exposure, immunosuppression due to intense training has been proposed as a potential trigger for melanoma, they note in the Archives of Dermatology ... While the jury is still out on the role of immunosuppression in boosting melanoma risk, Ambros-Rudolph and her colleagues write, "runners should be alerted to the crucial role of UV radiation in the development of malignant melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer.In particular, they should be advised to reduce UV exposure during... (Ninemsn)
Conference to focus on helping Iraq veterans suffering from polytrauma Nov 16, 2006
The Dartmouth Online. Thursday, November 16, 2006. (The Dartmouth Online, NH)
Stem cell cure hope for diabetes Nov 14, 2006
Dr Angela Wilson, research director at Diabetes UK, said: "This is interesting work in an exciting area of diabetes research. "Theoretically, pancreatic beta cells produced from a patient's own bone marrow could be used to treat diabetes, overcoming the requirement for immunosuppression following islet transplantation. "However, a way to prevent transplanted cells from being destroyed by the body is needed as this is why Type 1 diabetes develops in the first place.". (BBC News -- Health)
Face transplants: the 15 conditions Nov 14, 2006
Aside from good regulatory practice in the composition of RECs to ensure appropriate and representative expertise, the membership of any such body that considers an application for facial transplantation should include experts in reconstructive surgery, immunosuppression, psychological problems posed by severe facial disfigurement and a representative of one of the organisations who provide support for those with such disfigurement. RELATED STORIES. (Times Online)
Free flu shots available Nov. 17 at mass clinic Nov 13, 2006
Those most at risk for influenza disease complications are: People in nursing homes; individuals more than 50 years of age; persons with chronic diseases of the heart, lungs and kidneys, or who have diabetes, asthma, immunosuppression, or severe forms of anemia; women who will be pregnant during the flu season; and children and teens on long-term aspirin therapy. Children 24-59 months of age, their family members and their out-of-home caregivers should receive the flu vaccine because of the... (Benton Courier, AR)
Drug Reduces Kidney Transplant Rejection Rates Nov 10, 2006
"Most studies, including this one, use cyclosporine-based immunosuppression, but tacrolimus is more commonly used by most centers today. Also, a lot of centers are using prednisone-free immunosuppression, and prednisone was used in this study. So, I'm not sure how uniformly applicable these results are given current immunosuppression trends," she explained. However, Josephson added that anything that can be done to reduce the risk of rejection is helpful. (MEDLINEplus)
Rabbit Antithymocyte Globulin or Basiliximab for Induction Therapy? Nov 9, 2006
Induction therapies often involve the use of polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies to achieve rapid and profound early immunosuppression. Polyclonal antibodies used for this purpose include those against thymocytes (e. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Thabo Mbeki and his Foreign Medical Experts Nov 5, 2006
In the US and Europe caused by "immunsuppressive" lifestyle drugs, and/or "immunosuppressive" antiretrovirals, in Africa caused by the immunosuppression of malnutrition. -Furthermore they claim, that in Africa HIV- tests are practically not available and the diagnosis of HIV/AIDS describes diseases, that have always been there before like TB, Malaria, Diarrhea, Leprosy. (Ocnus.net)
Flu vaccines ready for children Oct 28, 2006
g., diabetes), renal dysfunction, hemoglobinopathy, or immunosuppression (e. g., caused by medications, HIV) that has required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the preceding year. (Herald Sun)
Scientists one step closer to cure for diabetes Oct 23, 2006
Alan Lewis, the head of the company, said that combining stem cell technology with cell-encapsulation techniques could help to overcome the problem of a shortage of pancreas transplants and immunosuppression. "Such an approach could truly transform diabetes treatment and greatly reduce medical costs associated with current insulin administration as well as the number of additional drug treatments used to reduce side effects associated with this devastating disease," Dr Lewis said. (Gulf Times)
Weakest link in a manned Mars voyage: probably man Oct 22, 2006
His experience and experimentation aboard Mir have provided some of the best research to date on how the human body reacts to prolonged zero gravity, which can cause muscle atrophy, bone loss, immunosuppression and a host of other problems. In the Mars-500 experiment, it will take about eight months to "reach" Mars. (SunSpot.net)
