Post-transplant Combo Can Replace Toxic Immune-suppressing Drugs In Monkeys Aug 1, 2009
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. (May 26, 2008) For patients undergoing kidney transplantation, treatment with the anti-rejection drug sirolimus may lead to an increased risk of diabetes, reports a new study. (Science Daily)
WHO: Pregnant women priority group for A/H1N1 immunization Aug 1, 2009
In addition to the enhanced risk documented in pregnant women, groups at increased risk of severe or fatal illness include people with underlying medical conditions, most notably chronic lung disease (including asthma), cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and immunosuppression. Some preliminary studies suggest that obesity, and especially extreme obesity, may also be a risk factor for more severe disease. (Xinhuanet, China)
Swine flu activity continues in Calaveras Jul 31, 2009
Persons at high risk of serious flu illness and complications include children under 5 years old, pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions or immunosuppression and persons over age 65 years. Most people with the novel H1N1 flu are expected to recover without needing medical care. (San Andreas Calaveras Enterprise, CA)
Woman with swine flu dies in Qld Jul 28, 2009
Those considered vulnerable are pregnant women, indigenous Australians and people with respiratory disease, heart disease, diabetes, renal and liver disease, obesity or immunosuppression. In Queensland, 98 people with swine flu are hospitalised, including 27 in intensive care. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
In vitro antibody production enables HIV infection detection in window period -- key to safer blood Jul 25, 2009
Researchers in Israel and Kenya have shown that the contribution of variable degrees of immune suppression, either due to existing chronic infections such as parasitemias and/or nutrition, in different populations may influence and prolong the serological-diagnostic window period of HIV. However, the immunosuppression can be overcome, by in-vitro enhancement of antibody production (termed- Stimmunology). The results, which appear in the August 2009 issue of Experimental Biology and Medicine,... (EurekAlert!)
Study aims to induce recovery from ankylosing spondylitis Jul 22, 2009
Dysregulation of these receptors has been shown to promote the systemic inflammation, immunosuppression, and hormonal imbalances characteristic of chronic disease. The NIH Human Microbiome Project now estimates that approximately 90% of cells in the human body are bacterial or otherwise non-human in origin. (EurekAlert!)
Woman gave birth before flu death Jul 18, 2009
THE AT RISK GROUPS People with lung disease People with heart disease People with kidney disease People with diabetes Those with immunosuppression problems either because of treatment or disease Patients who have had drug treatment for asthma Pregnant women Children under five. The web and phone service, which will be able to dispense anti-flu drugs will go live by the end of next week. (BBC News -- UK)
U.S. Face Transplant Patient Is Reportedly Doing Fine Jul 16, 2009
"Lifelong risks of immunosuppression include infection and malignancies," he said. "Both of those risks are reduced with the latest evolution of the combination of immunosuppression medications used in the face transplants.". (MEDLINEplus)
Qld records first swine flu death Jul 15, 2009
Those who are most vulnerable are indigenous people, pregnant women and people with respiratory disease, heart disease, renal and liver disease, obesity and immunosuppression. Another 433 swine flu cases were reported in Queensland on Tuesday and Wednesday, lifting the state's total to 2769. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Two hearts make one grow well Jul 15, 2009
Doctors reduced her dosage of immunosuppression drugs to stem the disease, but as a result, her transplanted heart began to fail ... In February 2006, the team decided to remove the donor organ so the immunosuppression could be stopped something never done before. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Boy, 3, with swine flu dies Jul 2, 2009
"Our sympathies are with the family and we will respect their request,'' Dr Lester said. People with respiratory disease (such as asthma), heart disease, diabetes, renal disease, obesity and immunosuppression and pregnant women, should see their doctor if they develop respiratory symptoms, so that they can be treated as soon as possible, Dr Lester said. The majority of people experiencing flu-like symptoms were making a full recovery without medical treatment, she said. AAP Today in National... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia physician-scientists present at 2009 American Transplant Congress Jun 5, 2009
Low-Dose Slowly-Tapered Steroids for Immunosuppression in Hepatitis C Virus Infected Liver Transplant Recipients: A 2-Year Follow-Up. Authors: E. Verna, E. Pichardo, J. Emond, R. Brown Jr.. (EurekAlert!)
Three Independent Studies Include the ImmuKnow(R) Assay to Manage and Optimize Immunosuppression Therapy in Transplant Patients Jun 1, 2009
May 31 /PRNewswire/ -- A study conducted at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, NY examined liver transplant recipients to determine whether the use of the ImmuKnow assay to guide immunosuppression therapy would reduce drug toxicity and drug-related adverse events ... According to Dr. Patricia Sheiner, the lead investigator in this study, "Using ImmuKnow in liver transplant recipients may help minimize renal injury by providing a more individually-adjusted immunosuppression therapy." Dr.... (PR Newswire)
Serial Monitoring With ImmuKnow(R) is Useful in the Risk Assessment of Kidney Transplant Recipients May 31, 2009
The ImmuKnow test is a qualitative assay and does not directly quantify the level of immunosuppression. Results of the ImmuKnow assay should be used in conjunction with clinical presentation, medical history, and other clinical indicators when assessing the immune status of any individual patient. (PR Newswire)
Video: Data on More Than 15 Novartis Oncology Compounds at ASCO Highlight Progress Toward Targeted Therapies for Diverse Tumor Types May 28, 2009
Consider potential toxicities-specifically liver, kidney, and cardiac toxicity, and immunosuppression from long-term use. Gleevec is metabolized by the CYP3A4 isoenzyme and is an inhibitor of CYP3A4, CYP2D6, and CYP2C9. (PR Newswire)
Tips from the American Journal of Pathology May 22, 2009
Using a mouse model of MS, Klenmann et al found that AM80, a synthetic molecule related to vitamin A, inhibited Th17 T cell function without generating general immunosuppression. AM80 treatment was effective in inhibiting early symptoms in the MS mouse model, even if administered after disease initiation, but it did not prevent chronic symptoms. (EurekAlert!)
Arizona reports third death with A/H1N1 flu virus May 21, 2009
"The most common conditions were chronic lung disease, conditions associated with immunosuppression, chronic heart disease, obesity and pregnancy," said Dr. Anne Schuchat, the CDC's interim deputy director for science and public health program. Special Report. (Xinhuanet, China)
Sicker People More Vulnerable to Swine Flu May 21, 2009
"The most common conditions were chronic lung disease, conditions associated with immunosuppression, chronic heart disease, obesity and pregnancy. There were five pregnant women in this series of patients," she said. "Although the majority of hospitalized people infected with this new H1N1 virus recovered without complications, certain people did have severe and prolonged disease," Schuchat said. (MEDLINEplus)
CDC: 'We are not out of the woods' with new flu May 20, 2009
"There is some immunosuppression that occurs during pregnancy," she said. "There maybe also a role of the mechanical effect of pregnancy in decreasing the lung capacity that maybe you're not easily able to handle lung infection or respiratory problems.". (CNN -- Health)
Transplant patients have worse cancer outcomes, analysis shows May 16, 2009
He says the worse outcomes in transplant recipients may have occurred because this population is not as healthy as the general population or because their cancers may be more aggressive as a result of their immunosuppression treatments. "Some of our data supports this premise, as the extent of the cancers at diagnosis were greater in the transplant recipients," Woodle continues. (EurekAlert!)
Biogens Tysabri will still play a significant role in second line RRMS May 14, 2009
There have also been concerns with cladribines unknown effects on long-term immunosuppression, which may be irreversible, some neurologists speculated ... These agents are more potent, he explained, and it is not possible to induce further immunosuppression. (FT.com -- Markets)
Egypt: Viral Time Bomb Set to Explode May 6, 2009
A partial liver transplant can cost up to 60,000 dollars plus another 10,000 dollars for immunosuppression therapy - a sum far beyond the reach of most Egyptians. The government has in some cases subsidised the cost of transplant operations, but it cannot afford to foot the total bill. (allAfrica.com)
Chronic Kidney Disease Raises Risk for Some Cancers May 5, 2009
"So people with chronic kidney disease need cancer screening," Weir added, "and we need to pay attention to how we monitor them for this risk. And it is also important that patients who are referred for organ transplantation, which is one of the best options for people with chronic kidney disease, are carefully worked up regarding immunosuppression, so that we're not transplanting people with [hidden] malignancies.". Dr. Robert Provenzano, chief of nephrology at St. John Hospital and Medical... (MEDLINEplus)
Merck-Seronos cladribine could face regulatory hurdles Apr 28, 2009
Dr Samuel Hunter, an investigator for a number of MS drugs in development and a neurologist at the Advanced Neurosciences Institute in Franklin, Tennessee, said cladribine causes immunosuppression, and it is unlikely to be used in patients with better prognoses. It will not be used in pregnant women, due to the drugs associated risks with serious infection. (FT.com -- Markets)
Device Protects Transplanted Pancreatic Cells From The Immune System Apr 17, 2009
One of the challenges of cell transplantation therapy to treat diabetes is the need for long term immunosuppression, which carries health risks. Transplanting beta cells in a protective device could alleviate the need to use immunosuppressive drugs. (Science Daily)
Pancreatic Islets in Forefront of Diabetes Research Apr 16, 2009
"Although islet transplantation has been shown to offer both protection against long-term complications of the disease and significant improvement in quality of life, several obstacles remain, such as limited engraftment [acceptance of the islets within the recipient], chronic immunosuppression and inconsistent supply of human islets," the researchers noted. "These issues must be addressed if the procedure is to be used as a standard of care for qualified individuals.". (MEDLINEplus)
Face Transplant Patient Recovering Well Apr 14, 2009
" Still, immunosuppressant therapy is a significant commitment. Dr. Joseph McCarthy, director of the Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery at New York University's Langone Medical Center, said that the side effects of immunosuppression may be an even weightier consideration than the surgery itself. "You are really committing the patient to a lifetime of treatment to prevent rejection," he said. "You have to be absolutely convinced that no existing traditional surgery or techniques would... (ABC News)
Pharmacyclics Initiates Phase 1 Clinical Trial of Novel Oral Btk Inhibitor for Refractory B-cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Apr 14, 2009
Unlike anti-CD20 protein therapies, treatment with PCI-32765 in animal models is not myeloablative, which could result in prolonged and dangerous immunosuppression for the patient. "This is a very selective compound for B-cells, and it could represent an important alternative to rituximab therapy for the treatment of B-cell NHL. Other obvious applications include autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, and Pharmacyclics also has strong preclinical efficacy with PCI-32765 in... (PR Newswire)
Hospital announces second U.S. face transplant Apr 12, 2009
Signs of infection caused by immunosuppression -- induced to keep the recipient's immune system from rejecting the donor's graft and required for the life of the transplant -- would be most likely to occur within the first week to 10 days, he said. Still, "rejection is always a concern and we'll have to monitor very, very closely," Pomahac said. (CNN -- Health)
Recovery a climb after hand transplant Apr 3, 2009
Some bioethicists have questioned the risks of surgery and immunosuppression for transplants that are not life-saving, but Dr. Lee noted that it was "the concern about the risk-benefit balance that held us back for many years, because this is a quality-of-life transplant, and it is only now, when we are optimistic we can reduce the amount of medication the patient must take, that we decided to start this program.". UPMC has three more candidates waiting for hand transplants, two of whom would be... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Licorice compound offers new cancer prevention strategy Mar 24, 2009
Because 11 HSD2 is highly expressed only in kidney and colon, blocking the enzyme produces effects specific to those tissues unlike NSAIDs, selective COX-2 inhibitors, and steroid treatments that can prevent cancer progression but also cause serious side effects like gastrointestinal irritation, cardiovascular events, and immunosuppression, respectively. Licorice, Harris noted, has been used as a nutraceutical for thousands of years for ailments ranging from coughs to constipation. (EurekAlert!)
What Vaccinations Does my Kitten Ne... Mar 24, 2009
What Vaccinations Does my Kitten Need. Vaccinations and the Symptoms of Feline Infectious Diseases. (Suite101.com)
Patient gets new hand at UPMC Mar 23, 2009
Prior to the bone marrow infusion, the transplant patient also received antibodies to help overcome the initial, overwhelming immune response, and he will also be treated with a drug called tacrolimus, first used by Dr. Thomas Starzl more than two decades ago in liver transplants to maintain low-grade immunosuppression. Together, the three post-transplant steps are to be known as the "Pittsburgh Protocol.". (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Gleevec(R) substantially reduces risk of cancer returning in patients with life-threatening gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), The Lancet reports Mar 19, 2009
Consider potential toxicities - specifically liver, kidney, and cardiac toxicity, and immunosuppression from long-term use. Fetal harm can occur when administered to a pregnant woman; therefore, women of childbearing potential should be advised to not become pregnant while taking Gleevec tablets and to avoid breast-feeding while taking Gleevec tablets because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants. (PR Newswire)
New NCCN Guidelines for Primary Cutaneous B-Cell Lymphoma and Updates to NCCN Guidelines for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas Mar 14, 2009
Dr. Zelenetz explained Hepatitis B can reactivate with immunosuppression. "More than 1 million people in the United States are infected with Hepatitis B, so this is not an inconsequential issue. We've seen reactivation with all types of chemotherapy regimens, not just rituximab, further stressing the importance of screening for Hepatitis B before treatment begins," Dr. Zelenetz stated. (PR Newswire)
Why get vaccinated? Mar 12, 2009
Adults and children who have immunosuppression. Adults and children who have any condition compromising respiratory function. (iAfrica.com)
Family looks forward to surgery Feb 24, 2009
" "I can't wait to kick your butt, Dad," Jordan teased. Looking ahead Aside from missing daughter time, the transplant presents some significant challenges for the family. Although the clinical trial, which includes a new immunosuppression protocol for hand transplant patients, will cover the cost of the operation, hospital stay and drugs, it won't pay for their other costs. Valarie Kepner, Jeff's wife, will have to take leave from her job as supervisor of education with the Federal Bureau of... (The Augusta Chronicle)
New Therapy With Stem Cells To Treat Crohn's Disease Feb 22, 2009
Following the previous immunosuppression, the organism reacts by releasing stem cells from the bone marrow into the blood; these are the cells which will later be used for the transplant. Collection of Stem Cells by means of Apheresis. (Science Daily)
New surgical implant tested at U-Iowa prevents total blindness Feb 19, 2009
Devices helps prevent complete vision loss and eliminate dependence on systemic immunosuppression for rare, but potentially devastating, eye condition ... However, University of Iowa ophthalmologists and colleagues have tested and are now using a surgical implant called Retisert to prevent complete vision loss and eliminate dependence on systemic, or whole-body, immunosuppression ... The insert provides immunosuppression only to the endangered eye, not other body parts. (EurekAlert!)
Face transplant patient regains self-confidence Feb 18, 2009
Currently, cancer patients are not candidates for face transplants because transplant recipients must take immunosuppression drugs for life so that the body does not reject the donated tissue, Siemionow said. In the future, however, lifelong immunosuppression may not be required, she said. (CNN)
Body may heal itself with stem cells' help Feb 11, 2009
The cells have so far shown a few advantages -- they don't need to be tissue-matched with the recipient, don't require immunosuppression and so far have not produced a tumor. Working with embryonic stem cells that can be induced to become progenitor cells for different cell types in the heart, University of Georgia researcher Stephen Dalton said they might prove useful in finding a drug that can work in a similar cell type that is already in place. (The Augusta Chronicle)
