National Alopecia Areata Foundation Response to Mice Study
National Alopecia Areata FoundationThis is the response from the National Alopecia Areata Foundation on the recent mice study done by scientists at UCLA and the VA.
This is the response from the National Alopecia Areata Foundation on the recent mice study done by scientists at UCLA and the VA.
Whether on a battlefield, in a factory or at a rock concert, noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common hazards people face. Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified a low-dose, two-drug cocktail that reduces hearing loss in mice when given before they are exposed to loud noise.
Building on the evidence-based findings of five previously published guidelines of care that examine the use of a variety of medical therapies for the management and treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, the Academy has released its sixth and final guidelines of care for psoriasis.
Researchers are reporting on a promising new approach to treating diabetic wounds, bed sores, chronic ulcers and other slow-to-heal wounds. It may be possible to speed healing by suppressing certain immune system cells.
Knowing who you will likely encounter during an emergency room visit may help you get the best care at a time when you are in pain or discomfort and feeling anxious and afraid.
A protein implicated in the development of vascular diseases may also contribute to the failure of arteriovenous (AV) fistulas created for vascular access in dialysis patients, according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN).
By determining how corticosteroids act to increase production of red blood cell progenitors, Whitehead Institute researchers have identified a class of drugs that may be beneficial in treating some erythropoietin-resistant anemias. The identified class of drugs may be able to treat other anemias.
The language that doctors use with low-income, rural patients can help determine whether these patients agree to participate in clinical trials testing new cancer treatments, a new study found.
Use of certain measures for lung preservation after brain death in potential organ donors resulted in a nearly doubling of lungs eligible for donation, compared to a conventional strategy that is used, according to preliminary research published in the December 15 issue of JAMA.
Sound masking therapy, a common component of tinnitus treatment, is of uncertain benefit when used on its own, a new evidence review finds.
Patients aged 65 and older who survive an episode of mechanical ventilation during a hospitalization are more likely to suffer from long-term disabilities after leaving the hospital than those who survive hospitalization without mechanical ventilation, according to researchers at the University of Pittsburgh. These results were borne out even though the levels of functional disability prior to hospitalization were similar in both groups.
A recent study accepted for publication in The Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM) has demonstrated a novel and accurate test for early diagnosis of Turner syndrome. Turner syndrome affects one in 1,500 to 2,000 female live births and early diagnosis allows for the timely management of short stature and co-morbid conditions including cardiac and renal problems.
The vision community is discussing with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) how vision-related patient-reported outcomes (PROs) might be used in improving the labeling of ophthalmic treatments and products. The group — composed of researchers, clinicians, policymakers and representatives from industry and vision associations — attended a one-day symposium sponsored by the National Institutes of Health’s National Eye Institute (NEI) and the FDA on October 13, 2009.
Newly-identified bioactive peptides promote wound healing through the growth of new blood vessels and epithelial tissue. These wound-healing peptides created by researchers at Tufts increased angiogenesis in vitro by 200 percent. The discovery may lead to new therapies for acute and chronic wound healing.
Investigators report no evidence of toxicity in the four hemophilia B patients enrolled to date in a gene therapy trial using a vector under development at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and UCL (University College London) to correct the inherited bleeding disorder.
Monthly blood transfusions combined with daily medication to remove the resulting excess iron remains the best approach for reducing the risk of recurrent strokes in young patients with sickle cell anemia, according to a preliminary analysis of a multicenter trial that includes St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
A new study involving a man who swallowed worm eggs to relieve symptoms of ulcerative colitis sheds light on how worms promote healing in the intestine.
NHL referee Dan O'Halloran's son Devin was only five years old when he received a liver transplant at the University of Michigan Health System. Now he's 20, attending college and a hockey referee himself. The O'Halloran family is promoting a Dec. 5 outdoor hockey game "The Little Chill at the Big House," which will raise money for a summer camp for kids who've received transplants.
A new study offers insight into a new treatment avenue for Crohn’s Disease and sarcoidosis. While the loss of NOD2 increases the risk of developing Crohn’s disease, increased activity of this gene is also thought to exacerbate symptoms. Case Western Reserve has identified two existing FDA-approved drugs that are able to inhibit the activity of NOD2.
This press release highlights three topics related to disparities in kidney transplantation: 1) Efforts Needed to Address Disparities in Kidney Transplantation; 2) Certain Steps Get Black Kidney Disease Patients on Early Transplant Waiting Lists; 3) Black Race and Neighborhood Poverty Affect Kidney Transplant Success in Children.
This press release highlights the following two studies about the impact of protein in the urine on cognitive decline: 1) Small Amounts of Urinary Protein Predict More Rapid Cognitive Decline in Elderly Women 2) Urinary Protein Excretion Increases Risk of Cognitive Impairment
Children with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) are more likely to have mothers who were obese or had diabetes during pregnancy, according to a study presented at the American Society of Nephrology’s 43rd Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition, by Christine W. Hsu, MD (University of Washington, Seattle) and colleagues.
In African Americans with kidney disease related to hypertension (high blood pressure), a common gene variant is associated with a sharply increased risk of progressive kidney disease, according to a study presented at the American Society of Nephrology’s 43rd Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition. End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) associated with hypertension occurs in the African American population at a rate 13.1 times greater than that of their white counterparts.
This release highlights two topics in the area of diet and health: 1) Kidney Disease Patients Benefit from a Diet High in Fruits and Vegetables; 2) Melatonin Improves Dialysis Patients’ Sleep.
This release highlights the following three topics in the area of kidney health: 1) Potassium Citrate May Help Prevent and Treat Osteoporosis; 2) The Wider the Waist as a Child, the Greater the Chance of Having a Risk Factor (High Pulse Pressure) Related to Heart Problems in Adults; 3) Early Urine Test Predicts Pregnancy Complications.
Older adults with even mildly decreased levels of sodium in the blood (hyponatremia) experience increased rates of fractures and falls, according to a study presented at the American Society of Nephrology’s 43rd Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition. Falls are a serious health problem for the elderly and account for about 50 percent of deaths due to injury in the elderly.
Among kidney disease patients, earlier care from a nephrologist is associated with a decreased likelihood of developing end-stage renal disease and a lower risk of death during the first year of dialysis, according to a study presented at the American Society of Nephrology’s 43rd Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition.
This press release highlights two topics in transplantation: 1) H1N1 Vaccine: No Good in Kidney Transplant Recipients? 2) Reimbursement Policies Need Work to Increase Kidney Donation.
The first American study that positions Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP) as a viable means in managing knee osteoarthritis, appeared today in the December issue of the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (AJPMR). The study, authored by Dr. Steven Sampson of the Orthohealing Center in Los Angeles, details the account of 14 patients with primary and secondary knee osteoarthritis receiving three platelet-rich plasma injections in the affected knee at 4-week intervals with one year follow up. The study demonstrated significant and almost linear improvements in pain and function with majority of the patients expressing favorable outcomes at 12-months after the PRP treatment.
African Americans—along with some groups of Hispanics—have faster rates of decline in kidney function compared to white Americans, according to a study presented at the American Society of Nephrology’s 43rd Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition.
Studies in recent years have claimed multiple health benefits of pomegranate juice, including that it is a good source of antioxidants and lowers both cholesterol and blood pressure, especially in diabetic and hypertensive patients. A preliminary study now suggests that it can ward off a number of complications in kidney disease patients on dialysis, including the high morbidity rate due to infections and cardiovascular events, according to a paper being presented at the American Society of Nephrology’s 43rd Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition in Denver, CO.
This release highlights the following two topics about dialysis: 1) Early Dialysis Recommendations May Cause More Harm than Good; 2) Home Dialysis Saves Money Over In-Center Dialysis and Provides Potential Benefits.
Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who are admitted to the hospital during the weekend are at increased risk of death, according to a study presented at the American Society of Nephrology’s 43rd Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition.
This release highlights the following three topics about diet and health: 1) Moderate Drinking Benefits Kidney Transplant Recipients; 2) Despite Recommendations, Low Dialysis Calcium Levels May Harm Patients; 3) Obesity Can Lead to Early Deaths for Dialysis Patients Younger Than 65 Years.
The presence of certain markers in the urine might be a red flag for acute kidney injury (AKI), according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society Nephrology (JASN). The results suggest that a simple urine test could help prevent cases of kidney failure.
Six late-breaking clinical trials have been accepted for presentation next week during the American Society of Nephrology’s 43rd Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition in Denver, CO. These trials were selected based upon their potential impact to the field of nephrology.
An estimated 26 million people, 13% of the United States population, are living with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), and this number continues to grow. If current trends continue, there will not be enough doctors to serve this expanding patient population. To help address this crisis, the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) is convening a Summit on the Nephrology Workforce during its upcoming ASN Renal Week 2010 in Denver, Colorado, on November 17.
The Halpin Foundation and the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) proudly highlight the research advances in membranous nephropathy made possible by The Halpin Foundation-ASN Research Grant, created to help young faculty develop independent research careers. This award provides recipients transition funding toward successful application for an NIH RO1 grant.
Presenteeism—defined as "reduced productivity at work due to health conditions"—is increasingly recognized as a contributor to health costs for employers. But more work is needed to develop reliable tools to measure presenteeism and its economic impact, according to a paper in the November Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
Long-duration spaceflight may have a long-term negative impact on bone health, according to research presented this week at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in Atlanta.
Researchers at the Institute for Regenerative Medicine at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center have reached an early, but important, milestone in the quest to grow replacement livers in the lab. They are the first to use human liver cells to successfully engineer miniature livers that function – at least in a laboratory setting – like human livers. The next step is to see if the livers will continue to function after transplantation in an animal model.
The decision to stop life-support for incapacitated and critically ill patients is, for surrogate decision makers, often fraught with moral and ethical uncertainty, and long-term emotional consequences. But as difficult as these decisions are, more than half of surrogate decision makers prefer to have full authority over the choice than to share or cede that power to physicians, according to a recent study out of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
A rare blood disorder amyloidosis can severely damage the heart, liver and other vital organs in the body.
Dialysis patients with little social support from friends and family are more likely to ignore doctors’ orders, experience a poorer quality of life, and die prematurely, according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology (CJASN). The results suggest strong social networks are important for maintaining dialysis patients’ health.
Measuring three biomarkers in a single blood sample may improve physicians’ ability to identify patients at high risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD), according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
A University of Adelaide study has found no evidence that taking fish oil capsules during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of post-natal depression, contrary to international recommendations.
The disorder primarily affects patients with renal insufficiency who are exposed to gadolinium-based magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a significant increase in lung transplant rejection, according to research conducted at Loyola University Health System (LUHS). These data were presented Monday at The American Society for Bone and Mineral Research 2010 annual meeting in Toronto, Ontario.
Kidney disease patients are healthier and live longer if they’ve beefed up their muscles, according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology (CJASN). The results suggest that patients may benefit from pumping iron or taking medications to boost their lean body mass.
The use of estrogen therapy by postmenopausal women might increase the risk of developing kidney stones, according to findings by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers.