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Here is a revolutionary story that may change the way we look at and treat sickle cell disease. Personally, I'm impressed.
French Doctors See Transplant Success
Sun Dec 8,10:10 PM ET
Sun Dec 8,10:10 PM ET
By MARYCLAIRE DALE, Associated Press Writer
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A group of French doctors said Sunday they believe they can cure children with severe sickle cell disease through stem cell transplants without risking serious complications or death. The researchers, who have performed 69 transplants since 1988, reported an 85 percent disease-free survival rate — and even better results since revising their mix of anti-rejection drugs in 1992.
"It's going to change the way we treat individuals with this disorder," said Dr. Ronald Hoffman of the University of Illinois, the society's president. "If they're truly cured ... they're going to be freed of the consequences of a chronic disease." Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects about 70,000 Americans, most of them black.
Most sickle cell patients used to die in childhood, but better treatments now enable them to live into their 40s and 50s. However, doctors have been frustrated in their attempts to improve the patients' quality of life. "Maybe if a new drug appears which seems efficacious, we will stop again, but for the moment, stem cell transplant remains the only treatment offering the cure," Bernaudin said.
And here's more reason for eligible persons over 50 to take an 81 mg. aspirin every day. (Call my office if you have questions about whether you qualify.)
Aspirin 'protects against Alzheimer's'
Aspirin may protect against a range of diseases
Scientists have found yet more evidence to suggest that taking Aspirin could help to protect against major health problems. Researchers in the United States believe the wonder drug, which is more than 100 years old, delays and may even protect against Alzheimer's disease.
Their findings follow recent studies which suggest Aspirin can help fight cancer, heart disease, blood pressure and arthritis among other conditions. However, experts have warned that this latest study does not mean people should take Aspirin on a regular basis without first seeking medical advice.
Their study, published in the journal Neurology, showed that patients who had taken Aspirin or NSAIDs, such as Ibuprofen, for more than two years were half as likely to develop Alzheimer's than those who did not take the pills regularly.
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