Anemia News and Research

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Anemia is a decrease in normal number of red blood cells (RBCs) or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. However, it can include decreased oxygen-binding ability of each hemoglobin molecule due to deformity or lack in numerical development as in some other types of hemoglobin deficiency. The three main classes of anemia include excessive blood loss (acutely such as a hemorrhage or chronically through low-volume loss), excessive blood cell destruction (hemolysis) or deficient red blood cell production (ineffective hematopoiesis). Anemia is the most common disorder of the blood. There are several kinds of anemia, produced by a variety of underlying causes. Anemia can be classified in a variety of ways, based on the morphology of RBCs, underlying etiologic mechanisms, and discernible clinical spectra, to mention a few.

New advances in sickle cell disease

Excruciating pain episodes, recurrent pneumonias, strokes, severe infections, chronic hemolytic anemia, and secondary pulmonary hypertension are common complications of sickle cell disease, a life-threatening inherited defect in blood that causes normally disc-shaped red blood cells to take on a sickle shape.

6 Dec 2004

Children with sickle cell disease who are at risk for a stroke need ongoing blood transfusions to reduce their risk

“This important study shows the value of continuing periodic blood transfusions in preventing the serious and debilitating consequences of stroke,” says NHLBI Acting Director Barbara Alving. “At the same time, there are risks of chronic transfusions and the decision to continue with this treatment must be made on a case-by-case basis.”

6 Dec 2004

Genetic mutations and cellular modifications may provide clues to the associations between slight genetic abnormalities and often fatal diseases

Modern research is delving deep into the human genome to find the answers to medical mysteries and, hopefully, cures for the most deadly diseases. According to four new studies presented during the 46th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology

5 Dec 2004

Phase 3 results of Genasense plus Dexamethasone in patients with advanced multiple myeloma

Genta Incorporated announced that results from the Company's randomized Phase 3 clinical trial of Genasense(R) (oblimersen sodium) Injection in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma were presented today at the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) in San Diego, CA.

4 Dec 2004

Study focused on patients with chemotherapy-related anemia

Findings from an interim analysis of a new study comparing the hemoglobin response rates of Epoetin alfa and darbepoetin alfa in the treatment of chemotherapy-related anemia were published in the November 15, 2004 issue of the Medical Journal 'Blood' as part of the American Society of Hematology 46th Annual Meeting and Exposition.

4 Dec 2004

Medicines used to treat parasitic infections have much wider benefits than was previously thought

Encouraging new data from the wider distribution of anti-parasite drugs in pregnant women and very young children demonstrates that medicines commonly used to treat parasitic infections have much wider benefits than was previously thought.

4 Dec 2004

Canada puts in place a national plan to ensure an adequate flu vaccine supply

Per capita, more Canadians receive the flu shot than residents of any other country. The flu vaccine is the best protection against the flu virus, so it is encouraging to see that even more Canadians are getting the flu shot this season than ever before.

11 Nov 2004

Research suggests that children with severe malaria may not be as badly dehydrated as was previously thought

Every year around a million people, mainly small children, die of malaria. Dehydration is thought to contribute to fatal cases of the disease and, hence, doctors often give fluids to treat very ill children.

4 Nov 2004

New approaches for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C

Data from two ongoing studies testing new approaches for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C was presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) this afternoon.

1 Nov 2004

Patients are receiving initial diagnosis of celiac disease at an older age

Patients are receiving initial diagnosis of celiac disease at an older age and with a shorter duration of symptoms, according to a retrospective study presented today at the 69th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology.

1 Nov 2004

First ever study in hemodialysis patients to show stable hemoglobin levels

New data confirm that subcutaneous injection of the innovative new anti-anemia agent CERA (Continuous Erythropoietin Receptor Activator) delivers rapid, sustained and stable correction of anemia in a broad spectrum of patients with chronic kidney disease at dosing intervals of up to 4 weeks.

1 Nov 2004

Who should and who should not get a flu shot?

This year's supply of flu vaccine is limited. It is important that people at highest risk of serious illness or death from the flu get a flu shot. Complete this CDC form to see if you or your child should or should not get a flu shot.

25 Oct 2004

One in four deaths among women with heart failure can be attributed to kidney problems

About one in four deaths among women with heart failure can be attributed to kidney problems, and more deaths are linked to renal insufficiency than to any other single risk factor, according to a new study in the Oct. 19, 2004 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

18 Oct 2004

Small delay after birth when cutting umbilical cord of a premature baby appears to lessen chances of bleeding

Waiting 30 seconds to two minutes after birth to cut the umbilical cord of a premature baby appears to lessen chances of bleeding in the newborn’s brain and reduce the need for transfusions, according to a new review of research.

18 Oct 2004

Africa is fighting back against vitamin and mineral deficiencies

A report released yesterday says that Africa is fighting back against vitamin and mineral deficiencies, saving millions of women and children from death and debilitation through simple, cost effective strategies such as fortifying staple foods. But millions of children can still be helped if current strategies and partnerships are extended to reach every country and every child.

8 Oct 2004

Patients suffering from diseases as varied as Type II diabetes, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's have one thing in common

Patients suffering from diseases as varied as Type II diabetes, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and dozens of lesser known maladies have one thing in common: they suffer from a large build up of amyloids

5 Oct 2004

Compound derived from fruit and vegetables could be used to improve the effects of an established cancer drug

The drug, mitomycin C (MMC), is a well-known anticancer treatment used mainly against solid tumours in the bladder and lower bowel. It is activated by enzymes naturally found in the human body, but its use is limited by severe side effects at higher doses.

5 Oct 2004

Receiving a blood transfusion is associated with a greater risk of death for patients with acute coronary syndromes

The use of invasive procedures for treatment of ischemic heart disease has more than tripled in the past 2 decades and is likely to increase in high-risk patients, according to background information in the article.

5 Oct 2004

Boosting the blood count in conjunction with radiation therapy doesn't improve survival for head and neck cancer patients

Boosting the blood count – in effect, curing anemia – in conjunction with radiation therapy won't help patients with head and neck cancer fare any better than with radiation alone, says a national study led by Jefferson Medical College researchers.

5 Oct 2004

Researchers discover new mechanism responsible for blood vessel tumors that cause facial deformities

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism responsible for the growth of blood vessel tumors that can cause facial deformities in infants and young children, paving the way for an antibody-based treatment to remove cells that fuel the tumors’ growth.

5 Oct 2004

Anemia News and Research

Further Reading

New advances in sickle cell disease

Children with sickle cell disease who are at risk for a stroke need ongoing blood transfusions to reduce their risk

Genetic mutations and cellular modifications may provide clues to the associations between slight genetic abnormalities and often fatal diseases

Phase 3 results of Genasense plus Dexamethasone in patients with advanced multiple myeloma

Study focused on patients with chemotherapy-related anemia

Medicines used to treat parasitic infections have much wider benefits than was previously thought

Canada puts in place a national plan to ensure an adequate flu vaccine supply

Research suggests that children with severe malaria may not be as badly dehydrated as was previously thought

New approaches for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C

Patients are receiving initial diagnosis of celiac disease at an older age

First ever study in hemodialysis patients to show stable hemoglobin levels

Who should and who should not get a flu shot?

One in four deaths among women with heart failure can be attributed to kidney problems

Small delay after birth when cutting umbilical cord of a premature baby appears to lessen chances of bleeding

Africa is fighting back against vitamin and mineral deficiencies

Patients suffering from diseases as varied as Type II diabetes, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's have one thing in common

Compound derived from fruit and vegetables could be used to improve the effects of an established cancer drug

Receiving a blood transfusion is associated with a greater risk of death for patients with acute coronary syndromes

Boosting the blood count in conjunction with radiation therapy doesn't improve survival for head and neck cancer patients

Researchers discover new mechanism responsible for blood vessel tumors that cause facial deformities

Achieving and maintaining ISO/IEC 27001 and BS 10012 certifications

Expanding research and clinical options for children with cancer

Examining how pain could play a direct protective role in the gut

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