Bits’n Pieces
news you can use
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ž Treatment of Post-Polio Syndrome using Immunoglobulin In an article written by both Dr. Lauro Halstead and Dr. Julie Silver, they note that the recent studies using immunoglobulin in treating post-polio syndrome are showing some positive results. In 2002, Henrik Gonzalez and colleagues in Sweden reported finding an elevated level of cytokines (a marker of inflammation) in the cerebral spinal fluid of a group of polio survivors with PPS. Other researchers have also found elevated proinflammatory cytokines in individuals with PPS, but normal levels in polio survivors without PPS. Such findings suggest that anti-inflammatory medications might be an effective way of treating PPS symptoms. One of the most potent drugs is immunoglobulin. Giving immunoglobulin intravenously requires a hospital setting, with an infusion once a day for 3 to 5 days. While cost may vary, it is still pricey –with the cheapest around $10,000 per course of therapy. Side effects, such as fever, headaches, vomiting, backache or elevated blood pressure may be minimal, but serious side effects, such as renal failure, have occurred. While one study showed a muscle strength improvement averaging 8.6%, the authors of this article recommend future studies in different geographic locations. It is not entirely certain who will benefit most, but one way to determine if you might be a good candidate for treatment is to have your cytokine levels checked. This involves having a spinal tap to obtain a sample of CSF and access to a lab that performs these texts on a regular basis. ž New heart tests available If you have a strong family history of heart disease, but aren’t showing the usual risk factors, you still may want to ask your doctor to consider testing for one or more of the following: · C-reactive protein (CRP) shows the level of inflammation and may be an early indication of heart disease for the elderly. · Lp(a) is a particularly harmful type of cholesterol that is similar in chemical structure to LDL (the “bad” cholesterol.) · Homocysteine is an amino acid and may cause problems if not in line. Too much may have an effect on atherosclerosis by damaging the inner lining of arteries and promoting blood clots, but a direct causal link hasn’t been established. Folic acid and other B vitamins, such as B6 and B12 help lower homocysteine levels. Ultrasound imaging of the carotid artery in the neck to find plaque build-ups may help predict heart attack and other coronary events in otherwise low-risk adults. For more information, you may want to talk with your doctor and/or check out the website www.americanheart.org. |
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Heart attack warning signs – · chest discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes or comes and goes, feeling like uncomfortable pressure, pain or fullness · discomfort in other areas of the upper body, such as arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach · shortness of breath other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness According to the American Heart Association, the most common warning sign in both men and women is chest pain or discomfort. Women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain. Reportedly, women are more apt to ignore symptoms or consider them too minor to be of concern. |
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Polio Update |