Four-Factor Prothrombin Complex Superior to Plasma for Rapid VKA Reversal
In results from a Phase 3b trial in 168 patients needing urgent reversal of acquired coagulation factor deficiency induced by vitamin K antagonist (VKA) therapy, 78 patients (90 percent) treated with CSL Behring’s four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (Kcentra; 4F-PCC) achieved effective hemostasis, compared with 61 patients (75 percent) treated with plasma.
IVIG Monotherapy Mediates Improvement in CLE
A single-center proof-of-concept study was conducted to learn whether intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) can control acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and thus replace current systemic immunosuppressive therapy that causes severe side effects and adverse reactions.
Scientists Develop Needle-Free Measles Vaccine
Scientists at Georgia Institute ofTechnology have developed a needle-free vaccine against measles.
Parkinson’s Gene Is Linked to Lung Cancer
Researchers have identified a Parkinson’s gene that is associated with lung cancer.
Immune Disorders Genetic Missing Link Found
An international team of researchers has identified a gene that may be a missing link between overactive and underactive immune activity, and that may also play a key role in autoimmune diseases.
Study Shows No Link Between Autism and Measles Vaccine
A recent study found no link between the measles vaccine and autism.
Higher Dosages of 25% Albumin Associated with Lower Incidence of Cerebral Ischemia and Infarction in Pilot ALISAH Study
The “Albumin in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage” (ALISAH) pilot clinical trial, conducted at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, assessed the neuroprotective effects of varying dosages of 25% human albumin. Vasospasm, delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) and cerebral infarction were evaluated in 20 patients who received seven consecutive daily infusions of 0.625 g/kg (Tier 1), 20 who received 1.25 g/kg (Tier 2), and seven who received 1.875 g/kg (Tier 3).
IVIG to SCIG Switch in CIDP & MMN Patients: Improved Tolerability and Patient Satisfaction
Eight consecutive patients on long-term, hospital-based intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy to treat chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) (n=4) and multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) (n=4) were switched to home-based subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG).
Study Finds Vaccine Side Effects Extremely Rare
An analysis of 67 research studies published in the July 1 edition of Pediatrics has found that serious complications related to vaccines are very rare, and there is no evidence that immunizations cause autism.
Protein C Concentrate Added to Standard Therapy May Reduce Mortality Risk in Sepsis-Induced Purpura Fulminans
Eight consecutive patients with acute-onset purpura fulminans (PF) secondary to systemic bacterial infection survived following treatment with a licensed human plasma-derived protein C concentrate (Ceprotin, Baxter Healthcare) in conjunction with standard sepsis therapy.
