New Method Developed for Forecasting Flu Outbreaks
A computer model for predicting flu outbreaks weeks in advance has been developed by researchers at Columbia University and the National Center for Atmospheric Research.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin Sharply Reduces Relapse Rate in a Series of Patients with Neuromyelitis Optica
With the objective of evaluating the safety and tolerability of intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) as a treatment for neuromyelitis optica (NMO), a team of Spanish investigators administered IVIG (0.7 g/kg body weight for three days) every two months to eight patients meeting Wingerchuk’s revised diagnostic criteria for the disorder.
HIV Vaccine Update
Initial results from a Phase 1 trial of the world’s first HIV vaccine has shown no adverse effects while significantly boosting immunity.
IVIG and Rituximab Desensitization for Renal Transplantation Is Cost-Effective and May Improve Survival
A desensitization protocol using intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) and rituximab has been used for a number of years to allow renal transplantation in highly sensitized (HS) patients, defined as having panel reactive antibody (PRA) >80 percent.
New Study Shows Possible Improvement for CIDP Patients
New study results suggest that treatment with Privigen (ImmuneGlobulin Intravenous [Human], 10%Liquid), an intravenous immunoglobulin(IVIG), may lead to improvement in function in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.
Autoimmune Mechanism May Cause Drug-Induced Adverse Reactions
U.S. Food and Drug Administration researchers have discovered a new mechanism for identifying and understanding drug-related autoimmune reactions.
Autoantibodies May Play Role in Alzheimer’s
New research demonstrates how dying or damaged brain cells release debris into the bloodstream and give rise to specific autoantibodies that appear to be reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin Is a Potential Alternative to Intravenous Immunoglobulin in CIDP
Danish investigators conducted a trial of adult patients to test whether subcutaneous immunoglobulin therapy is a viable alternative to intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy.
Flu Shot Also May Prevent Heart Attacks
According to two recent studies, the flu vaccine may cut the risk of a heart attack or stroke by up to 50 percent.
Albumin Infusion Cuts Renal Impairment and Mortality Risk in Patients with Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis
U.S. and Italian investigators performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to quantify the effect of albumin administration on renal impairment and mortality in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.