Health News

Sepsis May Bring on Immune Dysfunction
For patients, a diagnosis of sepsis, a potentially deadly bloodstream infection, may be frightening enough. Those individuals may also be at risk of immune system impairment.
Waging War Against Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
A possible new front runner is emerging in the drug war against chronic myeloid leukemia ( CML ). While still considered experimental, this drug is showing itself to be a powerful agent against advanced forms of the disease.
Fewer Blood Transfusions Needed After Surgery
Blood transfusions during surgery are common, especially for elderly patients. Doctors say the problem is they may be too common.
Unlocking Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Resistance
Gleevec ( imatinib ) has transformed the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia ( CML ). The problem is, this drug stops working at some point in many patients. A drug under development, combined with another currently available medication, may offer patients new options.
Masquerading Leukemias
It doesn't happen commonly, though some diseases can present themselves as other diseases. Scientists now know this sometimes happens with two forms of leukemia.
Drug Cuts Pain in Sickle Cell Infants
A sickle cell anemia treatment may benefit infants as young as nine months old by reducing their level of pain from the disease. It also could reduce the need for blood transfusions and cut the rate of hospital admission.
Two Sisters Help Understand One Disease
It's well known that cancer can be passed between a donor and recipient during a transplant operation. One such exchange has actually advanced the scientific understanding of lymphoma.
Stem Cell Transplant Recipients Prone to Problems
Stem cell transplant patients may not only be at risk during treatment. A new study suggests that a decade later they are still more susceptible to psychological conditions and chronic illness.
Do Birth Control Drugs Cause Blood Clots?
Women who use oral contraception, take caution: Birth control pills that contain the hormone  drospirenone may cause blood clots. Government officials are still examining study data and will decided whether the pills’ benefits outweigh the risk.
Potential Hemophilia B Cure Unveiled
A novel one-time intravenous gene therapy infusion could potentially cure patients with severe hemophilia B. Four patients from the small trial have had such success that they have discontinued traditional treatment.