COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
University of Pittsburgh researchers say they have made a breakthrough in the fight against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease -- the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States.
The Pitt pulmonary specialists report that they've found solid evidence that COPD is an autoimmune disease, and that it occurs when a person's immune system attacks the cells that line the airways and air sacs of the lungs. Patients are being enrolled in a clinical trial of an inhaled immune-suppressant drug, called cyclosporine, that could lead to a better treatment.
"COPD is responsible for 120,000 deaths a year," Dr. Frank C. Sciurba, director of Pitt's Emphysema Research Center, said in a news release. "Available treatments, including inhaled bronchodilators, have little effect on disease progression. New information learned may help us to develop better treatments and perhaps even halt disease progression."
The Pitt pulmonary specialists report that they've found solid evidence that COPD is an autoimmune disease, and that it occurs when a person's immune system attacks the cells that line the airways and air sacs of the lungs. Patients are being enrolled in a clinical trial of an inhaled immune-suppressant drug, called cyclosporine, that could lead to a better treatment.
"COPD is responsible for 120,000 deaths a year," Dr. Frank C. Sciurba, director of Pitt's Emphysema Research Center, said in a news release. "Available treatments, including inhaled bronchodilators, have little effect on disease progression. New information learned may help us to develop better treatments and perhaps even halt disease progression."
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My 6mo twin DD's are EBF and just started rice cereal on the first. Everything has been going fine except this morning one of them had a diaper rash (lots of redness around her anus). I read this as one of the signs of an allergy. BUT I did just buy a different brand diaper yesterday (which they have used randomly before w/no issues). Do you think its the cereal or the diaper? Im ready to start...
I hope this new development brings us closer to a cure.
Love to all of you
Holly
all over the world. Looking for a cure but will
take something that will put us in remission until that day arrives
WARNING: Cyclosporine reduces the body's ability to fight illness/disease (immunosuppressant), leaving patients vulnerable to infection or other problems (including cancer). Using additional drugs that treat organ transplant rejection may increase these tendencies. Certain brands of cyclosporine must not be used with other immune-suppressants. Cyclosporine can also cause high blood pressure and kidney problems; the risk of both problems increase with increasing dose and length of therapy. Psoriasis patients who have had certain previous treatments (e.g., PUVA, UVB, coal tar, radiation therapy, and methotrexate) are at increased risk to develop cancerous skin growths (malignancies). Therefore, cyclosporine must be given only under close medical supervision. Because different brands deliver different amounts of medication, do not switch brands of cyclosporine without your doctor's permission. Laboratory tests (e.g., kidney function tests, blood tests) may be performed to monitor your progress.
USES: This medication is used to prevent or treat organ rejection in transplant patients. It has also been used with success in a variety of illnesses.
HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein over 2 to 6 hours when the oral forms cannot be tolerated. Follow the dosing schedule carefully. Ask your doctor any questions you have about your treatment.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach upset, nausea, cramps, diarrhoea or headache. Other possible side effects include high blood pressure, increased hair growth on the face and body, acne, tremor, swollen or inflamed gums, tingling of the hands or feet. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: mental confusion, blurred vision, fever, sore throat, stomach pain, hearing difficulty, chest pain, urine colour change, and fatigue, unusual bleeding or bruising, change in the amount of urine. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver or kidney disease, blood disorders, chickenpox, herpes zoster, any infections, diabetes, any allergies. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially high blood pressure and kidney problems.
See http://www.medicinenet.com/cyclosporine-iv/article.htm
Promoted probably by the manufacturers - at the risk of liver and kidney failure!!!!!!!!!!!
I think NOT.
An autoimmune suppressant !!!!!!!!
Having studied human biology I really am concerned about those :-
"Patients who are being enrolled in a clinical trial of an inhaled immune-suppressant drug, called cyclosporine, who have been told that it could lead to a better treatment" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would have thought it is more likely to lead to a breakdown in immune system response poor health and decreased chance of survival when body is under attack of cold and flu virus not to mention other bacteria.
I would be extremely concerned for those volunteer health and long term survival!
Seriously
I am 100% behind Breathes and her well reasoned and rational comments. Reinforced by her unique and significant status at having studied human biology adds even greater weight to what I regard as her unassailable logical assessment.
Thanking you Breathes for your posting and I know that we all hope for a miracle cure and or a reduction in our medication but any short term potential benefit must outweigh by far any probable long term danger.
Cheara.