Articles tagged with Anemia
Iron deficiency affects an estimated 2 billion people, leading to poor pregnancy outcomes, impaired school performance, and decreased productivity. Genetic engineering can increase iron content in staple crops like rice and improve bioavailability by introducing genes that break down phytate.
A nutritional supplement called Sprinkles has been shown to reduce anemia in poor children by more than half, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition. Children aged 6-24 months are most vulnerable to iron-deficiency anemia.
A study reveals that hemoglobin levels vary among dialysis patients due to negative feedback control systems and individual sensitivity to ESA treatment. The analysis suggests optimizing treatment systems on a rational basis to reduce variation in hemoglobin values and stabilize dose regimens.
Scientists, oncologists, and critics explore the use of ESAs, which can boost oxygen-carrying red blood cells and improve quality of life, but may be overprescribed due to cost and drug company influence. The debate highlights the need for fair and balanced review of data to ensure patients' needs are met.
Researchers at UCSD have identified the relationship between hepcidin and a pair of proteins that monitor hormone levels, potentially leading to new treatments for anemia. The discovery reveals how HIF regulates hepcidin in response to low iron and oxygen levels.
Elderly patients with mild anemia (low RBC count) or high RBC count before surgery have a higher risk of post-operative death or cardiac events. Treatment of pre-operative anemia and polycythemia may not improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Researchers have described the function and range of possible mutations of the FANCD2 gene, a key player in Fanconi anemia. The study reveals that FANCD2 patients experience more severe symptoms due to its vital role in genome stability and development, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found that fortification of staple cereal flours with high-dose NaFeEDTA significantly reduces anaemia and iron-deficiency in children. The supplement improved three major iron status indicators, including haemoglobin and plasma ferritin concentrations. In contrast, electrolytic iron had little effect on these indicators.
Using erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to treat non-chemotherapy-related anemia in cancer patients may increase the risk of death, thromboembolic events, and potentially even cancer growth. Researchers recommend a cautious approach until further scientific data is available.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have found that outpatient medication usage is not associated with anemia in patients admitted with decompensated heart failure. Additionally, the team discovered that beta blocker dose adjustment upon hospitalization for acute decompensated heart failure can increase length of stay, and Fibul...
A new study from Tufts University found that high folate status and adequate vitamin B12 levels are associated with better cognitive function in seniors. Low vitamin B12 status was linked to increased cognitive impairment, while high serum folate was more detrimental when combined with low vitamin B12.
In a Phase III study, eculizumab provided clinically and statistically significant improvements in intravascular hemolysis, anemia, fatigue and quality of life in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Eculizumab therapy also reduced adverse events and showed significant benefits in patient-reported outcomes.
A Phase III efficacy study led by Dr. Peter Hillmen found eculizumab significantly improves anaemia and quality of life in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH). The treatment also reduces intravascular hemolysis, fatigue, pain, and shortness of breath.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found a link between mild anemia and impaired thinking in elderly women. Those with anemia were four to five times more likely to perform poorly on executive function tests, compared to those with normal blood hemoglobin.
Researchers developed a non-invasive Doppler ultrasonography method to detect fetal anemia in high-risk pregnancies. The study found that this new procedure is safer than traditional testing methods, which can be traumatic for the mother and carry a risk of miscarriage.
A new study suggests that an individual's unique genetic makeup can affect their risk of developing severe anemia from malaria. Researchers have identified specific genes and DNA sequences that control the production of MIF, a protein linked to malarial anemia.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that seasonal childhood anaemia in West Africa is associated with the haptoglobin 2-2 genotype. The research suggests a link between this genetic variation and the development of anaemia during periods of high malaria prevalence.
Researchers at UC Davis and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed a new test that can diagnose vitamin B12 absorption problems with a single drop of blood. This simple test could help identify patients at risk for dementia and anemia, allowing for early treatment and prevention of permanent damage. The breakthrough uses...
A study by the North Central Cancer Treatment Group found that reducing epoetin alfa dosing frequency from once weekly to every three weeks did not significantly impact hemoglobin levels or require transfusions. Patients in both treatment groups reported similar quality of life at the end of the 21-week study.
Scientists have developed a new method to study Fanconi anemia proteins using Xenopus eggs, allowing them to study the proteins' function in DNA replication and repair. The research found that Fanconi proteins play a crucial role in preventing DNA breaks during replication, even if the DNA is damaged.
A Phase 3 study found that Aranesp treatment achieved and maintained target hemoglobin levels, reducing red blood cell transfusions by 24%. The extended dosing schedule may allow physicians to treat anemia on the same schedule as chemotherapy.
In the Phase 2 study, Aranesp demonstrated a significant erythroid response and improvements in hemoglobin levels and fatigue among low-risk MDS patients. The study found that 70% of patients with no prior erythropoietic agent use achieved an erythroid response and 67% reached target hemoglobin levels.
A study found that anemia is associated with a higher risk of death in the elderly, even among those with normal hemoglobin levels. Lower hemoglobin concentrations were linked to increased mortality risk, regardless of other factors.
A new stem cell technology allows HLA-mismatched and haploidentical donors into the donor pool, improving stem cell transplantation outcomes. Researchers identified genetic risk factors for acquired aplastic anemia affecting immune response and hematopoietic cell number and function.
A new vaccine targeting the dog hookworm has shown significant benefits in animal studies, reducing hookworm burdens and fecal egg counts. The vaccine protects dogs from severe outcomes like blood loss and anemia caused by the parasite.
A new study finds that co-therapy with erythropoietin is more cost-effective than standard treatment for patients with Hepatitis C and treatment-induced anemia. The research suggests that this treatment approach can improve rates of complete cure from the disease, making it a viable option for this patient population.
Researchers identified a new gene, BRIP1, associated with Fanconi anemia's hallmark chromosomal instability. The protein BACH1 helps DNA unwind for repair, and BRIP1 mutations disrupt this process.
A research team has identified the gene glutaredoxin 5 (grx5) as essential for hemoglobin synthesis in zebrafish and humans. The discovery reveals a new pathway involving iron-sulfur clusters, which is critical for heme production.
Patients with heart failure and low hemoglobin levels are at increased risk of complications, including hospitalization and mortality. Studies show that treating anemia may reduce the risk of death by up to 22% in these patients.
A Phase 2 study of Aranesp(R) demonstrates a 77% overall response rate in low-risk MDS patients with anemia. Patients who had never received erythropoietic therapy responded well to Aranesp, while those with prior treatment showed continued efficacy.
A randomized head-to-head study demonstrates Aranesp dosed every two weeks is comparable to Epoetin alfa dosed weekly in terms of transfusion rates and hemoglobin achievement. The study involved over 1,200 patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia and found similar outcomes between the two treatment groups.
A Phase 3 study of Aranesp dosed every three weeks achieved a 91% success rate in maintaining target hemoglobin levels, with 72% of patients sustaining the level over 16 weeks. The treatment showed reduced need for red blood cell transfusions and consistent adverse event profile.
A meta-analysis of 27 clinical trials found that erythropoietin treatment lowers the likelihood of needing a blood transfusion and improves hematologic response in cancer patients. However, results on overall survival are inconclusive, suggesting erythropoietin should not be used to increase survival outside clinical trials.
Sprinkles, a powder containing microencapsulated iron and micronutrients, has been found to be as effective as ferrous sulphate in treating anemia in children. The treatment has been shown to have fewer side effects and is more acceptable to caregivers. Sprinkles have been distributed to over 15,000 children in developing countries, re...
Scientists at UCLA and Univ. of Utah have discovered that the hormone hepcidin regulates ferroportin, an iron-transporting molecule, controlling iron release in the bloodstream. This finding may lead to treatments for hemochromatosis and anemia of chronic disease, affecting millions worldwide.
A study by Mitchell Machtay found that correcting anemia does not improve tumor control or survival in head and neck cancer patients. Despite increasing red blood cell count, erythropoietin did not enhance radiation therapy outcomes.
A study published in JAMA Network found that heart attack patients who received blood transfusions had a significantly higher death rate compared to those who did not. The study included 24,111 participants and showed that blood transfusion was associated with nearly four times increased risk for 30-day death.
A collaboration between pharmaceutical manufacturers, healthcare agencies, and researchers led to a significant reduction in epoetin-associated pure red-cell aplasia. The incidence decreased by 83% after improvements were made in storage and handling of the drug.
New research suggests that cancer-related fatigue is more closely tied to depression and impaired physical performance than previously thought. A study of 70 patients in remission found no correlation between fatigue and various physiological markers, but significant associations with depression and physical performance.
Anemia is associated with increased disability, poorer physical function, and low muscle strength in older adults. Researchers found that participants with anemia reported an average of 1.7 disabilities compared to 1.0 for non-anemic subjects.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston have unraveled the biology behind chronic inflammatory anemia and propose new drug targets. They found a key regulator of hepcidin, a hormone controlling iron levels, and suggest that inhibiting it may improve treatment for patients with anemia of chronic disease.
Researchers have found that blocking the action of the HFE gene can reduce anemia caused by chronic inflammation, providing a potential new treatment for patients. This breakthrough aims to alleviate the negative effects of withholding iron while preserving the body's natural defense mechanisms.
Late-life anemia significantly increases the risk of death and hospitalization in older adults, regardless of underlying conditions. Anemia affects about 13% of people over age 70, with approximately 30% cases remaining unexplained.
Researchers have identified late-life anemia as a risk factor for mortality and hospitalization in elderly adults. A new drug, CC5013, shows unprecedented activity in treating myelodysplastic syndrome, offering hope to patients.
Black patients with locally advanced prostate cancer may have had less access to specialized radiation therapy, which is preferred over surgery. Postmenopausal women who consume moderate amounts of alcohol may be at an increased risk for cancer due to increased blood serum levels of the fat hormone leptin.
A multicentre trial involving 351 patients found that anaemia treatment with epoetin beta did not improve cancer control or survival rates. Instead, patients receiving epoetin beta had a 60% better chance of progression-free survival compared to those given placebo.
A study discovered a link between rare BRCA2 gene mutations, Fanconi anemia, and childhood brain tumors. Four families with affected children carried two BRCA2 mutations, resulting in both conditions diagnosed at an average age of 3.5 years.
Researchers found genetic mutations in PHF9 disrupt critical intracellular repair mechanisms, leading to Fanconi Anemia's serious complications. The discovery highlights the importance of PHF9 as a potent cog in DNA repair machinery, with potential implications for preventing excessive DNA damage and cancer.
Researchers discovered the protein PHF9, which disables the function of the FA pathway, a network critical for DNA repair, blood development, and fertility. This breakthrough provides new insights into Fanconi anemia, a rare genetic cancer-susceptibility syndrome affecting millions worldwide.
Researchers found that anemia is an independent risk factor for physical decline in older adults, leading to increased risk of nursing home admission, disability, and death. The study suggests that treating anemia may help preserve physical function.
Older adults with mild anemia are 1.5 times more likely to experience physical decline, according to a study published by the National Institute on Aging. Those with anemia or borderline anemia show greater declines in physical performance, including balance, walking speed, and chair rise ability.
A mandated food additive to combat high fetal development risks may inadvertently harm seniors due to low levels of vitamin B-12. The condition, which affects nearly half of US deaths annually, has been linked to cardiovascular diseases and mental confusion in some cases.
Researchers found that more than 1.5 million Americans suffer from celiac disease, which is triggered by the protein gluten and can cause various gastrointestinal symptoms. The study, published in Archives of Internal Medicine, used a multi-center approach to screen over 13,000 people across 32 states.
Researchers discovered a gene, CDAN1, associated with CDA-1, a rare form of anemia. The study, involving 45 Bedouin patients, suggests the gene's protein plays a crucial role in blood cell maturation and may lead to new treatments.
A study found that dark grape juice reduces iron availability by 67%, while light-colored juices increase uptake. Limiting grape juice or alternating with other juices is recommended for infants and toddlers to prevent iron-deficiency anemia.
Researchers found that administering recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) resulted in a 19% reduction in red blood cell transfusion. The study showed improved hemoglobin levels and reduced exposure to RBC tranfusions, with potential benefits including morbidity and mortality reductions.
A study of over 600 elderly women found that low hemoglobin levels are associated with a significant increase in the risk of mobility problems, such as difficulty walking or climbing stairs. The findings suggest that mild anemia may be a significant health issue for older women.
Research suggests that individuals with coronary artery disease are less tolerant to anaemia during non-cardiac surgery. A study of 2059 patients found those with anaemia had a five-fold higher in-hospital mortality rate after bypass surgery despite blood transfusions, indicating the need for further investigation before surgery.
The NCCN has released new guidelines to address cancer-related fatigue and treatment-related anemia in cancer patients. The guidelines provide a framework for clinicians to assess and treat these conditions, with a focus on symptom management and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers found that women taking hormone replacement therapy were 40% more likely to require gallbladder surgery than those on placebo. Additionally, high-dose cyclophosphamide was successful in treating some aplastic anemia patients, offering potential implications for the treatment of severe autoimmune diseases.