Decoding Graft-Versus-Host Disease: Types, Symptoms, and Treatments
Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is one of the common complications of allogeneic transplantation — a procedure in which healthy stem cells taken from a donor are transplanted into the patient's body. GvHD occurs when some of the newly transplanted donor's cells (graft) do not recognize the patient’s (host) body and attack their healthy cells. The presence of a specific white blood cell (the T-cell) from the donor recognizes the patient's tissues or organs as a foreign threat and initiates an immune response against them.
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN): Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Survival Rate
Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare, life-threatening skin reaction. It is most commonly triggered by certain medications. However, in rare cases, it can be caused by infections or vaccinations. A severe form of Steven-Johnson’s syndrome (SJS), TEN is diagnosed when you have large areas of blistering and peeling skin on more than 30% of your body. TEN also causes extensive damage to the moist linings (mucous membranes) in the mouth, nose, throat, eyes, and genitals.
Exploring Hemophilia Risk Factors: From Genetic Inheritance to Acquired Triggers
Knowing about hemophilia risk factors can help reduce your risk of developing complications. Hemophilia is a group of hereditary bleeding disorders. It happens when your blood contains little or no blood-clotting proteins called clotting factors. As a result, your blood cannot clot properly, which leads to excessive bleeding.
What Conditions Does IVIG Treat?
IVIG therapy is primarily used to treat immunodeficiencies, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory disorders, and certain infections. During this therapy, a solution containing antibodies derived from healthy donors is infused into a patient's bloodstream. The main objective of this therapy is to restore the compromised immune system to its optimal state by administering essential antibodies, which serve as a fundamental element of immunity.
Jakafi (Ruxolitinib)
Jakafi (ruxolitinib) is a protein kinase inhibitor that inhibits certain enzymes called Janus kinases (JAK), which are involved in the production and growth of red blood cells. In myelofibrosis (bone marrow cancer) or polycythemia vera (a rare blood disorder), the Janus kinases are overactive, which leads to uncontrolled production of blood cells that can migrate to other organs such as the spleen and cause enlargement. Ruxolitinib inhibits specific signaling pathways and thus stops this overproduction of blood cells.