I need some help folks. ( more ways than one. I just made the subject of this thread IVIG when I meant Stem Cell Transplant) There is a poster on the Sjogrens forum who is very critically ill. She has multiple autoimmune problems and is going to have to make a decision about whether to have stem cell transplant or to just die. Either one doesn't look good for her (she is that ill). I have tried to research out of the medical info stem cells and autoimmune problems. I want a good case either way. (I don't want to influence her myself) But I am having severe problems sitting today and with my eyes. And this research requires so much time at the computer. If any of you can point me in a direction that will make it easier I would be so grateful. So many of the Sjogrens sufferers have very limited computer time because of their eyes.

I was going to post this on the autoimmune forum but I'm not seeing that much activity there and so many of you are so good with research. I know this is asking a lot.

Billye

Billye,

Do you still need some help with this?

I'm thinking that what you are asking about is specific cases or instances where stem cell has been used regarding patients with Autoimmune Diseases, and also about the outcome(s).

Is what I'm thinking correct?


For general info. (and for now), I've been reading this:

http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/scireport/chapter6.asp

It looks like it may have been written 2001, and, surely, there has to be info. that is more current.

Aside from anecdotal info., professional journals are likely going to be where much of the statistical type data will be found.


Whoops: I forgot to mention, I'm looking for what I think you may be asking about, as well.

Life-Threatening Lupus Responds To Stem Cell Transplant Therapy
Main Category: Lupus News
Article Date: 02 Feb 2006 - 6:00am (PST)
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medi...p?newsid=36989


(As I find more, I'll edit the info. into this post.)



Non-Malignant Diseases
Helping Children with Nonmalignant Diseases
Stem Cell Transplants for Immune System & Blood Conditions
http://www.seattlecca.org/patientsan...freyNonmal.htm

Under the section that reads "When the Body Attacks Itself," the article states:

"Some centers in the United States, including the Hutchinson Center, also have been doing transplants for adults with these diseases. The doctors at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center pioneered the procedure in the United States, and transplants for children affected by autoimmune conditions are now being performed. Our first was performed a few years ago, for an adult who had JRA since childhood. As of publication time, our doctors had performed one other transplant for a child with an autoimmune disease, also JRA. Both patients have responded well to their transplants."

The info. appears to be from August 2006 (according to the page where it appears).



The following is about an on-going, 7-year $20.5 million study involving 226 patients comparing two possible treatments:

Study puts hope in stem cells
Duke researchers target scleroderma
Jean P. Fisher, Staff Writer
http://www.newsobserver.com/150/story/462388.html

"....We've used scleroderma because it's the toughest case,' said Dr. Keith Sullivan, a Duke oncologist who is lead investigator in the clinical trial. Duke is one of seven transplant centers nationwide participating in the trial and the only one in the Southeast...."



Texas Woman Prepares For Stem Cell Transplant
Deborah Takahara
May 8, 2006 8:15 pm US/Central
http://cbs11tv.com/topstories/local_...128211928.html


Breakthrough in Autoimmune Disease Research
Stem Cell Research Gives New Hope to Patients
http://www.curesforcalifornia.com/page.php?id=228
April 10, 2006

Life-threatening Lupus Responds To Stem Cell Transplant Therapy
Source: Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Date: February 3, 2006
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...0204001431.htm

Chemo/Stem Cell Experiment Helps RA
http://arthritis.about.com/cs/ra/a/stemcellexp.htm

Thanks Bobbi,
I'll forward this on to her and i'll send you what I've found. I appreciate the effort.

Billye

I hope the info. helps her, Billye .