[Djhasty]

In the last couple years, I have had elevated cytokine levels reported with my annual physical blood work. Has anyone else had the same result?

Forgive me, I do not know what type of cytokines are elevated particularly. I am inclined to think mine are the pro inflammatory kind since my Internist has linked the elevated results to my CRPS.

I was reading some information on the Web mrsD recommended for me about how low magnesium levels and possible ill affects can mimic some of my ailments. Somehow, as the Internet does, I got sucked in and sidetracked. I ran across a document: Neuroimmunologic approaches to the understanding and potential treatment of CRPS By Donald C. Manning, MD, PhD 2005[?] Web http://rsds.org/3/education/manning_pp_06.htm 4/10/2013

It was far over my head, but a few things grabbed my attention:

• Cytokines in the cerebrospinal fluid levels can be elevated in CRPS patients.
• These cytokines can be the cause of spread of CRPS beyond the original region effected.
• Targeting these cytokines is a new approach to pain therapy.
• Among the medications suggested are:
  • Anakinra - used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Glucocorticoids - used to treat adrenal insufficiency, various allergic, inflammatory, and autoimmune disorders, transplant rejection, and asthma.
  • Thalidomide - used as a anti-nausea and sedative drug. Use is controversial.
  • Lenalidomide - used to treat multiple myeloma, and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).

Just wondering if anybody else has read the article; and if anyone else has elevated cytokines and explored these drug therapies. Would be interested in your thoughts please.