Scleroderma Media Coverage: May 2007

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May 2007

Feeling the chill: Raynaud's phenomenon sufferers battle cold hands, feet - and misconceptions. The New York-based Raynaud's Association, an international support group of about 2,500 patients, estimates that 5 percent to 10 percent of Americans experience the phenomenon, though many may not know they have it. The Eagle-Tribune. 04/23/07. (Also see: Raynaud's )

Raynaud’s Disease: the Reason Behind Cold, White Fingers and Toes. Exposure to cold normally results in slowing of blood flow to fingers and toes. Small arteries in extremities narrow, reducing blood flow and preserving the core body temperature. For people with Raynaud’s disease, the response is exaggerated for unknown reasons. Newswise. Mayo Clinic Health Letter. 05/09/07. (Also see: Raynaud's )

Vascana Findings To Be Presented At International Scleroderma Conference. The Vascana presentation will focus on its phase III clinical trial results and on MediQuest's proprietary Topical Amphi-Matrix (TAM) drug delivery system. With the TAM technology, Raynaud's patients will be able to apply a non-systemic, topical formulation at the affected area to deliver relief. Medical News Today. 05/19/07. (Also see: Raynaud's Treatments )

Pregnancy High Blood Pressure. Pregnancy high blood pressure is a common occurrence in early stages of pregnancy. Women suffering from the diseases like hypertension, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, kidney related disease and scleroderma are most in danger of pregnancy high blood pressure symptom. American Chronicle. 05/13/07. (Also see: Pregnancy and Scleroderma )

Humor shaped sculptor's artwork. Maureen Scott, a sculptor, died at Rose Medical Center on March 23 after a short illness. She had scleroderma, which advanced swiftly. She was 57. She did mostly human figures and, whether in bronze or terra cotta, they were often painted in surprising ways or posed in odd fashion. The Denver Post. 04/30/07.

Pregnancy Advice for Women With Arthritis. It is recommended that all women with arthritis be counseled by a rheumatologist and an obstetrician before attempting to get pregnant. In addition, women considering pregnancy should have their rheumatic condition under control for at least 3 to 6 months before attempting to get pregnant. Some women with rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, and Sjogren's Syndrome, have even been advised against becoming pregnant. About.com 04/11/07. (Also see: Pregnancy and Scleroderma and Arthritis )

Jury Is Still Out on Gluten, the Latest Dietary Villain. There is no question that eating gluten aggravates celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients. But doctors say it is unclear whether gluten can be blamed for other problems. Whole wheat and other cereal grains that contain gluten can be hard to digest. They are often prescribed as a sort of natural broom to relieve constipation, but can also cause gas and diarrhea. Tuscaloosa News. 05/08/07. (Also see: Celiac Disease )

Queen of pain. Agnes James-Bazil recounted a tale of pain, pain, and more pain for many years. Eventually, she got the news from her doctor, that she was suffering with Scleroderma. besides suffering with Scleroderma. Agnes received a double blow when she was told she also had another rare disease called Myasthenia Gravis. Currently, Agnes is a fighter and a survivor; she says, "I am determined to live because I know I am strong." Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday. 04/18/07.

The Wright road to recovery. Elizabeth Wright set up her own business, Ivy Cottage produce, in her farmhouse kitchen, in 2004. But twelve months ago, Elizabeth feared she'd never walk again, after she was diagnosed with scleroderma. However, chemotherapy, combined with steroids and immuno-suppressant drugs to tackle her other conditions, soon made Elizabeth well again. York News. 04/10/07.

Abbott Seeks U.S. And E.U. Regulatory Approval For HUMIRA® (Adalimumab) In Psoriasis. Psoriasis is a non-contagious, chronic autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack itself and create raised, inflamed, scaly, red skin lesions known as plaques, which may crack and bleed. The global submissions are based on the results of two double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of HUMIRA - REVEAL and CHAMPION. In both trials, reduction in disease activity was determined. Medical News Today. 04/02/07. (Also see: Psoriasis )

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Affect Risk Of Depression, Inflammation. In recent years, research has shown that an increase in omega-3 fatty acids in the diet has specific health benefits, especially in patients with depression, cardiovascular disease and inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. ScienceDaily. 03/29/07. (Also see: Alternative Therapies and Depression )

May 2007 is National Autoimmune Diseases Awareness Month. The U.S. Senate has designated May 2007 as National Autoimmune Diseases Awareness Month (ADAM), calling on Americans to learn more about these diseases that are still not well-known or well-understood by the medical and research communities and the general public at large. Newswise. 05/02/07.