http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/anemia/ Anemia and related blood disorders. Read the latest medical research including new experimental treatments. en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 15:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 15:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/anemia/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120327215700.htm Scientists have designed what appears to be a powerful gene therapy strategy that can treat both beta-thalassemia disease and sickle cell anemia. They have also developed a test to predict patient response before treatment. Tue, 27 Mar 2012 21:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120327215700.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202094604.htm The disparity in stroke-related deaths among black and white children dramatically narrowed after prevention strategies changed to include ultrasound screening and chronic blood transfusions for children with sickle cell anemia, according to new research. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:46:46 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202094604.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202094558.htm Being anemic could more than triple your risk of dying within a year after having a stroke, according to new research. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:45:45 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202094558.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111222195004.htm Correcting anemia, a red blood cell deficiency, can preserve kidney function in many kidney transplant recipients, according to a new study. Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:50:50 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111222195004.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215135844.htm Patients need less blood after surgery than is widely thought. A new study comparing two plans for giving blood transfusions following surgery showed no ill effects from postponing transfusion until patients develop signs of anemia or their hemoglobin concentration falls below 8 g/dL. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215135844.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111118133044.htm Why do people with a hereditary mutation of the red blood pigment hemoglobin (as is the case with sickle-cell anemia prevalent in Africa) not contract severe malaria? Scientists have now solved this mystery. Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111118133044.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115191226.htm Waiting for at least three minutes before clamping the umbilical cord in healthy newborns improves their iron levels at four months, according to new research. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115191226.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111108100007.htm A 10-year follow-up study suggests that infants with high hemoglobin levels who received iron fortified infant formula have poorer long-term developmental outcomes, according to a new report. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111108100007.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111108094429.htm Iron fortification has helped babies around the world, but a long-term study raises questions about the optimal amount of iron in infant formula. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 09:44:44 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111108094429.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102082806.htm Few options are available to prevent the painful episodes and organ damage that are common with sickle cell disease. But a new lab study has revealed a key trigger for producing healthy red blood cells that could lead to new treatments for sickle cell patients. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 08:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102082806.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031121216.htm Researchers have pioneered a technique that will allow doctors to ascertain the healthy shape of red blood cells in just a few seconds, by analyzing the light scattered off hundreds of cells at a time. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031121216.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012124202.htm Researchers are suggesting that transfusion may not always be the best treatment for hospitalized patients with anemia. Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012124202.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003151832.htm Researchers have discovered a new function for an enzyme that may protect against organ injury and death from anemia. Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003151832.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110926183423.htm Researchers have identified a gene frequently mutated in myelodysplasia, one of the most common forms of blood cancer. Patients with a mutation in SF3B1 had a better overall chance of survival compared to those without the mutation, suggesting that the SF3B1 mutations drive a more benign form of myelodysplasia. It is hoped that, in the future, patients could be screened for SF3B1 mutations through a single blood test. Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110926183423.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906191622.htm Adding a powder that contains several vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc and vitamin A, to the semi-solid foods taken by infants and children between six months and two years of age, can reduce their risk of anemia and iron deficiency, according to a new review. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 19:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906191622.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110803174747.htm A comparison clinical study of two aplastic anemia treatments found that ATGAM, currently the only licensed aplastic anemia drug in the United States, improved blood cell counts and survival significantly more than did Thymoglobulin, a similar but reportedly more potent treatment. Wed, 03 Aug 2011 17:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110803174747.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110718111419.htm A thalidomide analog is shaping up as a safe, worthy opponent of sickle cell disease, researchers report. Mon, 18 Jul 2011 11:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110718111419.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110501195148.htm Pediatricians have discovered a link between low levels of vitamin D and anemia in children. Sun, 01 May 2011 19:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110501195148.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110428123931.htm A new article is likely to help solve one of the long-standing mysteries of biomedicine. In a study that challenges currently held views, researchers unravel the molecular mechanism whereby sickle cell hemoglobin confers a survival advantage against malaria, the disease caused by Plasmodium infection. These findings open the way to new therapeutic interventions against malaria, a disease that continues to inflict tremendous medical, social and economic burdens to a large proportion of the human population. Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110428123931.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110331080033.htm A study of nearly 600 patients with severe non-inflammatory respiratory disease has found that a significant percentage (13%) also suffered from anemia. The links between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and anemia are already well known, but this study also shows that anemia is frequently found in patients with severe non-inflammatory respiratory diseases, say the authors. Overall, patients were more likely to have anemia if they were older, had a number of other health problems and poor nutrition. Thu, 31 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110331080033.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110325024934.htm A new study indicates that inadequate nutrition is linked to a greater risk of anemia in postmenopausal women. Fri, 25 Mar 2011 02:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110325024934.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110311121840.htm Although universal prenatal supplementation with iron is recommended, an extra intake of iron does not noticeably benefit pregnant women, except when they are anemic, new research suggests. Fri, 11 Mar 2011 12:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110311121840.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110310210412.htm Need a reason to take your iron supplements? Iron deficiency during pregnancy may directly impact infant and childhood breathing health according to a new study. Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:04:04 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110310210412.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110302121913.htm Medical researcher have genetically and clinically characterized almost all Spanish patients suffering from Franconi anemia, a rare disease affecting one in every 500,000 persons and which is characterized by severe anemia in children, congenital malformations and a high predisposition to cancer. Wed, 02 Mar 2011 12:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110302121913.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110216120542.htm Researchers have engineered mice that model the switch from fetal to adult hemoglobin, an important step towards curing genetic blood diseases such as sickle cell anemia and beta-thalassemia. Wed, 16 Feb 2011 12:05:05 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110216120542.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110211153919.htm Silent strokes, which have no immediate symptoms but could cause long-term cognitive and learning deficits, occur in a significant number of severely anemic children, especially those with sickle cell disease, according to newly presented research. Fri, 11 Feb 2011 15:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110211153919.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101229124246.htm Patients with diabetes, kidney disease and anemia who don't respond to treatment with an anti-anemia drug have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease or death, researchers have found. Wed, 29 Dec 2010 12:42:42 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101229124246.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101222141725.htm By determining how corticosteroids act to increase production of red blood cell progenitors, researchers have identified a class of drugs that may be beneficial in treating some erythropoietin-resistant anemias. One such anemia is Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA), which is frequently treated with corticosteroids, despite their severe side-effects. The identified class of drugs may be able to treat other anemias, including those resulting from trauma, sepsis, malaria, kidney dialysis and chemotherapy. Wed, 22 Dec 2010 14:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101222141725.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101216190507.htm Naturally occurring high hemoglobin levels are safe for kidney disease patients on dialysis, according to a new study. The results suggest that there is no need to lower these levels to protect patients' health. Thu, 16 Dec 2010 19:05:05 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101216190507.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101206111502.htm Monthly blood transfusions combined with daily medication to remove the resulting excess iron remains the best approach for reducing the risk of recurrent strokes in young patients with sickle cell anemia, according to a preliminary analysis of a multicenter trial. Mon, 06 Dec 2010 11:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101206111502.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101129203326.htm A new drug called FG-2216 can stimulate production of the hormone erythropoietin in dialysis patients -- possibly offering a new approach to treatment of kidney disease-related anemia, according to a new study. Mon, 29 Nov 2010 20:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101129203326.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101123112220.htm A hormone made by the body may be a potential therapeutic tool for the treatment of two anemic blood disorders -- beta-thalassemia and hemochromatosis. Tue, 23 Nov 2010 11:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101123112220.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101122121633.htm Beta-thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that results in chronic anemia. A major complication of the condition is iron overload, which has been linked to low levels of the protein hepcidin. New research indicates that increasing the concentration of hepcidin in beta-thalassemic mice limits iron overload and markedly reduces their anemia, pointing to a potential new therapeutic approach to limiting iron overload and mitigating anemia in patients with beta-thalassemia. Mon, 22 Nov 2010 12:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101122121633.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101112141132.htm Mathematicians have developed a mathematical model reflecting how red blood cells change in size and hemoglobin content during their four-month lifespan. The model, which uses data from routinely performed blood tests, may be able to predict the development of anemia up to two months before it can be detected by standard measurements. Fri, 12 Nov 2010 14:11:11 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101112141132.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100921163703.htm Among patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy for severe aplastic anemia (a condition in which the bone marrow is unable to produce blood cells), the length of telomeres (chromosome markers of biological aging) was not related to the response to treatment but was associated with a higher rate of relapse (return to low blood cell counts) and lower overall survival, according to a new study. Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100921163703.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100906084808.htm Giving iron supplements to children with marginally low birth weights (2000-2500 grams) dramatically reduces the risk of developing iron deficiency and anemia. Mon, 06 Sep 2010 08:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100906084808.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100803152837.htm Paying close attention to routine blood test results can be an effective screening system for colon cancer which, when diagnosed early enough, can be treated effectively. A new study shows that most patients with colon cancer have a history of consistently declining hemoglobin levels up to four years before being diagnosed with the disease. Tue, 03 Aug 2010 15:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100803152837.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100731210234.htm Pediatric researchers have discovered a new biological pathway in which small segments of RNA, called microRNA, help protect red blood cells from injury caused by chemicals called free radicals. The microRNA seems to have only a modest role when red blood cells experience normal conditions, but steps into action when the cells are threatened by oxidant stress. The study illustrates how microRNA fine-tunes gene activity. Sat, 31 Jul 2010 21:02:02 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100731210234.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100713171559.htm Italian scientists pioneering a new gene transfer treatment for the blood disorder beta-thalassemia have successfully completed preclinical trials, claiming they can correct the lack of beta-globin in patients' blood cells which causes the disease. The research reveals how gene therapy may represent a safe alternative to current cures that are limited to a minority of patients. Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100713171559.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100521191434.htm After blood loss, large amounts of the hormone Epo flood the hematopoietic system in the bone marrow. Scientists have shown how a rapid turnover of Epo receptor molecules on hematopoietic cells ensures that these remain ready to react. Thus, our body can respond even to extreme increases of Epo levels with an adequate supply of red blood cells. Fri, 21 May 2010 19:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100521191434.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100427070843.htm Black children with chronic kidney disease have more severe anemia than white children even when they receive the same treatment, according to a new study. Tue, 27 Apr 2010 07:08:08 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100427070843.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100419233601.htm Individuals with the rare human genetic disease Fanconi anemia have an increased incidence of cancer. In many individuals, disease is caused by mutations in any one of 13 known genes (including FANCL) that generate proteins that function in one common signaling pathway that is known as the FA pathway. Whether this pathway has a role in human cancers in individuals who do not have Fanconi anemia has not been clearly determined. Mon, 19 Apr 2010 23:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100419233601.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100419102423.htm A research team from United States evaluated the long-term heath issues of patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery. They found menstruating females and patients with peptic ulcer disease are at greatest risk of developing anemia following gastric bypass surgery. Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100419102423.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100401173716.htm Sideroblastic anemia is a form of anemia caused by an inability to incorporate iron into hemoglobin, something that is essential if the molecule is to perform its vital function of carrying oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. Recently, a patient with sideroblastic anemia was found to have a mutation in their GLRX5 gene that led to GLRX5 protein deficiency. New research has now provided insight into how GLRX5 protein deficiency causes sideroblastic anemia. Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100401173716.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100325121958.htm Identification of two new proteins in the Fanconi anemia DNA repair pathway may help explain genetic instability in people with Fanconi anemia and how otherwise healthy people are susceptible to cancer from environmentally triggered DNA damage. A new study adds another layer of complexity to the multifaceted Fanconi anemia (FA) pathway. Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100325121958.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100302162243.htm A new study helps dispel mounting confusion over the safety of blockbuster anemia drugs -- erythropoiesis-stimulating agents -- for people with kidney disease requiring dialysis, as federal regulators prepare to decide whether to impose additional restrictions on their use. Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100302162243.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100226211648.htm As spring approaches and people return to outdoor activities, caution should be taken in areas of the country that are home to Loxosceles reclusa, also called the brown recluse spider. A new study found that when patients present with sudden anemia, but the cause is elusive, the brown recluse spider should be part of the differential diagnosis, at least in parts of the nation where the spider is regularly found. Fri, 26 Feb 2010 21:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100226211648.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100221143232.htm Many people who undergo treatment for hepatitis C develop hemolytic anemia, a disorder that destroys red blood cells. In some cases, it is so severe they have to reduce their medication or stop therapy altogether. But now, scientists have discovered two genetic alterations linked to a benign enzyme condition that keep some patients anemia-free. Sun, 21 Feb 2010 14:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100221143232.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100128101903.htm The discovery of a major player in the body's regulation of iron levels should provide a new target for drugs that prevent common iron deficiency as well as rare, potentially deadly iron overload, researchers said. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100128101903.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100126175925.htm A new study shows that a protein found in blood alleviates anemia, a condition in which the body's tissues don't get enough oxygen from the blood. In this animal study, injections of the protein, known as transferrin, also protected against potentially fatal iron overload in mice with thalassemia, a type of inherited anemia that affects millions of people worldwide. Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100126175925.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091231154652.htm Every day tiny segments of our DNA are chipped or fragmented or get stuck together when they should really be pulled apart. But what our genome necessarily lacks in stability it makes up for with a phalanx of guards that monitor and repair the damage. Thu, 31 Dec 2009 15:46:46 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091231154652.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091222104901.htm Researchers have concluded that the anemia drug darbepoetin alfa works no better than a placebo in several other applications previously thought to be promising. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:49:49 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091222104901.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028112800.htm Offspring whose mothers had been supplemented with iron-folic acid during pregnancy had dramatically reduced mortality through age 7. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028112800.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917161746.htm Myelodysplastic syndromes, a group of blood disorders that can lead to acute myeloid leukemia in some patients, often cause severe anemia. While certain treatments can help manage the symptoms of anemia, some studies have suggested that they may lead to complications. A new study, however, demonstrates that MDS patients with anemia may benefit from treatment with an EPO-based regimen plus supportive care without added complications as compared with those receiving supportive care alone. Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917161746.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727135521.htm Anemia in very elderly people aged 85 and older appears to be associated with an increased risk of death, according to a new study. Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727135521.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090528142850.htm A new study has found that the presence of anemia in patients with chronic heart failure is associated with a significantly increased risk of death. The findings also show that anemia is associated with a poorer degree of left ventricular function and a lower left ventricular ejection fraction, an objective measure of cardiac function. Thu, 28 May 2009 14:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090528142850.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090511151623.htm Iron-chelating drugs have been heavily promoted for use in patients with primary myelofibrosis, a form of blood cancer often treated with blood transfusion. These drugs, however, which withhold available iron in the body, are highly expensive and potentially toxic. Mon, 11 May 2009 15:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090511151623.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090508135002.htm The identification of the causal gene can now offer patients and their family members direct molecular confirmation of their condition, allowing them to know whether they are sufferers or asymptomatic carriers of the disease. More generally, this discovery shows that even well-known scientific processes, such as hemoglobin biosynthesis, still have surprises in store. Fri, 08 May 2009 13:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090508135002.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090504151503.htm Iron plays a large role in brain development in the womb, and new research shows an iron deficiency may delay the development of auditory nervous system in preemies. This delay could affect babies ability to process sound which is critical for later language development in early childhood. Mon, 04 May 2009 15:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090504151503.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090430172942.htm The use of drugs to encourage red blood cell formation (erythropoiesis-stimulating agents) in cancer patients with anemia increases the risk of death and serious adverse events such as blood clots, found a new study. Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090430172942.htm