Wednesday October 28, 2009
Shiloh Pepin, who was born with sirenomelia, or "mermaid syndrome," has died at the age of 10. She passed away last Friday in Maine.
Sirenomelia is a condition in which one's legs are fused together from the waist down. Pepin did not have any genital organs or a large intestine. Most children born with sirenomelia die soon after birth.
You can read more about Shiloh at ABCNews.com.
Monday September 28, 2009
Though the news might not make a splash for most, those with relapsed and refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma are rejoicing.The FDA has approved Folotyn (pralatrexate) for for treatment of this rare cancer -- the first treatment ever available. Toxicity is a concern, and so those being treated with Folotyn are recommended to take folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements.
FDA News Release
Tuesday September 1, 2009
On August 21, 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Sabril (vigabatrin) to treat infantile spasms in children ages 1 month to 2 years. Infantile spasms are a type of seizure disorder, often part of West syndrome, in which the infant suddenly bends forward at the waist and the body, arms, and legs stiffen. These spasms last a few seconds and occur in clusters of anywhere from 2 to 100 spasms at a time. Some infants have dozens of these clusters of spasms in a day.
Sabril is the first drug in the United States approved to treat infantile spasms. Damage to vision is an important safety concern with the use of Sabril. The drug will have a boxed warning to alert health care professionals to this risk of a progressive loss of peripheral vision with potential decrease in visual acuity. The risk of vision damage may increase based on the dosage and duration of use, but even the lowest doses of Sabril can cause vision damage. Periodic vision testing is required for those taking Sabril. Because of the risk of permanent vision damage, the drug will be available only through a restricted distribution program.
Sunday August 30, 2009
Osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease, is an inherited condition. Almost all individuals with osteogenesis imperfecta have fragile bones that break easily.
Photo © A.D.A.M.