As per a study, graft-versus-host (GHVD) Patients after a bone marrow or cord blood transplant with intravenous steroids who do not respond to the steroid treatment can be treated with higher doses of steroids with a new interventional radiology treatment.

It was found that higher doses of steroids can be given via catheter to the arteries, which are supplying the GHVD-affected organs since the remaining body is spared from side-effects of the steroids, as per Joshua L. Weintraub, M.D., chief of the Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.

From News-Medical.Net:

The standard treatment to treat graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after bone marrow or cord blood transplant is intravenous (IV) steroids that alter the immune response; however, it is not always effective and failure results in very high mortality.

In a study, 15 patients who failed standard treatment were given a high dose of steroids directly to the affected organ. By delivering the steroids via catheter to the arteries that are supplying the organs affected by GVHD, a much higher, more effective dose can be given because the rest of the body is spared from the steroid’s side effects.

“Overall, fewer than 30 percent of patients with steroid-resistant GVHD respond completely or partially to the standard IV treatment, and their chance of living one year is 15 percent or less. This interventional radiology treatment can be life-saving for these people,” said Joshua L. Weintraub, M.D., chief of the Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.

According to Weintraub, there were no immediate drug or procedure-related complications, and the treatment appears to be safe and effective in combating GVHD—with about 40 percent of the patients showing complete response to the intra-arterial treatment at less than a year follow-up. The study was presented during the Society of Interventional Radiology’s 33rd Annual Scientific Meeting in Washington, D.C.

GHVD is a common complication, related to an allogeneic bone marrow transplant, in which the immune cells from the donated cord blood or marrow pose a threat to transplant patient’s body.

This first of its kind study in the United States reveals a viable option for treating patients with GHVD as per Weintraub.

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The media was all over the news about steroid use in the field of sports. But on the other side of the fence, steroids are being used as a means of survival for a young girl who is battling a condition where her bone marrow is no longer producing red blood cells so that oxygen can circulate through her body. Ashlynn Bruce, 8 months old is waiting for support in the community for blood to keep her alive. When she turns a year older she will be treated with steroids.

From WMDT.com:

Her mother Patricia said, “Her body’s working extra hard to make up for the lack of oxygen.” Ashlynn has Diamond Blackfan Anemia, a condition where her bone marrow doesn’t produce enough red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout her body. While it’s extremely rare, with only 600 to 700 people who have it worldwide, it is slowly coming into the public eye.

On ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” they featured Lizzie Bell, who is also battling the disease. Like Lizzie, Ashlynn survives on blood transfusions, but that leads to high iron buildup. Patricia is hoping for a better solution. She said, “Once she turns a year old, they’re going to put her on steroids, and hopefully the steroids will fix them.”

But there are side effects, including diabetes and weakening of the bones. If steroids don’t help, her only option is a bone marrow transplant, a risky and uncertain procedure.

Despite the weakening of her body, Ashlynn keeps on fighting, according to her mother, Patricia. Her disease is subjecting her to so much pain and yet she shows her will to live by expressing her happiness whenever blood is transfused into her body. Patricia said her daughter means so much to her and that Ashlynn is an answer to her prayer for she had always wanted a baby girl.

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