Many Kids Who Undergo Stem Cell Transplants Must Return to Hospital

WEDNESDAY, April 24 (HealthDay News) -- Nearly two-thirds of children who received stem cell transplants were readmitted to the hospital within six months for treatment of problems such as infections and unexplained fevers, a new study finds.

Children who were given stem cells donated by other people were twice as likely to be readmitted as those who received their own stem cells, said the researchers at Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Center in Boston.

"No one had ever looked at these data in children," Dr. Leslie Lehmann, clinical director of pediatric stem cell transplantation, said in a cancer center news release. "This is very important information and will allow us to counsel families appropriately, as well as try to devise interventions that reduce the rate of readmissions."

Lehmann and Harvard Medical School student David Shulman analyzed the medical records of 129 children who had stem cell transplants from 2008 to 2011 and found that 64 percent of them had at least one hospital readmission within 180 days after their transplant.

Fever without a known cause accounted for 39 percent of readmissions, infections for 24 percent, and gastrointestinal problems for 15 percent, the study found.

"Most of the patients went on to be successfully treated and ultimately did very well," Lehmann said.

The researchers also found that 79 percent of children who received stem cells from a related or unrelated donor were readmitted, compared with 38 percent of those who received their own stem cells.

The findings are scheduled for presentation at the annual meeting of the American Society of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, taking place this week in Miami. Study data and conclusions should be viewed as preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

"We hope these findings can eventually lead to identifying a group of low-risk children who could be managed at local hospitals rather than transplant centers, reducing costs and inconvenience to families," Lehmann said.

The goal is to identify which patients could be safely treated without requiring hospital admission, she said.

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Many Kids Who Undergo Stem Cell Transplants Must Return to Hospital

Bubba bounces back! Stem cell treatment for dogs

BACKGROUND: The use of stem cells to treat various health problems in pets first came about in 2003 for the treatment of horses. A few years later, stem cell treatments for household pets, such as dogs and cats, started to become available as an alternative to surgery or more serious procedures. While veterinarians continue to research different applications, so far stem cells are often used in regenerative therapy for dogs in order to help with arthritis and other joint issues. For this purpose, stem cells are taken from the dogs own fat tissue and injected directly into the diseased joints. (Source: http://www.harvardpress.com)

TREATMENT: Stem cell therapy is just one of several alternative treatment options now available for pets. Other alternative veterinary medicine includes acupuncture, traditional Chinese herbal medicine, and chiropractic and aquatic therapies. Acupuncture is the application of small-gauge needles to various points on the body for the purpose of eliciting physiological responses in the treatment of almost any disease or condition. Chinese herbal medicine is mainly used with dogs because it is difficult to administer to cats. The herbs come in powder, capsule, and biscuit form. Powder is the least expensive, but most difficult to give. They are used to treat the same conditions as Western Medicine except for surgical conditions. (Source: http://www.holistic-pet-vet.com/chinese-herbal-medicine-for-pets) These treatments have gained popularity as pet owners have become more and more willing to do whatever it takes to keep their animals healthy. In fact, in 2008 the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society reported that the number of veterinarians who have completed their 156 hour long training course in animal acupuncture has quadrupled over the past decade. (Source: http://www.time.com)

NEW TECHNOLOGY: Veterinarian Ashraf Gomaa from Abbott Animal Hospital in Rehoboth, MA used stem cell therapy to help improve Bubba the bulldogs hip dysplasia. The adipose-derived stem cell procedure performed on Bubba is the first one to be done in the state Massachusetts. Dr. Gomaa extracted fat cells from Bubba and then put them through a machine which breaks the cells down to the healthy stem cells. The stem cells were then injected directly into Bubbas hip. An added benefit to the procedure is that since the animals own fat cells are used, there are no serious side effects associated with the injections. Although stem cell regenerative therapy does not cure hip dysplasia, it can greatly reduce symptoms and improve the animals ability to function. Currently, Dr. Gomaa is the only veterinarian in the area certified to perform this particular procedure. (Source: http://www.abbottanimalhospital.com)

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Bubba bounces back! Stem cell treatment for dogs

Health Beat: Stem cell treatment for dogs, cats

From repairing torn ligaments to rebuilding bones, stem cell procedures are helping mankind in many ways. Now, mans best friend is getting in on the action, too.

Bubba, a 2-1/2-year-old English bulldog, was born with severe hip dysplasia that made it difficult and painful for him to walk.

"He's had to be injected once a month the last two years to ease the pain in his joints and the hip bone," said Bob Cook, Bubba's owner.

So when Cook heard about a new stem cell procedure that could relieve Bubbas pain, he jumped at the chance.

Dr. Ashraf Gomaa, veterinarian at Abbott Animal Hospital, extracted fat from Bubba's shoulder. Enzymes were added to the fat. Then, a machine separated the stem cells. Finally, the stem cells were injected back into Bubba to help decrease his painful inflammation.

"You want to inject it as closely as possible to the joint that is affected. Those stem cells react to inflammation and they have an affinity to inflammation so they go to any area of the body that has any type of trauma," Gomaa said.

On average, the doctor said the treatment lasts one to two years and can be repeated as needed.

Cook said it's put the bounce back in Bubbas step and probably saved his life.

"If it wasn't for this, he would probably have been on some serious pain meds and probably wouldnt have lived much longer," said Cook.

The stem cell procedure is approved for dogs and cats. The doctor said dogs or cats with joint, cartilage, tendon or ligament pain are good candidates for the procedure.

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Health Beat: Stem cell treatment for dogs, cats

Diabetes Type 1 Stem Cell Treatment by NoMoreVitamins com – Video

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CBCP advises Kris on stem cell treatment

Published on 24 April 2013 Hits: 242 Written by Johanna M. Sampan

An official of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Wednesday advised actress Kristina Bernadette Kris Aquino to select the best ethical stem cell treatment for her eldest son, Joshua.

Kris Aquino is the youngest sister of President Benigno Aquino 3rd. She made waves recently when it was revealed that she was the countrys number one taxpayer.

CBCPEpiscopal Commission on Bioethics Chairman Bishop Jose Oliveros said the Catholic Church doesnt oppose the idea of the treatment providing it is done morally.

It depends on what kind of stem cells will be used and for what purpose. Morally speaking, only adult stem cells are allowed for therapeutic reasons, the prelate expressed.

On Tuesday, Aquino said she is willing to let Joshua, whom she described as a special child, to undergo stem cell treatment in Singapore.

Aquinos son with actor Philip Salvador is set to have a physical examination on Wednesday to test if he is suitable to undertake the procedure. Oliveros said the Church is not against the use of adult stem cells since the source is not subjected to any harm.

Embryonic stem cells are taken from human embryos. Its tantamount to killing an already living human being, hence immoral, the Malolos bishop explained.

Stem cell therapy is a type of intervention strategy that introduces new stem cells into damaged tissue to treat disease and injury and also for cosmetic enhancements.

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CBCP advises Kris on stem cell treatment

Stem cell treatment now available in Philippines, Kris Aquino told

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Stem cell treatment now available in Philippines, Kris Aquino told

Majority of children readmitted to hospital following stem cell transplant

Apr. 24, 2013 Nearly two-thirds of children receiving stem cell transplants returned to the hospital within six months for treatment of unexplained fevers, infections or other problems, according to a study performed at Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Center in Boston. Children who received donor cells were twice as likely to be readmitted as children who received their own stem cells.

"No one had ever looked at these data in children," said Leslie E. Lehmann, MD, clinical director of pediatric stem cell transplantation at Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Center (DF/CHCC). "This is very important information and will allow us to counsel families appropriately, as well as try to devise interventions that reduce the rate of readmissions."

The study by Lehmann and Harvard Medical School student David Shulman is being presented at the 26th annual meeting of the American Society of Pediatric Hematology Oncology in Miami, April 24-27.

A record review of 129 children from 2008 to 2011 revealed that 64 percent had at least one hospital readmission within 180 days of transplant. The source of the donor cells was a key predictor: 79 percent of patients receiving transplants from a related or unrelated donor were readmitted compared to 38 percent who received their own cells (autologous transplant). The mean number of readmissions was 2.4, indicating that for some children, discharge after transplant is just the beginning of a long process characterized by repeated hospital stays.

Fever without a documented source of infection accounted for 39 percent of the readmissions; 24 percent were for infections and 15 percent for gastrointestinal problems.

"Most of the patients went on to be successfully treated and ultimately did very well," commented Lehmann.

"We hope these findings can eventually lead to identifying a group of low-risk children who could be managed at local hospitals rather than transplant centers, reducing costs and inconvenience to families."

Lehmann said the goal is to identify which patients could be safely treated without requiring an admission to the hospital.

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Majority of children readmitted to hospital following stem cell transplant

ADVICE FOR KRIS AQUINO | Get stem cell treatment for Josh in PH

By: Jet Villa, InterAksyon.com April 24, 2013 4:10 PM

InterAksyon.com The online news portal of TV5

MANILA, Philippines The most advanced stem cell technologies and competent experts in the field are available in the country, according to two medical groups that advised actress-host Kris Aquino on Wednesday to consider having her son Joshua treated locally than going abroad.

They were reacting to Kris Aquinos declaration, in her morning talk show, that she planned to bring Joshua abroad for stem cell treatment.

Dr. Leo Olarte, spokesman of the Philippine Society for Stem Cell Medicine (PSSCM), said Filipinos no longer need to seek stem cell treatment outside the country. We have the ethical, moral, safe and effective stem cell or regenerative medicine technology available in the country today, said Olarte, also the president of the Philippine Medical Association.

The Philippines is abreast with the latest trends in stem cell technology, described as the future of medicine.Olarte said, We not only have internationally accepted stem cell technologies here but the competent medical doctors and experts as well to perform the procedure for our patients.

Their group, said Olarte, was willing to help Kris get the correct information to guide her in making the right decision for her beloved son Josh.

Aquino had revealed in her talk show that she was considering bringing Joshua, who has autism, to stem cell facilities in Europe, followed by Singapore, and then the Medical City in Pasig City.

Similarly situated friendsthose with special childrenhad reported big improvements in their kids after undergoing the procedure, Kris said.

The PSSCM has been working closely, said Olarte, with the Department of Health and the Professional Regulation Commissions Board of Medicine in the mission of having stem cell therapy highly regulated by the government to protect patients from unscrupulous practices.

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ADVICE FOR KRIS AQUINO | Get stem cell treatment for Josh in PH

Stem Cell Institute Public Seminar on Adult Stem Cell Therapy in Miami, Florida May 11th, 2013

The Stem Cell Institute, located in Panama City, Panama, will present an informational umbilical cord stem cell therapy seminar on Saturday, May 11, 2013 in Miami, Florida at the Conrad Hotel from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Miami, Florida (PRWEB) April 24, 2013

Speakers and topics include:

"Umbilical cord stem cells: regeneration, repair, inflammation and autoimmunity" - Neil Riordan, PhD

Dr. Riordan is the Founder of the Stem Cell Institute and Medistem Panama Inc.

Dr. Paz is the Medical Director at the Stem Cell Institute. Dr. Paz practiced internal medicine in the United States for over a decade before joining the Stem Cell Institute in Panama.

Dr. Lowe is a psychiatrist at Amen Clinics in New York City.

Raymond Cralle is a physical therapist at Cralle Physical Therapy in Delray Beach, Florida.

After the talks, our speakers and stem cell therapy patients will be on hand to share their personal experiences and answer questions.

Admission is free but space is limited and registration is required. For venue information and to register and reserve your tickets today, please visit: http://scimiamiseminar.eventbrite.com/ or call Cindy Cunningham, Patient Events Coordinator, at 1 (800) 980-7836.

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Stem Cell Institute Public Seminar on Adult Stem Cell Therapy in Miami, Florida May 11th, 2013

Kris told: Stem cell treatment available in PH

MANILA, Philippines There is no need for actress-TV host Kris Aquino to seek stem cell therapy treatment abroad for her son Joshua.

Dr. Leo O. Olarte, president of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) and spokesman of the Philippine Society for Stem Cell Medicine (PSSCM), said stem cell treatment experts in the Philippines are competent enough to help Aquino's 17-year-old son. We have the ethical, moral, safe and effective stem cell or regenerative medicine technology available in the country today," Olarte said in a statement released Wednesday. Olarte added that the Philippines does not only have internationally accepted stem cell technologies but also the competent medical doctors and experts.

PSSCM has been closely working with the Department of Health (DOH) and currently in consultation with the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) Board of Medicine in our desire that the practice of stem cell therapy be highly regulated by our government to protect our patients from unscrupulous practices," he said.

Olarte said they are willing to help Aquino if she considers getting the treatment for her son done in the Philippines.

If consulted we are very willing to help in any way Ms. Kris Aquino most especially in making available to her the correct information to guide her in making the right decision for her beloved son Josh, he said.

On her talk show Kris TV, Aquino said she wants her son Josh, who has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), to undergo stem cell therapy after getting advice from some of her friends. "Meron akong mga friends na 'yung mga anak nila underwent stem cell therapy. And 'yung condition nila is just like Josh's and they're special children. Sobrang laki kasi yung naging improvement," said Aquino.

Safety first

Dr. Olarte, however, warned patient about the dangers of xenogenic or allogenic stem cell sources which use stem cells from animals, plants, and even from other human beings.

Reports of such cases done in Germany, Hong Kong, Singapore, and other countries resulting to death due to severe complications have reached Olarte's office.

PSSCM is pushing only for autologous stem cell therapy which means that the source of the stem cells must come only from the patients own body namely from the patients own bone marrow, blood and adipose tissues (fat) because this is the safest and proven procedure that is available worldwide today, explained Olarte.

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Kris told: Stem cell treatment available in PH