ScienceDaily: Anemia News

Discovery may help prevent chemotherapy-induced anemia

Sun, 05 May 2013 14:58:58 EDT

Researchers have discovered that chemo induces a type of nerve damage inside bone marrow that can cause delays in recovery after bone marrow transplantation. The findings suggest that combining chemotherapy with nerve-protecting agents may prevent long-term bone marrow injury.

Anemia drugs does not improve health of anemic heart failure patients

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 09:24:24 EDT

Researchers have found that a commonly used drug to treat anemia in heart failure patients does not improve patients’ health, nor does it reduce their risk of death from heart failure.

Anemia drug does not improve health of anemic heart failure patients, study shows

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 09:15:15 EDT

Researchers have found that a commonly used drug to treat anemia in heart failure patients -- darbepoetin alfa -- does not improve patients' health, nor does it reduce their risk of death from heart failure.

Why a hereditary anemia is caused by genetic mutation in mechanically sensitive ion channel

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 18:38:38 EST

A genetic mutation that alters the kinetics of an ion channel in red blood cells has been identified as the cause behind a hereditary anemia, according to a new article.

Lack of iron regulating protein contributes to high blood pressure of the lungs

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 16:54:54 EST

A protein known to regulate iron levels in the body has an unexpectedly important role in preventing a form of high blood pressure that affects the lungs, and in stabilizing the concentration of red cells in blood, according to a study in mice.

A leap forward for red blood cell formation: Researchers have identified 75 genetic regions that influence red blood cell formation

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 13:22:22 EST

New research is revealing how red blood cells are made and how the body regulates the amount of haemoglobin that is packaged in red blood cells at any time. Genomic analysis techniques have doubled the number of genetic regions that are likely to be involved in red blood cell formation and subsequent study using fruit flies has given insights into what these regions do.

Noninvasive technique can help in monitoring hemoglobin during surgery in children

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 10:26:26 EST

For children undergoing brain surgery, a new technology allows noninvasive, continuous monitoring of blood hemoglobin levels, according to a new study.

Loss of essential blood cell gene leads to anemia

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 12:22:22 EST

Scientists have discovered a new gene that regulates heme synthesis in red blood cell formation. Heme is the deep-red, iron-containing component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood. The findings promise to advance the biomedical community's understanding and treatment of human anemias and mitochondrial diseases, both known and unknown.

Loss of essential blood cell gene leads to anemia

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 13:29:29 EST

Researchers have discovered a new gene that regulates hemoglobin synthesis during red blood cell formation.

Anemia negatively impacts heart surgery outcomes, study finds

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 16:12:12 EDT

Anemia is now confirmed as a risk factor for illness and even death following cardiac surgery, according to a new study. Although preoperative anemia has been linked to adverse events in other types of surgery, this is the first study to tie preoperative anemia with postoperative complications, including death, for all types of heart surgery.

Rare genetic disease offers insight into common cancers

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 17:09:09 EDT

Fanconi anemia is a rare genetic condition in which cells lose the ability to repair DNA. Fanconi cells are super-sensitive to a common class of cancer drugs, nixing their use. A new study explores resveratrol as chemopreventive in Fanconi anemia patients.

Fewer iron supplements during pregnancy work just as well for preventing anemia, study suggests

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 07:43:43 EDT

Taking iron supplements one to three times a week instead of every day is just as effective at preventing anemia in pregnant women, according to the findings of a new Cochrane systematic review. The authors of the review also showed that women experienced fewer side effects when taking iron supplements intermittently rather than daily.

Platelet drug shows clinical benefits for severe, unresponsive aplastic anemia

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 13:38:38 EDT

Eltrombopag, a drug that was designed to stimulate production of platelets from the bone marrow and thereby improve blood clotting, can raise blood cell levels in some people with severe aplastic anemia who have failed all standard therapies. The findings of this new clinical study suggest eltrombopag could be a second-line therapeutic option for this disease.

New gene therapy approach developed for red blood cell disorders

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 21:57:57 EDT

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.

Sickle cell anemia stroke prevention efforts may have decreased racial disparities

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:46:46 EST

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.

Anemia may more than triple your risk of dying after a stroke

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:45:45 EST

Being anemic could more than triple your risk of dying within a year after having a stroke, according to new research.

Fixing common blood disorder would make kidney transplants more successful

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:50:50 EST

Correcting anemia, a red blood cell deficiency, can preserve kidney function in many kidney transplant recipients, according to a new study.

Less blood needed post-surgery, new study suggests

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:58:58 EST

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.

Protection from severe malaria explained

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:30:30 EST

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.

Delayed cord clamping protects newborn babies from iron deficiency, research finds

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:12:12 EST

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.

Infants with high hemoglobin concentration who received iron-fortified formula have poorer long-term developmental outcomes

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST

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.

Routine iron fortification of infant formula linked to poorer development

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 09:44:44 EST

Iron fortification has helped babies around the world, but a long-term study raises questions about the optimal amount of iron in infant formula.

Potential treatment for sickle cell disease

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 08:28:28 EDT

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.

Using math and light to detect misshapen red blood cells

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:12:12 EDT

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.

Transfusion not always best treatment for anemia, age of stored blood may play a role

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:42:42 EDT

Researchers are suggesting that transfusion may not always be the best treatment for hospitalized patients with anemia.

Researchers discover new enzyme function for anemia

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:18:18 EDT

Researchers have discovered a new function for an enzyme that may protect against organ injury and death from anemia.

Researchers uncover gene associated with blood cancers; New genetic insights could facilitate screening for mutation

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:34:34 EDT

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.

Micronutrient powders reduce anemia and iron deficiency in infants in low-income countries, review finds

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 19:16:16 EDT

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.

Standard aplastic anemia therapy improves patient outcomes better than newer version, study finds

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 17:47:47 EDT

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.

Thalidomide analog appears worthy opponent of sickle cell disease

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 11:14:14 EDT

A thalidomide analog is shaping up as a safe, worthy opponent of sickle cell disease, researchers report.

Low vitamin D in kids may play a role in anemia

Sun, 01 May 2011 19:51:51 EDT

Pediatricians have discovered a link between low levels of vitamin D and anemia in children.

Mystery solved: How sickle hemoglobin protects against malaria

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:39:39 EDT

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.

Patients with severe non-inflammatory respiratory disease face anemia risk

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EDT

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.

Inadequate diet can lead to anemia in postmenopausal women

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 02:49:49 EDT

A new study indicates that inadequate nutrition is linked to a greater risk of anemia in postmenopausal women.

Extra iron doesn't help many pregnant women, study suggests

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 12:18:18 EST

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.

Pregnancy anemia linked to childhood wheezing and asthma

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:04:04 EST

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.

New advances in genetic studies of Fanconi anemia patients

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 12:19:19 EST

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.

Researchers model fetal-to-adult hemoglobin switching: Important step towards cure for blood diseases

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 12:05:05 EST

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.

Acute anemia linked to silent strokes in children

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 15:39:39 EST

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.

Diabetes: Poor response to anti-anemia drug predicts higher risk of heart disease or death

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 12:42:42 EST

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.

Emerging drug class may enhance red blood cell production in anemic patients

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 14:17:17 EST

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.

Don't trouble your heart: Naturally high hemoglobin OK in dialysis patients, study suggests

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 19:05:05 EST

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.

Two studies provide insight into stroke risk and prevention in young sickle cell anemia patients

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 11:15:15 EST

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.

New approach may help dialysis patients fight anemia

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 20:33:33 EST

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.

Hormone's crucial role in two anemic blood disorders

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 11:22:22 EST

A hormone made by the body may be a potential therapeutic tool for the treatment of two anemic blood disorders -- beta-thalassemia and hemochromatosis.

Successful treatment for mice with beta-thalassemia

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 12:16:16 EST

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.

Mathematical model of the life cycle of red blood cells may predict risk of anemia

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 14:11:11 EST

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.

Shorter biological marker length in aplastic anemia patients linked to higher relapse, death rates

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:37:37 EDT

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.

More infants should receive iron supplements, researchers urge

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 08:48:48 EDT

Giving iron supplements to children with marginally low birth weights (2000-2500 grams) dramatically reduces the risk of developing iron deficiency and anemia.

Is your hemoglobin 'trending'? Routine blood tests may provide early warning for colorectal cancer

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 15:28:28 EDT

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.

Red blood cells have a tiny but effective protector -- microRNA

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 21:02:02 EDT

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.

Key step in body's ability to make red blood cells discovered

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 21:02:02 EDT

Researchers have uncovered a key step in the creation of new red blood cells in an animal study. They found that a tiny fragment of ribonucleic acid (RNA), a chemical cousin of DNA, prompts stem cells to mature into red blood cells. The researchers also created an artificial RNA inhibitor to block this process.

Gene therapy breakthrough heralds treatment for beta-thalassemia

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:15:15 EDT

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.

Do we clamp the umbilical cord too soon? Early clamping may interrupt humankind's first 'natural stem cell transplant'

Mon, 24 May 2010 11:17:17 EDT

The timing of umbilical cord clamping at birth remains controversial. The cord has been clamped early to facilitate resuscitation and stabilization of infants. Now, a new review paper suggests clamping should be delayed in normal births to tap the physiological benefits of "nature's first stem cell transplant."

Systems biology helps explain hematopoiesis

Fri, 21 May 2010 19:14:14 EDT

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.

Anemia tougher to tackle in black children with kidney disease, study finds

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 07:08:08 EDT

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.

Oncology: Fanconi anemia pathway dysregulated in non-FA cancers

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 23:36:36 EDT

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.

Anemia following surgery for morbid obesity

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:24:24 EDT

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.

Genetic form of anemia defined molecularly

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:37:37 EDT

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.

Newly identified proteins critical to Fanconi anemia pathway DNA repair function

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:19:19 EDT

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.