Junior Fusion turns 5

Young Shay Christo - Son of Bill (Captain Fusion) turns 5 today 20-11-06

BFA members has an exciting mix of patients with blood transfusion dependant disorders like myself, and parents with children of similar disorders. We also have family members like aunties, husbands, etc who have a strong interest and desire in playing a supporting role and be pro-active in creating a better world for all.

Also we have a Fusion KIDZ KLUB, which consists of our little ones. Well today my little man turned 5, and he is is superhero crazy. Batman, Superman, Spiderman, he has all the dress up costumes, and we all just need to look out.

So no matter who you are, even how old you are, join this blog, pledge your support to Blood Fusion Australia, and help us grow.

Contact Bill Christo a1rad@netexpress.com.au
or bloodfusionaustralia@gmail.com

What is Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura?

Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura(ITP) is a bleeding disorder which the blood does not clot when it should. The bleeding is due to the low number of platelets. Platelets are the blood cells that help the blood to clot.

There are two types of ITP: Acute ITP and Chronic ITP

Acute ITP mainly occurs in children both girls and boys and is the most common type it occurs following an infection cause dby virus and goes away on its own after a couple of weeks or months and does not return. In this case treatment may not be required.

Chronic ITP generally affects adults only, however it can affect teenagers and sometimes younger children. This ITP lasts a lot longerup to six months and sometimes requires treatment depending upon severity of the bleeding symptoms. It is more common in women than men.

Treatment if required can include intravenous immunoglobin, intravenous anti-Rh (D) and splenectomy. No evidence indicates however that any of these treatments and/or others will reduce bleeding complicaions or mortality from ITP. New treatments and oral medications are in developmental stages.

For further information

Blood Platelet Levels Significantly Increased with Eltrombopag

Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Fact sheet ITP

NICOSANtm/HEMOXINtm

For those that have Sickle Cell Anemia life can for most people result in a life of severe pain, anemia and a low immune system. Not to mention the damage that sickling crisis can do to major organs. Treatments range from intravenous fluids, blood transfusion, hydroxyurea and pain medications. The only known cure is Bone marrow transplant which are not always successful.

Scientists are always researching, developing, discovering and trialing new ways of better treating or curing a disease. In the following case there is no exception. A new non-toxic drug developed by Xechem pharmaceuticals of Nigeria, 'NICOSANtm/HEMOXINtm' was granted orphan status back in May 2006 by the US FDA. This new drug is non toxic and promising for those that are afflicted by Sickle cell Anemia a new and safe form of treatment.

The drug is composed from the extracts of plants found in Nigeria. There are no adverse side affects to any parts of the body. This drug drastically reduces the degree of sickle cell formation and the frequency sickle cell crises. The success of the clinical trials held, suggest that this drug is safe and is capable of having the desired results for the management of sickle cell anemia.

For further information please go to the following sites:

Method of Treating Sickle Cell Disease With 5-HMF Compound Licensed from VCU

The Development of NICOSANtm/HEMOXINtm. A drug for the managment of Sickle Cell Disease.

Sickle Cell News Update November 2006

There have been some interesting developments concerning Sickle Cell anaemia in the US. They are moving foward with awareness campaigns and research in the fight for the cure of this blood disorder. Follow this link for further information, SICKLE NEWS.

Interesting FACT: Did you know that approximately 16 million people worldwide are believed to be afflicted with Sickle Cell Anaemia

Webcast-Comparing iron Chelators

Register for this WEBCAST as it will discuss the efficacy of available iron chelators Guest Speaker Dr. Vasilis Berdoukas

Register
November 14th, 11am (GMT), 6pm Bangkok ,
November 14th, 9pm Brisbane, 10pm Sydney, 10pm Canberra, 10pm Melbourne, 10pm Hobart, 9.30pm Adelaide, 7pm Perth, 8.30pm Darwin, Auckland New Zealand Midnight between Nov 14th & Nov 15th

Register
November 15th, 4pm (GMT), 8pm Dubai ,
November 16th, 2am Brisbane, 3am Sydney, 3am Canberra, 3am Melbourne, 3am Hobart, 2.30am Adelaide, Midnight Nov 15th & Nov 16th Perth, 1.30am Darwin, 5am Aucklland New Zealand

Register
November 16th, 5pm (GMT), 5pm London, November 17th, 4am Sydney
November 17th, 3am Brisbane, 4am Sydney, 4am Canberra, 4am Melbourne, 4am Hobart, 3.30am Adelaide, 1 am Perth, 2.30am Darwin, 6am Aucklland New Zealand