It is a diffcult story to read. They are very brave people, a magnificent couple and dedicated to their children.They have every reason to be proud of their parenting. Every reason.
By SUSANNAH MEADOWS
Published: February 1, 2013
...A month after our first appointment,(click here) we went to see Philip Kahn, a pediatric rheumatologist at NYU Langone Medical Center, who gave Shepherd a diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (J.I.A.), an autoimmune disease that causes painful swelling in the joints. J.I.A. can lead to stunted growth, disability and, rarely, blindness....
Not all juvenile arthritis is the same. I wish pharmaceutical companies were more involved with universities to facilitate break through. For all the fuss over embryonic tissue and research with stems cells, the benefits of a benevolent society would be solving the problems of the children already here.
...Researchers have identified (click here) changes in several genes that may influence the risk of developing juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Many of these genes belong to a family of genes that provide instructions for making a group of related proteins called the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex. The HLA complex helps the immune system distinguish the body's own proteins from proteins made by foreign invaders (such as viruses and bacteria). Each HLA gene has many different normal variations, allowing each person's immune system to react to a wide range of foreign proteins. Certain normal variations of several HLA genes seem to affect the risk of developing juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and the specific type of the condition that a person may have....
I realize sometimes genetic treatment means one treatment and success, so there is not a lot of reason for pharmaceutical companies to invest, but, prices for that one treatment can be bargained for reimbursement with insurance companies. Drugs are expensive and if we are to successfully move into the future the savings for the elimination of pharmaceuticals is astronomical. It is easily justified to pay for treatments that minimize the suffering and return quality of life to any person and family.
By SUSANNAH MEADOWS
Published: February 1, 2013
...A month after our first appointment,(click here) we went to see Philip Kahn, a pediatric rheumatologist at NYU Langone Medical Center, who gave Shepherd a diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (J.I.A.), an autoimmune disease that causes painful swelling in the joints. J.I.A. can lead to stunted growth, disability and, rarely, blindness....
Not all juvenile arthritis is the same. I wish pharmaceutical companies were more involved with universities to facilitate break through. For all the fuss over embryonic tissue and research with stems cells, the benefits of a benevolent society would be solving the problems of the children already here.
...Researchers have identified (click here) changes in several genes that may influence the risk of developing juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Many of these genes belong to a family of genes that provide instructions for making a group of related proteins called the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex. The HLA complex helps the immune system distinguish the body's own proteins from proteins made by foreign invaders (such as viruses and bacteria). Each HLA gene has many different normal variations, allowing each person's immune system to react to a wide range of foreign proteins. Certain normal variations of several HLA genes seem to affect the risk of developing juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and the specific type of the condition that a person may have....
I realize sometimes genetic treatment means one treatment and success, so there is not a lot of reason for pharmaceutical companies to invest, but, prices for that one treatment can be bargained for reimbursement with insurance companies. Drugs are expensive and if we are to successfully move into the future the savings for the elimination of pharmaceuticals is astronomical. It is easily justified to pay for treatments that minimize the suffering and return quality of life to any person and family.
