Genetic Factors May Predict Depression In Heart Disease Patients May 24, 2009
vWF is a protein produced by the endothelium that is critical to the initial stages of blood clotting by helping platelets stick to damaged blood vessels. When elevated in concentration, VWF is a strong predictor of endothelial dysfunction and a risk factor for atherosclerosis. (Science Daily)
Our View: It can be simple to do something great May 23, 2009
From the group s Web site: Each donated unit normally is separated into multiple components, such as red blood cells, plasma, platelets, and cryoprecipatitated AHF (antihemophilic factor). Each component can be transfused to different individuals with different needs. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Yankees' Nady takes batting practice May 22, 2009
The blood is drawn from Nady and spun to isolate the platelets, which doctors believe can help speed healing. While the procedure has a track record in sports, having helped Red Sox reliever Takashi Saito and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward, it was used more widely in Europe, and was recently approved in the United States. (MLB.com -- NY Yankees Yankees)
Following a blood trail May 21, 2009
Maybe my plain red cells, plasma and platelets will be called on as yet another pedestrian or driver is wheeled into an operating theatre. And then there's the treatment of cancer, with its seemingly insatiable demand for platelets and red cells ... Another trauma patient - Glenn Orgias, who was attacked by a shark while surfing at Bondi Beach in February - required 50 units of red blood cells and countless other amounts of plasma and platelets. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Stem Cell Transplants May 20, 2009
Bone marrow stem cells become erythrocytes (red blood cells), leukocytes, platelets or thrombocytes to allow your circulatory system remain healthy. When the bone marrow is injured or ruined, it may no longer produce regular blood cells. (Suite101.com)
American Chemical Society's Weekly PressPac -- May 13, 2009 May 18, 2009
Scientists have analyzed abnormal proteins in platelets from diabetic donors that could lead to new screening tests ... New insights into the mystery of "high risk platelets" from diabetic donors Journal of Proteome Research ... Amid emerging concerns that blood platelets donated for transfusion by individuals with Type 2 diabetes may be unsafe, scientists are reporting the first detailed identification and analysis of a group of abnormal proteins in platelets from diabetic donors. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Trubion Announces Acceptance of Three Presentations on Its TRU-016 Product Candidate at the 2009 ASCO Annual Meeting May 15, 2009
Initial data from the study demonstrates the safety and early signs of efficacy of TRU-016 as shown by a reduction in tumor lymphocyte blood counts, reduction in lymph node and spleen size, and/or an improvement in hematopoiesis, or the production of red blood cells and platelets. Eight of the 10 patients had high-risk genomic features and no dose-limiting toxicities or serious adverse events had occurred. (PR Newswire)
Aspirin Lowers Stroke Risk in Peripheral Artery Disease May 14, 2009
Antiplatelet therapy is directed at platelets, the blood cells that clump together to form clots that block arteries. A larger study of antiplatelet therapy such as aspirin in PAD is needed to resolve any doubts, Krantz said. (MEDLINEplus)
Why athletes have an advantage when it comes to injury recovery time May 13, 2009
The therapy involves taking a patient s own blood, extracting the platelets, and then injecting them into the damaged muscle, bone or other tissue to stimulate healing. Despite such medical advances, common-sense solutions still have their place. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
AstraZeneca shares leap after its drug beats Plavix in test May 12, 2009
All three drugs work by stopping platelets -- tiny blood cells vital for the normal clotting process -- from clumping together and forming life-threatening clots in arteries. AstraZeneca believes its drug has a key advantage because its action is reversible, lessening the risk to patients at risk of excess bleeding. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
Yanks' Nady cleared for next step in rehab May 11, 2009
The blood is drawn from Nady and spun to isolate the platelets, which doctors believe can help speed healing. "It was extremely uncomfortable the first time," Nady said. (MLB.com -- NY Yankees Yankees)
Benefits Of Anti-clotting Medications Reduced By Common Heartburn Drugs May 8, 2009
14, 2009) Individuals who take aspirin or other medications that prevent blood clotting by inhibiting the accumulation of platelets appear more likely to have tiny, asymptomatic areas of bleeding in the brain. . (Science Daily)
Break Ground for New Cancer Center at St. John's Mercy May 2, 2009
Infusion therapy can be used for transfusions of blood cells, platelets and other blood products, as well as administration of intravenous medications, such as antibiotic therapies. Chemotherapy will continue to be offered to patients in the hospital. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Maynard businessman honored by RFK center May 1, 2009
The platelets are used to combat bleeding in patients suffering a range of ailments including cancer to organ transplant ... Although appreciative, Watson said those who deserve recognition are the people who need his platelets, such as children with cancer ... The platelets can help them fight the infections. (Beacon Villager, MA)
Dodgers' Kuroda gets cortisone injection Apr 28, 2009
Rather than performing surgery, doctors are treating the injury in the same manner as they did with Takashi Saito's partial ligament tear last year, with an injection of platelets taken from his blood to speed natural healing. is a reporter for MLB.com. (MLB.com -- Los Angeles Dodgers)
Letters to the Editor Apr 28, 2009
I do plan on writing a small note to everyone that has helped us throughout this struggle (food, laundry, blood, platelets, money), and I hope that when the time is right I can forward you the note ... There was a point where they had to fly in platelets from Denver, but thanks to the first article the Blood Bank was actually turning people away. (Rio Rancho Observer, NM)
Should marathon runners take a baby aspirin before a big race? Apr 20, 2009
Cytokines boost activation of blood clotting agents called platelets, potentially raising the risk of clot-induced heart attacks, says Dr. Arthur Siegel, director of internal medicine at McLean Hospital in Belmont and a volunteer in the Boston Marathon medical tent. In 2006, Siegel and colleagues reported in the journal of the American Society for Clinical Pathology that "during a race, a runner goes from the low risk to the high risk category for having an arterial thrombus [clot in an... (Boston Globe)
Do you know your stem cell research? Apr 18, 2009
For example, certain blood stem cells can generate platelets, white cells and red blood cells. Stem cells also have the ability to self-renew, something that is unique to them. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
How Life-threatening Blood Clots Take Hold Apr 18, 2009
17, 2009) When plaques coating blood vessel walls rupture and expose collagen, platelets spring into action to form a blood clot at the damaged site ... Scientists have known that a protein called thrombin plays an important role in clot formation as a potent activator of platelets ... It also cuts fibrinogen into fibrin, a fibrous protein that works together with platelets to form a clot. (Science Daily)
Molecular Basis of Metastasis Apr 16, 2009
Rather, they are usually found in clumps, surrounded by a "cloak" of platelets and leukocytes. 2,3 This fact is of more than just academic interest. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Aspirin Linked to Brain Microbleeds Apr 15, 2009
Both prevent formation of clots by acting against platelets, the blood cells that form clots. The report adds information to a still unfolding medical story about the causes and effects of microbleeds, said Dr. Steven M. Greenberg, a professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and director of the Hemorrhagic Stroke Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital. (MEDLINEplus)
Report: Aspirin, similar drugs may be associated with brain microbleeds in older adults Apr 14, 2009
WASHINGTON, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Individuals who take aspirin or other medications that prevent blood clotting by inhibiting the accumulation of platelets appear more likely to have tiny, asymptomatic areas of bleeding in the brain, according to a report posted Monday in the online edition of the U.S. journal Archives of Neurology ... These included aspirin and carbasalate calcium -- called platelet aggregation inhibitors because they prevent the accumulation of platelets that form blood clots. (Xinhuanet, China)
Woman named cancer society's top volunteer Apr 14, 2009
Her efforts to raise money, encourage bone marrow registry, recruit volunteers, donate blood and platelets, and speak on behalf of the LLS led to Garrett being named the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Georgia Chapter's first volunteer of the year. Garrett, who works at Athens Regional Medical Center, topped 300 volunteers for the honor. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Kylie enjoys $82,000 spa break Apr 13, 2009
" Minogue, who has been dating 31-year-old Spanish model Andres Velencoso, ate a diet of raw fruit, vegetables and brown rice during her stays and signed up for the "integral facial rejuvenation" package. For $A6,203, the facial is designed to help smooth "expression wrinkles" and return "the healthy and young appearance to the skin". The treatment involves a patient having their own blood platelets injected under the skin to help stimulate skin cells to produce collagen, elastin and retain... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Melrose People: Rick McDermod Apr 10, 2009
McDermod, who has also been the golf coach at for the past 24 years, doesn t just donate blood, however; instead, he donates platelets, which are extracted from his blood through a process known as (pronounced like ay-fur-re-sis ). Through apheresis, blood is withdrawn from one of McDermod s arms, run through a machine that separates and extracts the platelets, and then returned to McDermod s body through this other arm ... When, and why, did you start donating blood and platelets. (Melrose Free Press, MA)
• Health behind the scenes Apr 10, 2009
The blood bank houses red blood cells, fresh and frozen plasma and platelets. "This is one place you can really, really do damage if you're not careful," said Jessica Sleep, a clinical laboratory scientist at St. Luke's. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Mechanism That Regulates Movement Of Blood-forming Stem Cells In The Body Revealed Apr 2, 2009
Unless those stem cells can find their way into a specific site known as the stem cell niche, they cannot develop properly to replenish the white cells, red cells and platelets in the patient's blood. The mechanisms that guide the cells during this migration have not been well understood. (Science Daily)
Arab Doctors to Probe Allegations Arafat Poisoned Apr 2, 2009
At the time, al-Kurdi said lab tests revealed Arafat had a low count of blood platelets components that help clotting. He insisted doctors had excluded other reasons for the low blood platelets such as infection or cancer and that poison could explain the deficiency. (Newsmax)
Understanding the Dangers of Steroi... Apr 1, 2009
Steroids increase the number of platelets in the circulation, making them more likely to form clots (a process known as thrombosis). These clots can then travel in the circulation and block a vital blood vessel, resulting in a sudden heart attack or stroke. (Suite101.com)
'Miracle heart pill' for all Apr 1, 2009
It could also cut levels of a blood chemical called homocysteine which can build up into dangerous plaque in blood cells and improve the function of small blood cells called platelets. Professors Wald and Law say taking a single daily pill containing the six components would prevent 88% of heart attacks and 80% of strokes. (BBC News -- Health)
Honda North sponsor a blood drive Apr 1, 2009
Each unit of whole blood has the potential to save 3 lives and a single apheresis donation can provide as many platelets as 5 whole blood donations. Every day blood is needed in hospitals and emergency rooms for patients with diseases, those in need of organ transplants, and to save the lives of accident victims. (Danvers Herald, MA)
New study suggests Rx estrogen delivery through the skin may show safety benefits as opposed to oral delivery Mar 27, 2009
Platelets serve a central role in forming pathological arterial thrombosis that causes myocardial infarction and stroke. The study's authors further concluded that the ability to identify postmenopausal women with an increased risk of arterial thrombosis or clotting before even starting estrogen therapy is an important goal to help physicians determine which women may be at the least risk to benefit from estrogen therapy. (EurekAlert!)
Miami Doctor and Chemist Plead Guilty in HIV Infusion Fraud Scheme Mar 27, 2009
Most of the services allegedly provided to patients at Midway were billed to the Medicare program as treatments for a diagnosis of thrombocytopenia, a disorder involving a low count of platelets in the blood ... After rotating the blood in the centrifuge for approximately 15 minutes, the blood would separate into its component parts, enabling Dagnesses to extract the platelets from the sample. (PR Newswire)
Child needs bone marrow donor ASAP Mar 27, 2009
Friday March 27, 2009. Curtis Hill seeks a bone marrow donor in Jamaica for Jasmina Anema, inset, who has leukemia. (Queens Chronicle, NY)
New, Highly Effective Treatment For Blood Disorder Mar 27, 2009
There are estimated to be between 50,000 and 100,000 individuals in the U.S. diagnosed with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), an autoimmune disease that dramatically reduces the number of platelets in their blood causing bruises, nosebleeds and, rarely, life-threatening brain hemorrhages ... Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disease in which anti-platelet antibodies accelerate destruction of platelets. (Science Daily)
TV crime drama compound highlights immune cells' misdeeds Mar 23, 2009
Such inflammation causes platelets to bind to plaques, leading the plaques to rupture or break away and putting the patient at risk of heart attack, stroke or lung clots. For now, blood vessels of the chest and torso are too deep within the body to image with this approach. (EurekAlert!)
Preventing Blood Clots With Drug From Magnolia Trees Mar 21, 2009
Thrombin is a protein in the blood that performs two key functions in clot formation: It activates platelets, particles that clump together to form the scaffolding of a clot, and it helps produce fibrin, a protein necessary in repairing damaged tissue. "One of the intriguing things about this new investigational compound is that it blocks the thrombin receptor that activates platelet formation yet preserves the beneficial activity of fibrin formation," said Richard Becker, M.D., a cardiologist... (Science Daily)
Platelets Linked To Sepsis-related Organ Failure Mar 18, 2009
17, 2009) Scientists at Children's National Medical Center have identified a previously unknown contributor to organ failure in patients suffering from sepsis: platelets ... The finding is the first time doctors have looked at and linked platelets to poor outcomes from this often fatal infection ... "But now that we know that platelets, which we previously believed to be merely 'innocent bystanders,' can actually contribute to the development of fatal complications from sepsis, we can use this... (Science Daily)
Health Matters: Risks associated with drinking Mar 18, 2009
Alcohol or some substances such as resveratrol found in alcoholic beverages may prevent platelets in the blood from sticking together. That may reduce clot formation and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. (Needham Tab, MA)
COLUMN: Changing the subject and finding a sense of well being Mar 17, 2009
At sometime in the future, his brother will likely join the millions of others who require platelets in order to survive and will rely on people like Neal to donate platelets ... You really can walk away feeling good that you have done something to save many lives, particularly in the case of platelets, which are used for multiple treatment purposes, particularly in the treatment of cancers ... You never know when you or a loved one might need blood or platelets or an impartial jury. (Swampscott Reporter, MA)
Summary for Patients Mar 17, 2009
Aspirin and clopidogrel (Plavix) are drugs that block the ability of platelets to stick together and form clots. Because the drugs prevent clotting, they may also cause bleeding. (Annals of Internal Medicine)
Genetic abnormality may increase risk of blood disorders Mar 16, 2009
More than half of patients afflicted with myeloproliferative neoplasms which affect an estimated 140,000 people in the US carry the JAK2 mutation and suffer from the overproduction of red blood cells, platelets, or fibrous connective tissue. According to the authors, understanding the underlying inherited sequence partly explains the predisposition for acquiring mutations in certain disease-specific genes and may help explain why some individuals are at higher risk in developing the disease. (EurekAlert!)
Schering-Plough's Investigational Oral Thrombin Receptor Antagonist Meets Primary Endpoint in a Newly Published Study Mar 13, 2009
"In this study, TRA, when given with aspirin and clopidogrel, was able to inhibit the aggregation of platelets even when exposed to a very potent stimulant (TRAP-thrombin receptor agonist peptide)," said Enrico Veltri, M.D., group vice president of global clinical research, cardiovascular and metabolic disease, Schering-Plough Research Institute ... Platelets are activated at the site of atherosclerotic plaque rupture in arteries and release substances that initiate aggregation and clot... (PR Newswire)
Your Blood Could Help Injuries Heal Faster Mar 13, 2009
In a treatment known as PRP -- or platelet rich plasma therapy -- doctors draw a little of the patient's own blood, then spin it in a centrifuge to separate the platelets. Just a teaspoon of the concentrated, healing cells is then injected into the site of the injury. (Click2Houston, TX)
Biomarkers Detected For Chikungunya Fever Mar 13, 2009
22, 2008) The variation in human platelets in the elderly population is not significantly large, report researchers in a study that has strong implications for clinical biomarker. (Oct. (Science Daily)
UNC prof gets $1.5M grant from NIH Mar 5, 2009
But heparin has potential side effects, including uncontrolled bleeding and a condition known as thrombocytopenia, or too few platelets in the blood. Synthetic versions of heparin can help reduce those risks, but they are complex and expensive to make. (Raleigh Triangle Business Journal, NC)
Blood Thinner, Heartburn Drugs May Be Risky After Heart Attack Mar 5, 2009
Plavix makes blood platelets less sticky, helping to prevent clots from forming. Many doctors also prescribe proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which are drugs used to help prevent gastric reflux, but they help prevent gastrointestinal bleeding while taking Plavix. (MEDLINEplus)
Around Town -- Another reason to love the library Mar 5, 2009
RESIDENTS DONATE BLOOD PLATELETS. Rocco Russo and Walter Seamon of Marshfield are two of the more than 60 Team 20 platelet donors recognized by the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center at Dana-Farber Institute for their donation of blood platelets during the past year ... Team 20 is a group of donors who commit to donating platelets at least 20 times throughout the year. (Marshfield Mariner, MA)
From the kindness of strangers flows the precious donation of blood Mar 1, 2009
It is, by my meticulous count, the umpteenth bag of blood I ve had since I started treatment of acute leukemia That doesn t count the platelets ... The platelets make the blood clot, a useful thing to have when you get poked with a needle every now and again. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Fast track to healing raises questions Feb 27, 2009
A small amount of your blood is withdrawn and placed into a filtration system, separating the red blood cells from the platelets, releasing the proteins that are part of the body's self-healing process ... There is little chance of rejection because the platelets are from the patient's body. (Nola.com -- Sports)
Researchers Explore New Driver Of Transplant Rejection: Platelets Feb 27, 2009
26, 2009) Platelets, tiny and relatively uncharted tenants of the bloodstream known mostly for their role in blood clotting, turn out to also rally sustained immune system inflammatory responses that play a critical role in organ transplant rejection, according to a new report from Johns Hopkins scientists ... Platelets potentially hold sway over many aspects of transplant biology, says Craig Morrell, D.V.M., Ph ... Our data, as well as others , show a surprising interplay of platelets and the... (Science Daily)
Good news in the haystack Feb 27, 2009
Haemonetics sells equipment that can separate red blood cells, platelets, and plasma from blood, then extract whatever is needed and return the rest to the donor. It makes money selling the equipment, but earns a lot more selling disposable products used in each procedure - the only disposables that will work with their hardware. (Boston Globe)
Drug Halves Bone-Marrow Blood Disorder Feb 20, 2009
This leads to a lack of while blood cells to fight infection, red blood cells to carry oxygen, and platelets to stop bleeding. In clinical trials led by Pierre Fenaux at the Universite Paris 13 north of Paris, 358 patients with high-risk MDS were divided into two groups. (Newsmax)
Heal the Injury With Blood? Feb 19, 2009
Rodeo explained that the platelets may have a dual function in healing: one to build a sort of scaffolding on which new tissue would grow, and another to "turn on cells" chemically to start dividing and replacing the broken muscle, tendons and perhaps bone. But, Rodeo insists, "we need to learn much more about the basic mechanism, how this really works.". (ABC News)
Procedure may break rules Feb 18, 2009
The USADA rules imply that the injection of one's own blood could constitute a form of blood doping, even though the injected platelets are not put into the bloodstream. WADA rules prohibit the use of a growth factor called IGF-1, a component of platelet-rich plasma, but a spokesman for that agency declined to clarify whether PRP therapy inherently violated that rule. (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
Stem Cells: Deathly Awakening By Interferon Feb 17, 2009
Thus, there are soon no more stem cells to keep up the supply of short-lived mature blood cells such as erythrocytes and blood platelets. What researchers find particularly exciting about this finding is the prospect that the newly found working mechanism might help improve cancer treatment: "Using interferon-alpha, we might be able to wake up from dormancy not only hematopoietic stem cells but also tumor stem cells and, thus, break their frequently observed resistance to many anticancer drugs,"... (Science Daily)
Athletes' own blood could nurse them to health Feb 17, 2009
Platelet-rich plasma is derived by placing a small amount of the patient's blood in a filtration system or centrifuge that rotates at high speed, separating red blood cells from the platelets that release proteins and other particles involved in the body's self-healing process ... The high concentration of platelets from 3 to 10 times that of normal blood often catalyzes the growth of new soft-tissue or bone cells ... Because the substance is injected where blood would rarely go otherwise, it... (International Herald Tribune)
NARMC makes switch to American Red Cross Feb 16, 2009
Because of that, they are able to provide us with platelets on a daily basis ... UBS was supplying platelets for us, but if we didn t use all we had ordered, they would be wasted because they could not pick up the extras ... Platelets have a shelf life of five days after collection. (Harrison Daily Times)
HIV Antiretroviral Medications Linked To Heart Attacks Feb 14, 2009
Platelets are essential for blood clotting when the skin is broken but, if they are dysfunctional within the bloodstream, they can cause clots within arteries which lead to heart attacks. Using this new test, the team from University College Dublin and the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital in Dublin, undertook clinical trials to investigate the activity of platelets among HIV patients in Dublin, Ireland ... We have now demonstrated that the use of certain drugs for HIV has a direct effect... (Science Daily)
Number of kidney transplants may be boosted Feb 13, 2009
I'm registered for bone marrow, and I'm registered for platelets, and this just seemed to be a continuation of that, a logical continuation of that. And no big deal, McIntyre said. (Globe and Mail)
Novartis buys rights to a drug to thin blood Feb 12, 2009
All the drugs work by keeping platelets from sticking together. For Novartis, the move represents a push into a new area of cardiovascular medicine. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Portola Pharmaceuticals Enters Worldwide License Agreement for Development and Commercialization of Novel Antiplatelet Drug Elinogrel Feb 12, 2009
Inhibiting the P2Y12 ADP receptor on platelets has been proven to prevent thrombosis and subsequent heart attacks. Because of its properties, elinogrel has the potential to provide significant clinical advantages compared to Plavix(R)* (clopidogrel), the current standard of care, and to newer agents in development, such as prasugrel, by lowering the risk of ischemic events due to clot formation and reducing the risk of bleeding. (PR Newswire)
Prostacyclin Feb 12, 2009
This is in opposition to another eicosanoid released by cell fragments in the blood (platelets) called thromboxane A2 (TXA2) that promotes clotting (thrombosis), vasoconstriction, and blood pressure elevation. It appears that these two eicosanoids continually oppose each other, creating a dynamic balance to regulate blood circulation. (Suite101.com)
Needed: Blood Donations Feb 10, 2009
Platelets must be used within five days of donation. They are given to help cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. (MEDLINEplus)
FDA panel unanimously backs Lilly blood thinner Feb 9, 2009
Like Plavix, prasugrel prevents blood platelets from sticking together and forming potentially dangerous clots. Despite comparisons to the older drug, prasugrel is not expected to approach the money-making power of Plavix, which had U.S. sales of $4. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
