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Let's Talk: Laurie Bump

When Laurie Bump's son, Jonah, was diagnosed with severe combined immunodefficiency disease (SCID) as an infant, his only chance of survival was a stem cell transplant. Fortunately, Jonah received the transplant at Norton Children's Hospital in Louisville, Ky., thanks to an anonymous donor. A few years later, Jonah and his family paid a surprising and heartwarming tribute to the amazing doctor who played an instrumental role in his care and recovery… full article (pdf)

Product Guide

Fending Off the Heat

Hot flashes. Drenched sheets. High fevers. Even in the midst of winter on a frigid night or during a cool day, individuals with chronic illnesses are often accompanied by an unwelcome sidekick: their personal heaters. Immune globulin (IG) therapy can be partially to blame for heat intolerance. Couple that with extreme hormonal and nerve imbalances caused by many illnesses, and it makes sense that the body's natural climate control comes under assault… full article (pdf)

Ask the Experts

Reader: How long does it take for IVIG to work when treating dermatomyositis?

Abbie: I spoke with Terry O. Harville, MD, PhD, medical director of the Special Immunology Laboratory at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, regarding your question, and he said there are several approaches to treating dermatomyositis depending on laboratory values, prior treatments and comorbid conditions. IVIG at 2 g/kg has been found to be quite useful for treating dermatomyositis, but it is not typically the only medication prescribed. Patients may also receive corticosteroids to help reduce disease severity. Further, methotrexate may be used to… full article (pdf)