Careful planning, warming measures, and close teamwork between medical specialists may allow for the safe collection and transplant of blood-forming stem cells in people with cold agglutinin disease (CAD) to rebuild a healthy bone marrow after high-dose chemotherapy. That’s according to a study reporting a successful procedure in a…
Discussion
The garden behind the old family property had been neglected for many years when my husband and I began whacking and hacking at the weeds and vines some years ago, frequently pausing to enjoy what we’d find beneath the dense vegetation — a brick walkway that surrounded a rose garden,…
Discussion
My summer came to an end last week. It is still hot here in Alabama, and the days are still long with daylight. But summer is over. My husband, Mike, has gone back to Indonesia. I remain here in Auburn because my blood work has not yet reached a stable…
Discussion
Certain types of blood cancer may increase the risk of cold agglutinin disease (CAD), and while the presence of both conditions has historically been associated with worse survival, a study suggests that modern, targeted cancer treatments have reduced this negative effect. Because newer therapies are generally more effective at…
Discussion
Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with vaccinations. Not everyone will have the same response. Consult your doctor about whether a particular vaccine is safe or recommended for you. I cut my visit with my dad short on Saturday and went home. As soon as I got there,…
Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks red blood cells, resulting in anemia.
CAD is characterized by autoantibodies, called cold agglutinins, binding to and activating the destruction of red blood cells when exposed to cold temperatures.
Symptoms of CAD include fatigue, Raynaud’s syndrome, joint pain, jaundice or skin discoloration, and heart problems. These symptoms can worsen with more cold exposure.
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