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Europe’s umbrella organization for 800 rare disease associations has developed a sweeping initiative to help the continent’s 30 million rare disease patients and their caregivers learn about their conditions, find assistance and receive treatment. Eurordis-Rare Diseases Europe hopes to improve the current piecemeal treatment and support program with a holistic,…

People with rare diseases know that the right government policies can make a big difference in the quality of their own lives, and those of their caregivers. But most lawmakers aren’t experts in even one well-known disease — let alone the world’s estimated 7,000 rare disorders. So how does the…

The case report of a patient with cold agglutinin disease (CAD) who developed chronic inflammation of the gums (periodontitis) highlights the need for dentists to be aware of CAD signs and symptoms. The study, “Cold agglutinin disease and its implications for dental treatment,” was published in the journal…

RaDaR, the catchy new name for the U.S. government-run Rare Diseases Registry Program, aims to help patient advocacy groups with limited resources build their own disease registries. The site was developed by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), a division of the National Institutes of…

With 250 rare diseases newly identified every year, scientists can barely keep up — even as the healthcare system fails millions of Americans whose rare diseases have already been diagnosed. That’s the warning from Christopher P. Austin, MD, director of the National Center for Advancing Translational Studies(NCATS) at the…

A case study detailing the treatment of an 84-year-old man who developed B-cell prolymphocytic leukemia and cold type autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) suggests possible “innovative” therapies for these rare diseases. The study, a letter to the editor titled “Hot and Cold: A Concurrent Warm and Cold Autoimmune Hemolytic…

A rare case of a patient with cold agglutinin disease (CAD) who developed a blood cancer called multiple myeloma was recently reported by researchers in Norway. Although both conditions are linked to malfunctioning of B-cells, in this case, clinicians believe the patient developed the two disorders independent of each…

First-line treatment of cold agglutinin disease (CAD) should employ a combination of Rituxan (rituximab) and bendamustine, according to a review study. The scientists also highlight the potential of therapies targeting the complement system, which are undergoing clinical trials. The research, “Cold agglutinin disease: current challenges…

Vigilant monitoring of cold hemagglutinin disease patients undergoing heart surgery can help prevent dangerous complications, a case report study says. The study, “Anaesthetic management for cardiac surgery in patients with cold haemagglutinin disease,” was published in the Indian Journal of Anaesthesia. Cold hemagglutinin disease (CHAD or CAD)…

Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) patients who relapse after standard treatment could benefit from a short-term course of treatment with bortezomib, an approved therapy for certain cancers, a Phase 2 clinical trial shows. Trial findings were published in the study, “Short course of Bortezomib in anemic patients with relapsed cold…