‘Running for Rare’: NORD a Charity Partner of 2021 NYC Marathon

Using Rituximab Long-term May Cause Inflammatory Vaginitis

Inflammatory vaginitis — inflammation of the vagina — may develop in women receiving long-term treatment with rituximab for ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) or other autoimmune diseases, a U.S. study says. The findings suggest that “women treated with rituximab should be screened for symptoms such as vaginal discharge and vaginal pain,” its…

Who’s in Your Wolf Pack?

Humans are configured as social animals, regardless of personality type. We rely on each other, not only at a basic level for security, comfort, and good conversation, but also on a higher plane for things like artistic inspiration and love. The necessity of having “our people” around is never…

Mycophenolate Mofetil Can Effectively Induce Remission in EGPA

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is well-tolerated and can be used to induce remission in people with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), a type of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), a real-world study shows. Two-thirds of patients with newly diagnosed or relapsing EGPA achieved remission, or had no symptoms appearing for a time,…

Finding the Beautiful Life After Diagnosis

Last weekend, a friend visited from another state. An enthusiastic cook who is curious by nature, he suggested we experiment with a new recipe. We decided to make Afghan ashak, which are leek-stuffed wonton dumplings with garlic yogurt and spicy tomato sauce, and topped with a garnish of cilantro and…

Register Now for Global Genes’ RARE Patient Advocacy Summit

Registration is now open for Global Genes‘ 2021 RARE Patient Advocacy Summit. This year’s hybrid event will be livestreamed from California Sept. 27-29, and some seats also are available for attending the event in person in San Diego. “Here you’ll have the opportunity to connect and engage with others…

NORD Rare Disease Summit, Online Oct. 18-19, Open for Registration

Registration is now open for the 2021 Rare Diseases and Orphan Products Breakthrough Summit, which will be held virtually Oct. 18–19. The event, also known as the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) Summit, brings the rare disease community together to network and discuss developments in treatments and research…

10 Hours of Sleep Keeps Me Healthy

Most people set an alarm to wake up. I’m fortunate — and grateful — that I’m not one of them. For several years, I’ve been self-employed in music and writing. This means I rarely need to be anywhere early in the morning. My music students don’t trickle in until after…

New Index May Better Predict All-cause Mortality at AAV Diagnosis

A novel index that computes five simple laboratory results at the time of diagnosis may improve predictions of all-cause mortality among patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), a South Korean study reports. These lab results include the levels of immune neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes, and of proteins C-reactive protein and…