Immunology

Rituxan to prevent post transplant lymphocyte proliferation

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) remains a major complication after solid organ and allogeneic stem cell transplantation. It usually is caused by growth of lymphocytes infected with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in patients whose immune system is suppressed after transplantation to prevent rejection. Following titers and an individualized treatment plan including decreased immunosuppression and other agents should be chosen based on

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ImmuKnow Immune Cell Function Assay

In April 2002, the FDA approved the Cylex Immune Cell Function Assay (Cylex Inc., Columbia, MD) for the detection of cell mediated immune response in populations undergoing immunosuppressive therapy for organ transplant.  The test measures ATP concentrations and purports to be able to predict how well a transplant would “take”. A variety of studies since 2009 have reached conflicting and contradictory conclusions regarding the utility of this

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