Immune System

Prophylactic Acyclovir after stem cell transplantation – pro

Both allogeneic and autologous hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients are at increased risk for a variety of infections based upon their degree of immunosuppression and exposures, more so the allogeneic transplant recipients. The types of infections to which these hosts are most vulnerable can be roughly divided based upon their temporal relation to the transplantation: Preengraftment — less than three weeks mmediate postengraftment —

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Anti-fungal prophylaxis for allogeneic stem cell transplants – pro

Lay Summary: A discussion of anti-fungal prophylaxis for allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients. Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp. are the most important fungal pathogens contributing to significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Yeast infections are mainly caused by fungi colonizing the gastrointestinal tract, which overgrow under antibacterial treatment and subsequently invade tissue and blood vessels during neutropenia.

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ImmuKnow Immune Cell Function Assay – pro

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.  FDA clearance of tests does not include specific indications. The test calculates the concentration of ATP (ng/ml) from a calibration curve and compared to ATP level ranges to characterize the cellular immune function of the sample.

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