Autoimmunity after alpha-interferon therapy for malignant carcinoid tumors

Article Abstract:

Interferon is human protein that has a number of effects on the immune system, including inhibition of viruses and inhibition of tumor growth. One type, alpha-interferon, produces about a 50 percent response rate when used to treat malignant carcinoid tumors, a cancer found in the intestines. However, the use of interferon has been associated with the development of autoimmune disease, in which the body produces antibodies against its own tissue. A review of 135 patients who had been treated with interferon for carcinoid tumors was performed to determine the incidence of autoimmune disease in that group. None of the 135 patients had documented autoimmune disease prior to the onset of interferon therapy, but some did have detectable levels of autoantibodies before treatment. During treatment with interferon, 25 of the 135 patients developed clinical evidence of autoimmune disease. Of these, 18 developed autoimmune thyroid disease, 4 developed pernicious anemia (vitamin B12 deficiency), 1 developed a lupus-like syndrome, and 2 developed a skin condition known as palpable purpura. Patients with carcinoid are not known to have high levels of autoimmune disease until after they have been treated with interferon. Like the general population, they can have levels of autoantibodies without autoimmune disease, but these levels of autoantibodies increase dramatically after interferon therapy begins. A significant percentage of this group will then develop clinical autoimmune disease. The presence of autoantibodies and autoimmune disease did not affect the response of the tumor to the use of interferon. However, the risk of autoimmune disease is sufficiently high as to warrant careful monitoring during alpha-interferon therapy. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Complications and side effects, Drug therapy, Interferon alpha, Carcinoid, Carcinoid tumor

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Occupationally acquired infections in health care workers

Article Abstract:

Risk for infection appears to be an inevitable and increasingly costly element for daily work in the health care field. Researchers discussed infections transmitted to health care workers by direct contact, by blood, and through feces. These infections include HIV, herpes, ebola, salmonella, and hepatitis A, B, and C. Infections typically seem to be transmitted when workers do not adhere to recommended infection control techniques. As many as 40% of the health care workers in contact with infected patients may be at risk for infection during an outbreak.

Health aspects, Demographic aspects, Medical personnel, Occupational diseases

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Acquired C1 Esterase Inhibitor Deficiency

Article Abstract:

The authors provide an overview of the rare condition known as acquired C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency. This condition is involved with autoimmune disorders and disorders which affect the production of lymphoid tissue. They provide a summary of experience gathered from 22 cases of acquired CI esterase inhibitor deficiency and combine that with a review of published papers on this disorder's diagnosis and treatment.

Physiological aspects, Esterases, Lymphoproliferative disorders, Immunoproliferative disorders

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