Cell Transplantation Helpful for Vitiligo Patients

Stable vitiligo is a skin disorder affecting about 1% of the world's population and is characterized by patches of depigmented skin contrasting against their normal pigmentation. Both because many people incorrectly assume that vitiligo is contagious, and because the patches appear in visible areas such as the face and hands, the psychosocial effects of this disorder can be very significant. The good news is that recent studies counteracted the condition using skin cells taken from normally-pigmented areas of patients' bodies and grafted onto the lighter patches.

Until now, treatment for vitiligo has consisted of ultraviolet (UV) light therapy, which can take a long time and be uncomfortable. Now there is another option, with a great success rate of 73 percent of patients experiencing up to 100% repigmentation after transplantation.

"Melanocyte-keratinocyte cell transplantation is a simple, safe, and effective surgical therapy," Dr. Mulekar, who conducted the studies, reports. "Patients with segmental and focal vitiligo can experience a prolonged disease-free period, which may extend through the rest of their lives."

for more info, check out the link:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/10/041019084015.htm

One Small Step: 15 Year Old Girl Walks for First Time

At birth, Jingle Luis' feet were severely malformed: an extreme case of clubbed feet, hers were upside down and twisted backwards. Walking was impossible without complete reliance on crutches. Because Jingle also suffers from mild spina bifida (a life-shortening spinal cord defect) doctors in the Philippines had found her unqualified for corrective braces or surgery as a child. When a staff physician from the Montefiore Medical Center in New York traveled to the Philippines for a Christian Mission, however, she was discovered and the Bronx hospital agreed to perform the surgery for free! By inserting pins into her feet and slowly turning them, Jingle's doctors were able to correct her condition.

Slipping on a pair of pink and white sneakers (the first shoes she'd ever worn) Jingle then took several steps all on her own. While she'll have to wear support braces for about a year in order for her bones to reset, she is expected to make a full recovery. Move over Jordan... if Jingle doesn't deserve a sneaker sponsorship, nobody does!

For the original story and photos of smiling Jingle, check out this link:

http://news.aol.com/health/story/_a/girl-with-twisted-feet-takes-first-steps/20080703092009990001