They Got it Wrong – Again

It is not unusual for an American administration, a Federal agency, or Congress to make mistakes. It seems, though, that during the last seven years the current crop of politicians have had more than their share.

The latest, that we know of, was the recent announcement that Jake Liao’s life has been saved. Although only two years of age, Nate may well go down in history as the first person to have received successful treatment for a little known disease, epidermolysis bullosa (see Slightly Creaky’s Medical Support site for links to sites about this disease).

This is (from EBAers) “a rare autoimmune blistering and fragile skin disorder which can also affect the mucous membranes. Painful injury can occur from minor friction or shearing action upon the skin as well as from even the most minor trauma. Rashes and itching are also common problems associated with this disease. The chronic inflammation, blistering, minor trauma injuries, and resulting scars can severely impair or hinder the normal activity and functioning of the EBA patient on a daily basis.”

There is no treatment, no relief from life-long disability. At least not until the University of Minnesota Medical School, defying the wishes of President Bush, his administration and followers, successfully used stem cells.

(From UMNNews) “On October 19, a team led by John Wagner, head of pediatric blood and marrow transplantation, transplanted bone marrow and cord blood cells into Nate from his brother Julian, who does not have EB. Julian is a 100 percent match for Nate. Wagner anticipates that Julian's bone marrow and umbilical cord blood will result in a new healthy blood system that produces type VII collagen, the protein missing in children with EB.”

The treatment was a success, with Nate now able, for the first time in his life, to wear normal clothing without the blistering that results in skin diseases, and he can now eat solid food.

Hopefully this is only the first breakthrough for stem cell research. Once the current administration is no longer in office and true science can again freely produce the medical breakthroughs that the United States has been know for, there is no telling what other diseases can be cured.