Dear All
I'd appreciate feedback from anyone with knowledge of any lab's performing assay for VEGF levels. Input welcome.
Some additional info:
POEMS syndrome (also known as Crow–Fukase syndrome, Takatsuki disease,
or PEP syndrome) is a rare medical syndrome. It is defined as the combination of a
plasma-cell proliferative disorder (typically myeloma), polyneuropathy, and effects on many
other organ systems. It begins in middle
age – the average age at onset is 50 – and affects up to twice as many men as
women [1] If untreated it
is progressive and often fatal, with only 60% of sufferers remaining alive five
years after onset. However, the
symptoms can improve if the blood disorder is successfully treated.
The name 'POEMS syndrome', now the most prevalent, was coined in 1980 by
Bardwick et al [2] The name is an acronym deriving from some of the main
features: Polyneuropathy (peripheral nerve
damage), Organomegaly (abnormal
enlargement of organs), Endocrinopathy (damage to
hormone-producing glands) or Edema, M-protein (an abnormal
antibody) and Skin abnormalities (including hyperpigmentation and hypertrichosis) However, these features are neither an
exhaustive list nor seen in all individuals with the condition.
and
SERUM VEGF LEVELS IN POEMS SYNDROME AND IN IMMUNE-MEDIATED NEUROPATHIES
E. Nobile-Orazio, F. Terenghi, C. Giannotta, F. Gallia, and A. Nozza
(To read article, go to Groups Readings Site and look under POEMS-VEGF )
