Science and Research
“Nature is nowhere accustomed more openly to display her mysteries than in cases where she shows traces of her workings apart from the beaten path; nor is there any better way to advance the proper practice of medicine than to give our minds to the discovery of the usual laws of nature by careful investigation of cases of rarer forms of diseases.”
William Harvey, MD, London 1657
The Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is an extensive drainage network that helps keep bodily fluid levels in balance and defends the body against infections. It is made up of a complex network of lymphoid organs, lymph nodes, lymph ducts, lymph tissues, lymph capillaries and a network of lymphatic vessels that carry lymph and other substances throughout the body.
In comparison to the cardiovascular system the lymphatic system has not in the past been the focus of much research. However its’ important role in the body’s immune system has meant that it has increasingly become the focus of research in more recent times.
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Bone Biology
Bone structure is somewhat similar to reinforced concrete that contains structural metal reinforcement rods or bars. These metal reinforcements are commonly called rebar. Protein strands make up the rebar of bone. Calcium and phosphorus mineral crystals deposited around the protein strands are somewhat like the concrete poured around the rebar in reinforced concrete. The protein strands provide the tensile strength that holds everything together and the minerals provide the solid structure. If bones were made only of protein, they would be too flexible. If bones were made solely from minerals, the skeleton would be too brittle.
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Clinical Trials
A clinical trial is a research study conducted in people to determine whether a given treatment is safe and effective. Clinical trials are the best way for researchers to find new ways to diagnose, treat, and hopefully someday cure lymphangiomatosis and Gorham’s disease.
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Medication Information
This page was created to act as a repository for information, written in language most patients can understand, about medications that are sometimes used in the treatment of lymphangiomatosis and Gorham’s disease, as opposed to the medical and scientific jargon you may encounter on web sites intended for professionals. Having information in language that you use every day is critical when it comes to medications. This is especially true when you live with a rare disease for which there is no specific drug.
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Medical & Scientific Journal Articles
Forays into the medical literature can be exhilarating, frightening, and downright confusing. Many of the cases reported have less than hopeful outcomes. They also can inspire unparalleled hope. But mostly they offer clues, bit by bit painting a picture of things that seem to be effective and things that ultimately may do more harm than good. This page is here to help you evaluate what you read and gain confidence in your ability to determine what may be relevant to your situation.
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Nutrition and Chylous Effusions
Among other things, chyle contains fats and proteins that the body needs for energy and white blood cells which help fight infection. When the chyle escapes the lymphatic vessels the body is unable to use its components efficiently, or not at all, and must compensate for the losses. This can lead to malnutrition, fatigue, and increased risk for infection. Here we have compiled information about chyle, chylous leaks, and nutritional habits that may help to counteract the effects of the loss of nutrients seen in some patients with lymphangiomatosis and Gorham’s disease.
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Glossary of Medical Terms
Here we have compiled a list of dozens of medical and scientific words you will want to know, from angioma to x-ray.
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