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Expanded research needed
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers Are Worthy of Close Consideration
A Fresh Approach To This Disease
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Leonard E. Toon, DC Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists
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genoletoon{at}earthlink.net Leonard E. Toon
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I read this article with great interest. I believe Dr. Marshall‘s approach to handling these deserving patients deserves a thorough review and an expanded clinical evaluation, considering that the currently accepted therapy of prednisone seems to have little effect on the disease process itself, primarily affording only pain relief while exposing patients to numerous potential iatrogenic consequences. Leonard E. Toon, DC, FACO |
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Meg M. Mangin, RN, Registered Nurse none
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tmmangin{at}charter.net Meg M. Mangin, RN
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Knowledgeable sarcoidosis patients have for some time been searching for an alternative to corticosteroids. We understand that they don't significantly improve our hopes for a full recovery and that they impose serious consequences with long-term use. Many medical professionals don't seem to recognize this. New Treatments Emerge As Sarcoidosis Yields Up Its Secrets contains previously unpublished information about the effects of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) on chronic sarcoidosis patients. More research needs to be done examining how angiotensinII functions in the Th1 inflammatory process of sarcoidosis and why ARBs appear to cause improvements in sarcoidosis symptoms. Recent studies have demonstrated, once again, the presence of bacteria within sarcoidosis lesions, implicating microbes as a probable antigen. Despite identification of any one bacteria, older, well-known antibiotics are being used to treat sarcoidosis patients with positive results. Considering the debilitating effects of chronic sarcoidosis and the expense of newer, less-proven treatment such as anti-tumor necrosis factor and Thalidomide, the investigation of older antibiotics seems to be worthwhile. As a long-time sarcoidosis sufferer, unlikely to experience a spontaneous remission, I have recently embarked on a treatment regimen similar to that proposed by Dr. Marshall. I experienced an immediate relief of many symptoms initially with only avoidance of sunlight and Vitamin D. Despite being normally hypotensive, I found that I could tolerate an ARB at the recommended dosage for establishing an inflammatory blockade. This medication reduced my 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D significantly and further alleviated my symptoms. Antibiotic therapy has had the expected effect of varying degrees of Herxheimer reaction as the bacteria are eliminated and symptoms I thought were permanent are now 80% improved. My experiences are not unique. I am aware of many patients who are convincing their doctors to try this safe, novel, new treatment and getting better. The concepts in Dr. Marshall's paper appear to be well- founded and worthy of further consideration and study. I hope the medical profession will respond soon because sarcoidosis patients don't have any time to lose. Meg Mangin, RN |
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Evelin G. Lindner, physician and psychologist University of Oslo
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e.g.lindner{at}psykologi.uio.no Evelin G. Lindner
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Greetings! As we all know, sarcoidosis has been a difficult puzzle for medicine for decades and nobody would claim that its problems have been solved. I am a physician and psychologist and after having suffered from various symptoms for two decades the diagnosis of sarcoidosis was made in January this year. I have since delved into the literature that is available worldwide. The traditional approaches seem to me quite illogical and express medical helplessness more than anything else to me. I was, however, impressed by Dr. Marshall's reasoning and have therefore began his treatment schedule. After 20 years of severe symptoms, I experience relief for the first time. Angiotensin Receptor Blockade has noticeably reduced my pain. I have carried out the blood tests that Dr. Marshall recommends and found his reasoning to be corresponding with the reality of my condition. I would therefore wish to encourage the medical community to take Dr. Marshall's analysis seriously and base medical studies on his calculus. Thank you very much! Evelin Lindner |
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