Medical trials and rheumatic fever

[Mb]

Hello all!

I posted this question under the poll, but today realize it may not catch anyone's eye. When reading about clinical trials for valve issues etc., one often reads that rhuematic fever recipients are excluded from the trial. Does anyone know why? I've always wondered. - Marybeth

 

[bvdr]

I've not looked at requirements for clinical trials often enough to say I have ever really picked up on exclusion of RHD. I'll pay more attention to it now.

I could be that it is becoming less common now with widespread use of antibiotics to treat strept infections. Or maybe because it does behave differently because of it's autoimmune nature. It is an interesting question.

 

[Lisa in Katy]

I know that people who have had RF, whether or not their valves were damaged, are also excluded from giving blood. No one seems to know the answer to that one because I tried to find out.

 

[bvdr]

I know that people who have had RF, whether or not their valves were damaged, are also excluded from giving blood. No one seems to know the answer to that one because I tried to find out.

Lisa, are you sure about that? I gave blood regularly for many years, 8 gallons worth, before I was diagnosed with RHD a couple of years ago. Do you know the reason for the exclusion? I would hate to think that something I did to be of service actually caused harm.

 

[Lisa in Katy]

I'm not sure all of the agencies have the same questions, but "The Blood Center" in the Houston area asks if you've ever had RF, and if so, they say you are excluded. I tried once when I was in college, and later when I was about 30, and the same thing happened both times. They didn't ask about heart problems, and in fact, my friend with a congenital murmur was able to give. When I called a number they gave me, no one was able to explain the question, they just said that's the way it's always been. I was able to donate for myself though, so it must not be because of a risk to my health.

 

[lance]

Rheumatic fever and blood donations

Rheumatic fever and blood donations

Yup, They refused to take my blood because of rheumatic fever. They did not offer a satisfactory explanation and I doubt they had one.