MELISA Spring Newsletter

We are excited to announce the start of research into cardiovascular problems and metal hypersensitivity, courtesy of a grant from the Czech Society of Cardiology. Our newsletter also features a story about a titanium allergic patient who experienced health problems after changing toothpaste - despite the toothpaste being seemingly titanium-free. Read why nickel allergy is on the increase and how Dr House helped solve a real patient mystery. Finally, we are preparing for our conference in August in Sydney - do share the programme with anybody who might be interested in attending.

NEWS

Metal hypersensitivity as a possible cause for active implant complications

The Czech Society of Cardiology has awarded Dr Maňoušek, Dr. Andršová and their team at University Hospital Brno, Czech Republic, a grant to explore metal hypersensitivity as a possible cause for implant complications, both in pacemakers and cardio-defibrillators.
Over the next year they will be using MELISA to establish if metals used in such implants are causing hypersensitive reactions in patients. MELISA is considered more accurate for detecting titanium allergy than patch testing. The research begins in the autumn of 2014.

Symptoms return after accidental exposure to titanium dioxide

A patient, previously tested in MELISA, contacted us recently with severe ulceration to his mouth and gums after changing toothpaste brands. His test had shown an allergy to titanium so he knew to avoid both titanium dioxide and its food additive name E171. However, the new toothpaste listed neither as an ingredient. Following his severe reaction he contacted the manufacturer and found that titanium was included under yet another name. The seemingly innocuous CI77891 turned out to be the Colour Index code for titanium. Changing back to a titanium-free toothpaste resolved his health problems.

Sydney conference: The impact of dental and environmental metals on human health

The MELISA conference will take place on 21 August 2014, at the Sheraton on the Park, Sydney, Australia. The speakers have many years of experience of both the diagnosis and the treatment of metal-induced illnesses. The conference includes sessions on detoxification and help for healthcare professional in identifying the most relevant tests for their patients. Some of the environmental causes of breast cancer will also be discussed.
Click here to see the full programme.
Register here

Unexplained rash?
Your iPad could be the culprit

Allergic contact dermatitis is becoming more common in children, say dermatologists. A recent report focuses on an 11-year-old boy suffering from a rash all over his body that didn’t respond to standard treatments. After covering his iPad and avoiding nickel, including through diet, his dermatitis improved over a 5 month period.
Allergic reactions to phones and computers have previously been reported, but the iPad hasn’t come up as a potential source of nickel sensitization in children before, the researchers said. Nickel release from mobile phones appears to be common and has been reported in all brands of mobile phones.

FDA encourages pre-operative screening in suspected metal-allergic patients

MELISA took a call from a patient concerned about his possible allergy to a titanium and nickel ring fitted to help control his gastroesophageal reflux disease. He was experiencing symptoms that could be connected with allergy. Further research showed that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend that this device "should not be used in anyone who may be allergic or is allergic to titanium, stainless steel, nickel, or iron (ferrous) materials." The patient suspected an allergy to nickel and to titanium, but this had not been investigated prior to the placement.

Everyday metal nanoparticles - is enough known about the risks?

A recent report about a chemist who developed nickel allergy after handling nickel in its nanoparticle form raises questions about the safety of nanomaterials. Nanomaterials are becoming more widely used: silver for its antimicrobial properties is used in toys and clothes, titanium dioxide in sunscreens and certain foods. Previous research has suggested that nanoparticles might get airborne more easily and have enhanced immunogenic and irritant effects. Friends of the Earth calls for more regulation of this emerging technology and outlines the issues.

and finally...

TV's Dr. House helped solve medical mystery for metal allergy patient

An ailing patient in Germany was unable to find out what was causing his fever, profound hearing and vision loss and failing heart until he finally met Dr. Juergen R. Schaefer. Dr Schaefer is a big fan the television programme "House" featuring Dr. Gregory House who cures complex cases. Dr Schaefer recognised the symptoms of cobalt poisoning from an episode of "House". He went on to establish that the patient, who had recently undergone hip replacement surgery, had levels of cobalt that were 1,000 times higher than normal. After hip revision surgery the patient's symptoms were mostly resolved.

Tick alert -
avoiding Lyme disease this summer

The best precaution against Lyme disease is to avoid being bitten; so when you're walking in affected areas, cover up with long sleeved tops, trousers tucked into socks and no open sandals; stick to paths and don't walk through dense vegetation. Tick bites don’t hurt, so they can easily go unnoticed. When you get home check your whole body for ticks, paying particular attention to your head, neck, skin folds. Remove the tick as soon as possible, using fine pointed tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as you can, pull upwards firmly and steadily, without jerking or twisting.

MELISA can be used to diagnose Lyme disease

In brief...

20th Annual International Integrative Medicine Conference: Friday 22nd - Sunday 24th August, 2014 Sheraton on the Park, Sydney, Australia click here

Aerotoxic Syndrome: Aviation’s Darkest Secret – by John Hoyte will be published soon
free eBook

Conference: Implant related allergies - fact or fiction?
26th September 2014, Vienna, Austria click here

Finnish authorities attempt to calm public fears over allergies after nickel spillage from mine click here