Mari has von Willebrand Disease, an inherited bleeding disorder. BloodCenter of Wisconsin Research Foundation helps her live a normal life.
BloodCenter of Wisconsin Research Foundation supports the work of researchers at BloodCenter of Wisconsin's Blood Research Institute (BRI). There, world-renowned researchers diligently work to solve blood-related problems such as how our bodies fight disease, how transplants can be made more successful, and how complex blood-related processes can be controlled. These problems underlie diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Achievements of researchers at the BRI include:
- Decreased post-surgical bleeding
Patients undergoing heart surgery often receive heparin to decrease the incidence of clotting. For some patients, however, heparin can induce excessive post-surgical bleeding. BloodCenter researchers created a test for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), so physicians can identify the source of this bleeding and discontinue heparin therapy.
- Safer pregnancies
In certain instances, a pregnant woman’s immune system can react against the fetus and destroy its platelets. This condition is known as Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (NATP). BloodCenter researchers were the first to identify the platelet markers most commonly implicated in NATP, and formulated a DNA detection test that has resulted in decreased fetal deaths.
- More successful transplants
BloodCenter researchers were the first to discover certain white cell markers, called HLA markers, which are important to match to maximize the success of a transplant. They then developed genetic typing that allows for more accurate matching of bone marrow donors with patients, decreasing the incidence of rejection.
- Hope for newborns
Protein C-deficient newborns do not live long because their blood is unable to properly regulate the clotting process, causing them to have profound systemic clotting. BloodCenter researchers defined the role of Protein C in clot regulation, and created the first successful treatment for Protein C-deficient newborns.
- Fewer transfusion reactions
Patients in need of frequent transfusions can develop reactions to the blood they receive. Through a technique involving the matching of certain markers on platelets, the incidence of reactions following transfusions has decreased.
- Reduced risk for hemophilia patients
BloodCenter researchers recognized early the risks of providing pooled blood products (i.e., products donated by several different people) to those with hemophilia, and helped to reduce the incidence of HIV in this population by providing an alternate product.
- Extended blood supply
BloodCenter researchers have determined methods for improving the quality and quantity of stored platelets. Those needing platelets include surgery patients, organ transplant recipients, and patients undergoing chemotherapy.
- Better treatment for sickle cell patients
Researchers have participated in studies leading to improved treatments for sickle cell patients. Sickle cell disease affects about 1 in 400 African-Americans.
Through a financial gift to BloodCenter of Wisconsin Research Foundation, investigators at the BRI can continue their tradition of break-through discovery and make a difference in the lives of thousands of families in Wisconsin and around the world.
