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The percentage of natural killer (NK) immune cells in the airways were predictive of a more advanced stage of lung damage and multi-organ involvement in people with pulmonary sarcoidosis, according to a recent report. Altogether, the scientists believe these cells could be “a good prognostic marker” of a more…

Elevated blood levels of total blood cholesterol and low levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) — commonly called the “good” cholesterol — showed a significant correlation with sarcoidosis, according to a retrospective study conducted in China. These findings suggest HDL and total blood cholesterol “could be regarded as…

An immunosuppressive medication that’s used to prevent organ rejection after transplantation successfully treated cutaneous sarcoidosis, a type of sarcoidosis of the skin, in most patients in a small clinical trial. Sirolimus, which suppresses a signaling pathway called mTOR, reduced or eliminated skin granulomas and its benefits persisted for…

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is linked to a 25% higher risk of developing sarcoidosis, according to a recent study in Sweden. The therapy consists of administering sex hormones, either estrogen alone or an estrogen and progesterone combination, to treat common menopausal symptoms such as “hot flashes.” The highest risk…

Bone fractures, particularly those of the spine, are a common complication among people with sarcoidosis, according to a study that assessed nearly 400 patients. Data showed that sarcoidosis-related lung involvement and reduced lung function were risk factors for major bone fractures. Chest X-rays examining lung involvement, as well as…

Having elevated levels of a protein called BNP is associated with an increased risk of death and serious heart health problems in people with cardiac sarcoidosis, a study has found. Results also suggest inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium) or reduced function of the left ventricle (the part of…

A noninvasive heart imaging scan may help identify cardiac sarcoidosis patients at risk of worse clinical outcomes, according to a study. A value of 42% or lower in left ventricular ejection fraction, or LVEF, a measure of how much blood is being pumped out of the heart’s left ventricle…

The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) has awarded $100,000 in funding to support U.S.-based research projects aimed at improving knowledge and diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis, a type of sarcoidosis that affects the heart. The funds were split into two cardiac sarcoidosis-specific grants, of $50,000 each. One…

Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin injection) may be a cost-effective approach relative to standard-of-care glucocorticoid therapy for adults with advanced active pulmonary sarcoidosis. That’s according to an analysis done by the therapy’s developer Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, which found that “the initial high cost of Acthar Gel treatment for sarcoidosis…

Blood levels of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) — a common sarcoidosis biomarker — were able to distinguish between newly diagnosed sarcoidosis patients with single versus multiple organ involvement, a study shows. Also, higher blood levels of interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R), an inflammatory marker, were linked with multiple organ involvement. ACE…