For further reference about the disease, Key suggested they read about his treatment successes using recombinant interferon gamma therapy, published previously in a New England Journal of Medicine entry. Holding onto their last dream of hope, Feng agreed to bring Sijia to MUSC, leaving the security of a brother, a husband and an older daughter behind. He uses interferon gamma-1b to stimulate the growth of osteoclast or white blood cells. Its effect will promote bone resorption and increase bone marrow space, especially in bone space areas housing the optic nerve. Left untreated, patients can become blind or anemic or die before 6 months of age.
Patients are also prone to frequent infections, neurological defects or bone marrow failure.
This drug is not a complete cure, Key said. It helps in stabilizing the patient. Since her arrival to Charleston, Sijia has responded well to her clinical care and new surroundings. She was initially treated for an infection and dehydration upon her arrival. Following the removal of her spleen in January, Sijia began interferon treatments with Key.