What did you learn at conference this year?

I saw barrelgal posted something interesting from conference, what else did everyone learn? Share!
Erica

I had several items keyed in and lost the session, so I'll for now I'll just post these links from the session on dietary supplements.

Dr Edwards discussed complimentary alternatives of which one is supplements. She does feel that they must have some scientific basis before she prescribes them. She dicussed an anti-immflamatory diet and supplements she prescribes for everyone and then additional ones based on special circumstances (diabetes, hypertension and a much greater list). There is no specific recommendations for ITP, but she did have a list of items should be avoided or limited (Ginko, ginger, and others)

For everyone:
1) Multivitamin (from whole foods)
2) Vitamin C 200 to 500 mg/day
3) Fish Oil 1000 to 8000 mg/day NOTE: For ITP patients this may not be a great idea since it makes the platelets "slippery" and increased bleeding risk
4) Vitamin D - 1000 - 10000 units/day

For fatigue, may also add
1) B-Complex, 2) CoQ10, 3) Magnesium (at bedtime)

Links:
www.consumerlab.com/
herbmed.org/
ods.od.nih.gov/
www.fda.gov/Food/DietarySupplements/default.htm
www.vitamindcouncil.org/
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/vitamins.html

The ITP specialists were not advocating supplements except for Folate (Folic Acid) which helps cells divide and is commonly presribed for anemic disorders. It may also help with platelet creation.

In the patient stories session, the benefits of Vitamin C in strengthening the wall of the capillaries so they don't leak will help with preventing brusing or petechia