T cells found in the retina and choroid of Birdshot patients

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Jonas Kuiper from Holland recently contacted us to let us know that a research paper on the characterization of Immune cells in the eye of two birdshot patients has recently been published.  They successfully  identified that the infiltrated cells are predominantly T cells and that they are directed to both retina and choroid. Although this has been assumed for decades, this research provided the first evidence that T cells directed against the eye are present in the eyes of birdshot patients. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24530754.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Birdshot Retinochoroidopathy

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Birdshot retinochoroidopathy requires early therapy to limit damage, preserve vision and induce long-term remission.

Akbar Shakoor, MD, and Albert T. Vitale MD, Salt Lake City

– See more at: http://www.revophth.com/content/d/retinal_insider/c/42258/#sthash.UodcC2eS.dpuf

Albert Vitale was one of the speakers at the International Birdshot Symposium held in Boston, USA in September 2013. Continue reading →

Rare Diseases Day Invitation

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Genetic Alliance in partnership with Alexion Pharma have  now successfully raised 2000 hands to feature on a sculpture being made for Rare Disease Day.  They are now extending an invitation to BUS  members (amongst others with a rare disease) to come along to the launch which takes place at London’s Science Museum on 28th February from 12.00 – 14.00. Continue reading →

Carrots NightWalk 2014

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BUS is delighted to announce that we are once again a partner charity involved in the Fight for Sight Carrots NightWalks. These fun night-time sponsored walks are helping to raise thousands of pounds for research to prevent sight loss and to treat eye disease. Fight for Sight small grants awards have already benefited birdshot research. Continue reading →

Progress with stem cell research

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Birdshot Uveitis Society has noticed that there have been a lot of new development on stem cell research in the news lately which offer new hope to those whose rods and cones are losing their function.  Here are a few examples which caught our eye in January and which offer hope for Birdshotters in the future:- Continue reading →

Intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin®) versus triamcinolone (Volon A®)

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Birdshotters who have been receiving Avastin® to deal with their macula oedema will no doubt be interested to read the results of this recent study which compares intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin®) versus the steroid triamcinolone.  The trial in question concerned people with diabetic macula oedema. Continue reading →

Staying well on immunosuppressive therapy

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We are often approached by people who are clearly worried about starting treatment for their birdshot. Because of this, we decided to publish a ‘question and answer’ section on the website. We hope it will provide you with some much-needed reassurance and answers to many of your questions.

Much of the ‘question and answer’ section may appear to be just common sense, but BUS thought it useful to gather the information together in one place. We also hope it will be helpful to those who are newly diagnosed and who are looking for advice on how to stay well while on immunosuppressive therapy.

Members of the the BUS Standing Advisory Committee and National Birdshot Research Network have been involved in validating this collected information.

If anything is not clear, or if you have other questions or concerns you would like to raise, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

The Q & A page can be found here.

Forthcoming dates for your diary

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Following on from the success of last year’s birdshot events, in 2014 BUS has decided to hold:

  • two social events which will also incorporate talks about the research that BUS is helping to fund
  • a fundraising clay pigeon shoot, and
  • we will also be entering a team of walkers for the Fight for Sight Carrots Nightwalk

London social meetings and talks

The London social meetings and talks co-incide with bank holiday weekends. We hope this will make it easier to attend if you don’t live in the south east. The socials will provide an opportunity to socialise with other birdshotters and a chance to learn more about our birdshot uveitis research.   The meetings will be held in the delightful environment of a historic Thames barge located in St Katherine’s Dock. As before, a buffet lunch and drink will be provided.

  • Saturday 3rd May 2014 London social meeting with Professor Glen Jeffery from UCL and the Institute of Ophthalmology talking about the red light therapy research being carried out at Moorfields Eye Hospital.
  • Saturday 23rd August 2014 with Dr Graham Wallace from Birmingham University talking about the development of the birdshot bio-resource centre and national birdshot database.

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Fundraisers

  • 2nd birdshot shoot and auction on Wednesday 21st May 2014.   The venue (Royal Berkshire Shooting Club)  and cost of tickets will be identical to last year.  If you are interested in taking part as an individual or entering as a team, (4 guns), please register your interest now, because places are already going fast.
  • Carrot’s Night Walk – BUS will again be entering a team of walkers for the Fight for Sight Carrots Night walk.  The date and details have yet to be confirmed, but it will be on a Friday night in September.

If you are interested in coming along to the socials/talks, or taking part in the fundraising events please do get in touch and make a note in your diaries.  Email: info at birdshot.org.uk