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Robb Rose
Robb Rose is Director of Marketing Operations at Wesley Rehabilitation Hospital of Wichita. Robb is also a Respiratory Therapist, Boarded Disability Analyst and Adjunct Faculty for Wichita Sate University. He holds a Masters in Human Resources from Webster University. Robb serves on the American Lung Association Regional Council and the American Heart Association Board of Directors. Robb is married and has 2 children. He can be reached at (316) 729-9999
Health & Rehabilitation
2005-02-01 11:24:00
Sarcoidosis or ‘sleep apnea’?
: What actually happened to Reggie White, the famous football player?
ANSWER: Although all the information is not 100% completed and autopsy results are pending completion; Reggie White appears to have died from fatal cardiac arrhythmia brought on by cardiopulmonary sarcoidosis complicated by sleep apnea. This is according to Dr. Mike Sullivan, the forensic pathologist and medical examiner from Mecklenburg County, North Carolina where White resided.Sarcoidosis is a chronic disease in which granulomatous, inflamed tissue forms and attacks your own body systems. Mr. White's heart and lungs were being attacked by this disease process, which causes permanent damage. The actual cause of this condition is not known, but TNF-alpha (i.e. cytokine tumor necrosis factor) plays a major factor in the bodies inflammation during sarcoidosis. The "Sarcoidosis Research Institute" based in Memphis, Tennessee is looking at TNF-alpha as well as many other factors.Sarcoidosis actually affects 800 individuals out of every 100,000 people, so it is much more common than expected. Prednisone, which is an effective steroid is generally given to reduce the bodies inflammation, and methotrexate which is a steroid sparing agent is an alternative treatment. Both do have side effects and must be managed closely. In general, Mr. White's sarcoidosis combined with his sleep apnea (i.e. cessation of breathing periods during sleep), and took a toll on his cardiopulmonary system causing an eventual fatal cardiac disturbance. If any breathing problem is suspected, contact your physician immediately, as therapies exist to minimize and treat the diseases.
 
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