About Miranda Szopinska, M.D. Expertise I can answer any questions relating to the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. I
am a medical doctor with a background in pathobiology and bacteriology. I currently work
in diagnostics, and specialize in the identification and treatment of serious illnesses. I
have spent time in China working with epidemiologists researching SARS. I am fluent in
English, Polish, Spanish, Mandarin, and Hindi.
Experience I am a medical doctor with a background in pathobiology and bacteriology. I currently work in diagnostics, and specialize in the identification and treatment of serious illnesses. I have spent time in China working with epidemiologists researching SARS.
Education/Credentials I have an MD and PhD of Medicine from Northwestern University, as well as a Master's Degree in bacteriology from Poznan University of Medical Sciences.
Expert: Miranda Szopinska, M.D. Date: 1/20/2008 Subject: sick nephew with a multitude of symptoms without diagnoses
Question My nephew is 3 yrs old now, but his health issues began at infancy. At less than 6 months, he had lack of muscle tone-was not sitting up, or reaching for toys.
His head would fall back as if he had no control. Physical therapy was needed. At 14 months, he had mono. This resulted in a complete shut down of bone marrow production leading to a blood transfusion. His hematocrit level was 6 at the time of transfusion. He has had numerous ear infections as well as reoccurring pneumonia. On any given day he will suddenly spike a high fever(102). His most recent symptoms include shin pain, mouth and lip sores, lack of appetite, paleness and cyanotic around the lips as well as being lethargic.
I know that these are a lot of symptoms but we have not been diagnosed with anything that makes any sense. The Dr's are treating the symptoms not the cause. Do you think that these are related or is he just a sickly child?
Answer He might have an autoimmune condition. These symptoms are not ALL linked, but his propensity toward infection leads me to believe that his immune system is depressed. It could be because of the mono; I caught mono in college, and my immune system was terrible for the next year or two; I caught pneumonia as a result, as well. My knowledge of specific autoimmune disorders is limited, but whenever I see such a high incidence of infections, I speak to an immunologist. I don't currently have an immunologist at my disposal to consult, but perhaps if you bring up the suggestion with his doctors, they can refer you to one. There are very many autoimmune conditions, ranging from the mild to the very serious. I hope that I was of some help to you, and that your nephew will soon recover.
All the best,
Miranda
