Thursday, March 09, 2006

Ian Thorpe Drops Out AND Expands the Differential

In a sudden and unexpected move Ian Thorpe, by far Australia’s best swimmer, has dropped out of the Commonwealth games. During training Ian, who was said to be quickly improving, was unable to complete his usual regiment, becoming winded after twelve laps. Afterwards, on national television, he announced his withdrawal from the Commonwealth games.

Previously I stated that after reading the reports issued by the press I believed that Ian Thorpe may have HIV. This was due to the following factors:

1. Ian has now been ill for more than three weeks with a “viral” syndrome and I do not believe that this is likely.

2. His coach, Alan Thompson, stated that: “The antibodies in his blood were beginning to rise”. I believe that he was referring to Ian having a certain type of immunodeficiency and by far the most likely diagnosis in his age group is HIV.

3. The Doctors and Ian himself are being extremely vague concerning what is going on and the result of his testing.

4. Ian has been placed on antibiotics for a viral condition and this is not commonly done unless the doctors are suspecting something deeper.

During his press conference Thorpe revealed that during his childhood he had to take a three month vacation from school for another bout of “viral bronchitis”. This is interesting because it hints to another diagnosis that is less likely, although possible.

Immune deficiencies are a group of disorders characterized by the dysfunction of the immune system. There are a number of disorders but each expresses itself differently depending on the specific disorder present. Although a lengthy discussion of the topic would surely not be appropriate here, you can find more specific information elsewhere.

Generally, immune deficiency would manifest as recurrent infections. However, due to Ian current age and his known health status I think that we can rule out the more malignant ones. In addition if you remember Alan Thompson, the coach for the Australian Olympic team, stated:
“He got some blood tests back today and they were positive and showed an improvement in the blood parameters and the anti-bodies are doing well"
In my earlier post I speculated that Mr. Thompson may have been misinformed and that more likely he was referring to the White blood Cell (WBC) count that is often checked on a cell count. But what if he wasn’t misinformed? What if Mr. Thompson knew exactly what he was saying?

Are there any immune deficiencies that would express themselves as a decrease in the amount of antibodies in the blood and would not present with consistent recurrent infections. I placed consistent in bold type because if Ian Thorpe was consistently ill he would not have been able to achieve all he has until now and so I believe we can assume he is healthy most of the time.

One diagnosis jumps to mind more than any other: Selective IgA Deficiency

This deficiency may be congenital or acquired (meaning people get it later in life). More importantly, it’s not altogether uncommon and many of those who have the disorder lead normal healthy lives. In addition, it is not uncommon for it to manifest as recurrent upper respiratory infections. the same condition Ian has ahd for three week now.

Ok, I admit, my bet is still on HIV. But a good differential always includes a number 2. All that’s left now is to wait for someone to leak some more information.

25 Comments:

Blogger Dreaming again said...

possibility of an autoimmune disease (which would give antibodies) and immunosuppresion ...such as Cellcept or Imuran ..which ...could explain the recurrent infections???

??? ??? ?? just wondering ... says the immunocompromised autoimmune patient. (of the Future Doctor who's really sick of hearing about going to medical school! Are you SURE you want the Future Intern to be a future intern??? GEESH)

11:38 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The word is regimen, not "regiment"!!

7:15 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hope, he is not seriously ill, its very pity when people who possess great abilities should give up!

6:44 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It's official:
http://www.free-press-release.com/news/200611/1164538033.html

3:35 AM  
Blogger avsaotel said...

called Crianhas she helped me so much that one time when I will be stronger
tekirdağ koltuk yıkama
tekirdağ halı yıkama
tekirdağ halı yıkama
tekirdağ halı yıkama
tekirdağ çilingir
okey sitesi açmak

tekirdağ halıyıkama
ankara halı yıkama
tekirdağ temizlik
ankara tel örgü
mankenler
cast
su pompası
ısı yalıtım
kilo vermek

2:50 PM  
Anonymous Winstrol said...

It is very sad that he leaves the sports

6:23 AM  
Anonymous My Blog said...

During training Ian, who was said to be quickly
improving, was unable to complete his usual
regiment, becoming winded after twelve laps.

3:33 AM  
Blogger dewa1111 said...

Thank you. Ankara Halı Yıkama

4:19 PM  
Anonymous Best last longer supplement said...

feeling sorry for Ian, but the number of medals won by him are tremendous. good job, the content was informative...

12:16 AM  
Anonymous Erectile dysfunction pills said...

nice blog and nice comments .. i like this blog ..

8:26 AM  
Anonymous sex life said...

Well, I do not really imagine this is likely to work.

1:36 AM  
Blogger king 9k5 said...

Less than two minutes after they had opened the scoring, referee Sean Davey awarded the home side another penalty, this time for hands in a ruck.
Lottery Resultsmétodo poker
This time, Evans chose to kick deep into touch but despite a series of Quins attacking scrums, Exeter stood firm.

9:40 PM  
Anonymous Maqui Berry Superfruit said...

Nice photo and I am a very big fan of Ian Thorpe. But what you said about him, is really surprising!

6:35 PM  
Anonymous Prosolution pills review said...

He has been an amazing athlete..

11:24 PM  
Anonymous Rudolph said...

I found a great deal of helpful info in this post!
Courtenay apartments

7:32 PM  
Anonymous Best stop hair growth product said...

Ian Thorpe is my favorite one...His performance is terribly good, I must say.

5:24 AM  
Anonymous India Pharmacy said...

It is a pity that he withdraw the competition but at least he was trying his best to reach to great level.

7:45 AM  
Anonymous hcg buy online said...

It was about to be executed because too many rules and too many guidelines. HCG Blue Drops, the Faster and Natural way to lose weight...

1:38 AM  
Anonymous Trichozed prevent hair loss pills said...

Ian Thorpe is best athletic that is ever seen .

4:37 AM  
Anonymous Compare prevent premature ejaculation pills said...

The Doctors and Ian himself are being extremely vague concerning what is going on and the result of his testing.

9:14 AM  
Anonymous Increase low sex drive in women said...

The Doctors and Ian himself are being extremely vague concerning what is going on and the result of his testing.

7:52 PM  
Anonymous Recumbent exercise bike reviews said...

Ian Thorpe deserve that gold medals because he have a big talent

2:56 AM  
Anonymous Celebrity Gossip said...

Ian Thorpe in my oppinion is the best swimmer in the world because when he won those medals he had many strong competitors.

4:46 PM  
Anonymous Plaque attack for dogs said...

I dont think that in the world is somebody that didn;t heard about Ian Thorpe because he is the greatest swimmer ever.

10:39 AM  
Anonymous Compare prevent premature ejaculation pills said...

its very pity when people who possess great abilities should give up

3:42 AM  

Post a Comment

<< Home