Current opinion in hematology
-
Curr. Opin. Hematol. · Nov 2014
ReviewProphylactic platelet transfusions: should they be a treatment of the past?
For decades, prophylactic platelet transfusions have been a standard practice for treatment-related thrombocytopenia in patients with hematologic malignancies, although evidence supporting this practice was limited. Two recent randomized controlled studies were carried out to challenge this practice by comparing prophylactic to therapeutic-only platelet transfusion strategies. This review compares and contrasts the study findings to provide further insight into the study conclusions and their application to practice. ⋯ The majority of this adult patient population should continue to receive prophylactic platelet transfusions to prevent high-grade bleeding. Stable autologous stem cell transplant patients appear to be at a lower risk of thrombocytopenia-related bleeding and are candidates for therapeutic-only platelet transfusions in expert centers with careful monitoring.
-
This review provides a summary of the most recent clinical trials evaluating the hemostatic agents for the treatment of coagulopathy associated with critical bleeding. In particular, antifibrinolytic agents (i.e., aprotinin, tranexamic and ε-aminocaproic acids), desmopressin, recombinant activated factor VII, fibrinogen and prothrombin complex concentrates are evaluated. ⋯ Although preliminary data document a potential therapeutic role for prohemostatic pharmacologic approaches, further evidence arising from randomized controlled trials is needed to assess the safety and efficacy of such agents in the setting of critical bleeding.
-
This study focuses on the epidemiology and management of mucormycosis in hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients, a life-threatening mold infection whose incidence has increased over the past decades. ⋯ Although randomized trials are quite impossible to run, due to the rarity of the disease, the recent numerous data have allowed the elaboration of European guidelines for the management of mucormycosis. Lipid formulations of amphotericin B, and especially liposomal amphotericin B at high doses (5-10 mg/kg/day), are the standard treatment, combined with surgery and control of favoring factors. The prognosis is poor, and any delay in the initiation of therapy may impact on outcome.