Current opinion in hematology
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Curr. Opin. Hematol. · Nov 2008
Review Multicenter StudyInvasive aspergillosis: diagnosis, prophylaxis and treatment.
Invasive aspergillosis is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in hematopoietic stem cells transplant recipients. Owing to its intrinsic high mortality rate, early diagnosis and treatment are critical. This review will therefore address the most important recent advances in diagnosing, preventing and treating invasive aspergillosis in hematopoietic stem cells transplant. ⋯ Galactomannan antigen detection is a rather reliable diagnostic test for invasive aspergillosis, particularly when a lower threshold of sensitivity is used. PCR is still to be validated. Liposomal amphotericin B at 3 mg/kg per day showed a similar efficacy in invasive aspergillosis as reported for voriconazole. Therapeutic drug monitoring of Aspergillus-active azoles should be implemented whenever possible in order to maximize the antifungal effect and minimize toxicity. Posaconazole showed to be active in prophylaxis, though its effectiveness in the global patient population is still controversial.
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Curr. Opin. Hematol. · Nov 2008
ReviewGlycans and glycosylation of platelets: current concepts and implications for transfusion.
Platelet products are currently stored at room temperature, because refrigeration causes their rapid clearance from the circulation upon transfusion. Glycans have recently been emphasized as important determinants for the clearance of refrigerated platelets. The present review addresses the current knowledge of platelet glycans and the potential of glycosylation for improving platelet storage. ⋯ Room temperature storage of platelet products increases the risk of transfusion-mediated sepsis and accelerates platelet deterioration, limiting platelet shelf life. Recent evidence suggests that glycoengineering of platelets might allow for their cold storage, significantly improving the quality of platelet products.
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Curr. Opin. Hematol. · Nov 2008
ReviewUnrelated donor umbilical cord blood transplantation for the treatment of hematologic malignancies.
This review summarizes the state of the art of unrelated donor (URD) umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT) for the treatment of hematologic malignancies and discusses the current issues associated with the use of this hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) source. ⋯ URD umbilical cord blood is an alternative HSC source offering a unique set of advantages and disadvantages as compared with the transplantation of HSC from unrelated volunteers. Improved transplant outcomes are now making UCBT a rival to URD transplantation for the treatment of hematologic malignancies.
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New treatment modalities have become increasingly popular for the treatment of acute thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Widespread availability of ADAMTS13 assays resulted in the increased recognition of patients with hereditary thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and specific issues related to acquired ADAMTS13 deficiency. These new aspects with implications on management of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura patients are reviewed here. ⋯ Despite progress in understanding the pathophysiology of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, acute bouts as well as relapses still represent serious health threats to patients and rapid initiation of plasma exchange is mandatory. Large randomized clinical trials, however, need to determine whether new treatment modalities are superior to standard plasma exchange.
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An impaired function of the protein C pathway plays a central role in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Administration of human recombinant activated protein C (Xigris) may restore the dysfunctional anticoagulant mechanism and may simultaneously modulate the pro-inflammatory response. Initial clinical studies with activated protein C in patients with sepsis showed a reduction of 28-day mortality. However, subsequent studies did cast some doubt on the efficacy and also the safety of this treatment. ⋯ Clinical studies support the use of activated protein C in patients with severe sepsis; however, in view of the substantial skepticism surrounding the efficacy and safety of this treatment, additional placebo-controlled data are required.