Hematology
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Comparative Study
Usefulness of red blood cell flags in diagnosing and differentiating thalassemia trait from iron-deficiency anemia.
Thalassemia trait (THA) is an important differential diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia (IDA). The red cell distribution width (RDW) is usually elevated in IDA, but often is normal in THA. ⋯ We conclude that RCF findings are sensitive and specific enough to be used as an approach in differentiating iron deficiency anemia from beta-thalassemia trait.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Once weekly recombinant human erythropoietin treatment for cancer-induced anemia in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia receiving maintenance chemotherapy: a randomized case-controlled study.
Patients receiving chemotherapy for cancer often develop anemia, which can contribute to increased morbidity and reduced quality of life (QOL). Chemotherapy-induced anemia can be successfully treated using recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO). ⋯ Treatment with QW epoetin-alpha was found to increase Hb levels, decrease transfusion requirement, and improve functional status and QOL in anemic patients with ALL in maintenance receiving chemotherapy. The once-weekly schedule is convenient, safe, and may reduce the burden on patients, parents, and their caregivers by reducing the number of visits to the clinic.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Alterations of hemostasis after laparoscopic and open surgery.
After tissue injury caused by trauma or surgery, alterations of hemostasis are observed and there is a risk for postoperative thromboembolic complications. Laparoscopic surgery, by causing limited tissue injury, appears to be associated with a lower risk for thromboembolism than open surgery. We conducted a prospective randomized study in order to detect potentially existing differences in activation of coagulation and fibrinolytic pathways between open and laparoscopic surgery. ⋯ Open surgery as compared to laparoscopic procedures leads to activation of the clotting system of a higher degree. Although of a lower degree, hypercoagulability is still observed in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery and, therefore, routine thromboembolic prophylaxis should be considered.
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Neutropenia is a major risk factor for developing a serious infection. Bacteremia still causes significant mortality among neutropenic patients with cancer. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for septic shock and for mortality in neutropenic patients with leukemia and bacteremia. ⋯ Variables associated with mortality were: pulmonary infection (OR = 83, p < 0.001) and serum bicarbonate < 17 mmol/l (OR = 61, p < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis two variables were associated with septic shock: pulmonary infection (OR = 5, p = 0.043) and serum lactate >3 mmol/l (OR = 10, p = 0.003). An elevated serum lactate (>3 mmol/l) and low serum bicarbonate ( < 17 mmol/l) at the onset of bacteremia are useful biomarkers in predicting septic shock and mortality in neutropenic patients.
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Warfarin reversal is frequently required in day to day haematology practice. Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC) have replaced fresh frozen plasma as the agent of choice in warfarin reversal due to its safety profile. Ideal dose of PCC is still not known and many centres have local guidelines on using the product. We have successfully used PCC (Beriplex) at a fixed dose in our hospital, but we still need randomised control trials to identify the ideal dose of PCC which can result in rapid reversal of warfarin with minimum risk of thrombosis.