20 Years Experience of TNF-Based Isolated Limb Perfusion for In-Transit Melanoma Metastases: TNF Dose Matters

Background: Approximately 5-8% of melanoma patients will develop in-transit metastases (IT-mets). Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) and melphalan-based isolated limb perfusion (TM-ILP) is an attractive treatment modality in melanoma patients with multiple IT-mets. This study reports on a 20 years experience and outlines the evolution and major changes since the introduction of TNF in ILP. Methods: A total of 167 TM-ILPs were performed in 148 patients, between 1991 and 2009. TM-ILPs were performed at high doses of TNF (3-4 mg) from 1991 to 2004 (n = 99) and at low doses of TNF (1-2 mg) from 2004 to 2009 (n = 68) under mild hyperthermic conditions (38°C-39.5°C.). Melphalan doses were unchanged at 10-13 mg/l (leg and arm, respectively). Characteristics for the 167 ILPs were

Novel oral anticoagulant induced upper limb haematoma: A case report

The development of novel oral anticoagulant agents (NOACs) such as dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban has given patients better treatment alternatives to aspirin, clopidogrel, heparin and warfarin, mainly for stroke prophylaxis in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), prophylaxis/treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and also for the secondary prophylaxis of acute coronary syndromes. These agents are gaining in popularity due to their more stable pharmacokinetic profile, fewer drug interactions, as well as eliminating the need for routine monitoring.NOAC induced haematomas of the upper limb are rare and there is no real consensus on management. We present a case of a 70-year-old male on rivaroxaban who developed a delayed onset intramuscular forearm haematoma after a simple fall onto his left arm. Simple elevation of the limb was successful in leading to resolution of symptoms. As these agents increase in popularity, clinicians need to be more aware of potential risks of treatment and subsequent management. Keywords: NOAC, Rivaroxaban, NOAC induced haematoma, Upper limb, Haematom

Using BTM to reconstruct a complex dorsal hand wound with segmental loss of EDC tendon: Case report and review of the literature

Summary: We present the case of a 65 year old man who sustained a complex dorsal hand degloving injury with segmental loss of EDC tendon to middle finger, which was reconstructed using BTM. He returned to near full function despite not having a tendon reconstruction, and the uninjured tendons were able to glide without restriction beneath the BTM. We review the case and the literature surrounding the use of BTM in this clinical scenario