Stem cell transplantation for congenital dyserythropoietic anemia : an analysis from the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation

Non peer reviewe

Leukoderma and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy in an adolescent with graft-versus-host disease

A 15-year-old Iraqi male patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia received an allogeneic bone marrow transplant from his brother. On the 18th day after the transplant, the patient developed grade II acute graft-versus-host disease, and treatment included methylprednisolone. On day 140, the patient was diagnosed with leukoderma. On day 150, the patient was admitted to hospital because of numbness and muscle weakness in the extremities and a disturbance of the gait. Neurologic examination showed muscle weakness in the upper and lower extremities and there were no deep tendon reflexes. Nerve conduction studies showed reduced conduction speeds of the motor nerves with demyelinating features. The patient was diagnosed as having a chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDB) based on clinical and electrophysiological findings. Treatment included methylprednisolone and intravenous immunoglobulin. The neurologic function improved but the skin lesions persisted. This case shows that graft-versus-host disease can act as a triggering factor for the appearance of autoimmune diseases

Trends in hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus seropositivity among blood donors over 15 years screened in the blood bank of a university hospital

Blood transfusion carries well defined risks including hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus transmission. In this study, records of blood donation candidates between the years 1996-2010 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 220 841 apparently healthy adult donors were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen, anti-HCV with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The overall prevalence of HbsAg and HCV were 1.07% and 0.39%, respectively. HBV seroprevelance decreased through years 1996-2010 but HCV seroprevelance showed a fluctuant course decreasing from 1996 to 2002. In order to decrease transfusion transmitted infections there should be centralized blood collection systems having qualified staff, equipment and non-remunerated voluntary blood donations must be strongly encouraged. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Treatment for Steroid Refractory Graft-versus-Host Disease in Children: A Pilot and First Study from Turkey

This study evaluated the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from bone marrow of a third-party donor for refractory aGVHD. We report the first experience using MSCs to treat refractory aGVHD in 33 pediatric patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT from Turkey. Totally, 68 doses of bone marrow derived MSCs were infused. The median dose of MSC was 1.18×106 cells per kg body weight. Overall, complete response (CR) was documented in 18 patients, partial response (PR) was documented in 7 patients, and no response (NR) was documented in 8 patients. The 2-year estimated probability of overall survival (OS) for patients achieving CR and PR/NR was 63.8% and 29.4%, respectively p=0.0002. While the cumulative incidence of transplant related mortality (TRM) at day 100 after first MSC infusion was 46.6% in PR/NR patients, there was no any TRM at day 100 after first MSC infusion in CR patients p=0.001. Twelve patients developed chronic GVHD (cGVHD); eight of them were alive, with five having extensive disease and three having limited disease. In conclusion, MSCs appear to be safe and effective treatment option for pediatric patients with steroid refractory aGVHD. But the efficacy of MSCs on cGVHD in aGVHD patients treated with MSCs seems to be limited

Effect and Safety of Granulocyte Transfusions in Pediatric Patients With Febrile Neutropenia or Defective Granulocyte Functions

Background: Despite the introduction of new broad-spectrum antibiotics and antifungal therapies over the past decade, infections remains the most frequent cause of death in patients with neutropenia. The aim of this study is to assess the effect and safety of granulocyte transfusions (GTX) for the treatment of severe life-threatening infections in pediatric patients with febrile neutropenia or defective granulocyte functions

TRANSFUSION RELATED ACUTE LUNG INJURY

Transfusion related acute lung injury is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality associated with transfusions. It is characterized with non cardiac pulmonary edema. The exact mechanism is not known because there are limited cases and studies in this subject. It can be seen after any type of blood and blood product transfusions. Herein, we present a case that developed thrombocytopenia, platelet transfusion resistance, acute renal failure and transfusion related acute lung injury after administration of chemotherapy for refractory anemia with excess blasts