Positive tissue transglutaminase antibodies with negative endomysial antibodies: Unresolved issues in diagnosing celiac disease.

Background: The serological screening for celiac disease (CD) is currently based on the detection of anti-transglutaminase (tTG) IgA antibodies, subsequently confirmed by positive endomysial antibodies (EMA). When an anti-tTG IgA positive/EMA IgA negative result occurs, it can be due either to the lower sensitivity of the EMA test or to the lower specificity of the anti-tTG test. This study aimed at verifying how variation in analytical specificity among different anti-tTG methods could account for this discrepancy.

Allogeneic umbilical cord blood red cell concentrates: an innovative blood product for transfusion therapy of preterm infants.

Background: Preterm infants often receive blood transfusions early in life. In this setting, umbilical cord blood (UCB) might be safer than adult blood (A) with respect to infectious and immunologic threats.

Objectives: To evaluate, as a first objective, the feasibility of fulfilling transfusion needs of preterm infants with allogeneic UCB red blood cell (RBC) concentrates and, as a secondary objective, to assess the safety of allogeneic cord blood transfusions.