Report on von Willebrand Disease in Malaysia.

Background: Von Willebrand disease (vWD) is an inherited hemostatic disorder that affects the hemostasis pathway. The worldwide prevalence of vWD is estimated to be 1% of the general population but only 0.002% in Malaysia.

Chitosan: A Promising Marine Polysaccharide for Biomedical Research.

Biomaterials created 50 years ago are still receiving considerable attention for their potential to support development in the biomedical field. Diverse naturally obtained polysaccharides supply a broad range of resources applicable in the biomedical field. Lately, chitosan, a marine polysaccharide derived from chitins-which are extracted from the shells of arthropods such as crab, shrimp, and lobster-is becoming the most wanted biopolymer for use toward therapeutic interventions.

Chitosan scaffold enhances growth factor release in wound healing in von Willebrand disease.

Chitosan-derived biomaterials have been reported to adhere when in contact with blood by encouraging platelets to adhere, activate and aggregate at the sites of vascular injury, thus enhanced wound healing capacity. This study investigated platelet morphology changes and the expression level of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and platelet-derived growth factor-AB (PDGF-AB) in the adherence of two different types of chitosans in von Willebrand disease (vWD): N,O-carboxymethylchitosan (NO-CMC) and oligo-chitosan (O-C). Fourteen vWD voluntary subjects were recruited, and they provided written informed consent.

Successful pregnancy "during" pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap for breast reconstruction with normal vaginal delivery.

A transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap is a popular choice for breast reconstruction. Pregnancies in women following a TRAM flap present concerns regarding both safety and the integrity of the abdominal wall. We report a case of a patient who was pregnant during immediate breast reconstruction with pedicled TRAM flap and had a successful spontaneous vaginal delivery.

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa and P2Y12 induction by oligochitosan accelerates platelet aggregation.

Platelet membrane receptor glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (gpiibiiia) is a receptor detected on platelets. Adenosine diphosphate (ADP) activates gpiibiiia and P2Y12, causing platelet aggregation and thrombus stabilization during blood loss. Chitosan biomaterials were found to promote surface induced hemostasis and were capable of activating blood coagulation cascades by enhancing platelet aggregation.

In vitro capacity of different grades of chitosan derivatives to induce platelet adhesion and aggregation.

Chitosan-derived hemostatic agents with various formulations may have distinct potential in hemostasis. This study assessed the ability of different grades and forms of chitosan derivatives as hemostatic agents to enhance platelet adhesion and aggregation in vitro. The chitosan derivatives utilized were 2% NO-CMC, 7% NO-CMC (with 0.

The use of glycerol-preserved skin allograft in conjunction with reconstructive and flap surgery: seven years of experience.

Major reconstructive surgery may be extensive and prolonged, and it may cause edema and compromise the flap pedicle if closed under tension. Glycerol-preserved skin allograft (GPA) can provide a means for tension-free closure and temporary cover of the wound. Seven years of analysis on GPA used in conjunction with major reconstruction was undertaken to highlight its indications, results, and outcomes.