An estimation of the incidence and demographic picture of the major hemoglobinopathies in Belgium (from a confidential inquiry).

An estimation of the incidence and demographic picture of the major hemoglobinopathies in Belgium has been approached through a confidential inquiry sent to 228 pediatric and adult hematological departments. Forty-two percent of responses showed that 417 patients are known in Belgium: 83% with sickle cell disease, 13% with beta-thalassemia (beta-thal) major, 2% with beta-thal intermedia, and 1% with Hb H disease. Twenty-five percent of the sickle cell disease patients and 54% of those suffering from a beta-thal major were older than 20 years.

An overview of blood-sparing techniques used in spine surgery during the perioperative period.

The problems linked to blood loss and blood-sparing techniques in spine surgery have been less studied than in other fields of orthopedics, such as joint-replacement procedures. Decreasing bleeding is not only important for keeping the patient's hemodynamic equilibrium but also for allowing a better view of the surgical field. In spine surgery the latter aspect is especially important because of the vicinity of major and highly fragile neurologic structures.