Clinical features of patients with infections caused by Candida guilliermondii and Candida fermentati and antifungal susceptibility of the isolates at a medical centre in Taiwan, 2001-10.

Objectives: This study was intended to analyse the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with infections due to Candida guilliermondii complex and evaluate in vitro susceptibilities of the isolates.

Methods: We searched the Mycology Database of the National Taiwan University Hospital and identified patients with infections due to C. guilliermondii complex from 2001 to 2010.

Clinical and microbiological characteristics of perianal infections in adult patients with acute leukemia.

Background: Perianal infection is a common problem for patients with acute leukemia. However, neutropenia and bleeding tendency are relatively contraindicated to surgical intervention. The epidemiology, microbiology, clinical manifestations and outcomes of perianal infection in leukemic patients are also rarely discussed.

Clinical characteristics of candidaemia in adults with haematological malignancy, and antimicrobial susceptibilities of the isolates at a medical centre in Taiwan, 2001-2010.

During the period 2001-2010, a total of 154 episodes of candidaemia were noted in 111 of 2574 patients with haematological malignancies at the National Taiwan University Hospital (Taipei, Taiwan). Patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia had a significantly higher rate of candidaemia than patients with other haematological malignancies (odds ratio=2.69; P<0.

HLA-DR-matched parental donors for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with high-risk acute leukemia.

The immunomodulating effect of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR and the central role of CD4 T cells in alloimmunity provide clues suggesting that HLA-DR-matched, partially mismatched related donors could be feasible alternative donors of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells for transplantations (allo-HSCT). We describe our experience with allo-HSCT in eight patients with high-risk acute leukemia; donors included one of each of the parents. Among the eight patients, seven were identical HLA-DR matches with the donors.

Clinical characteristics and treatment response of Hodgkin's lymphoma in Taiwan.

Background/purpose: Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) is particularly rare in Asia, including Taiwan. The report concerning its clinical features and treatment outcomes in Asians is limited. An exploration of the characteristics of HL in this area is of importance for future studies.

RUNX1 gene mutation in primary myelodysplastic syndrome--the mutation can be detected early at diagnosis or acquired during disease progression and is associated with poor outcome.

Mutations of Runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) have been detected in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). However, the prognostic implication of RUNX1 mutations in primary MDS is limited. The stage of the disease at which the mutations are acquired and whether they persist during the disease course also remain unclear.

Severe pulmonary complications after initial treatment with Rituximab for the Asian-variant of intravascular lymphoma.

Rituximab improves response to treatment and outcome for patients with CD20+ B-cell lymphoma. Herein, however, we report the occurrence of severe pulmonary complications shortly after rituximab infusion in three patients with the newly diagnosed Asian variant of intravascular lymphoma. It is suggested that patients with this subtype of lymphoma are monitored carefully for possible drug reactions during the use of rituximab.

Clinical implications of SOCS1 methylation in myelodysplastic syndrome.

The suppressor of cytokine signalling-1 (SOCS1) protein is a tumour suppressor. Hypermethylation of SOCS1 gene, resulting in transcriptional silencing, is suggested to play an important role in cancer development. We sought to characterise SOCS1 methylation in primary myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and clarify its clinical implications.

Reduction of leukocyte count is associated with thalidomide response in treatment of multiple myeloma.

Fifty Taiwanese patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (MM) were treated with thalidomide on a dose-escalation schedule, commencing with 100 mg/d nightly and incremented either to the maximally tolerated dose or 800 mg/d. Twenty-two patients (44%) responded, with 10 (45.5%) classified as partial remission and 12 (54.