VWF-ADAMTS13 axis dysfunction in children with sickle cell disease treated with hydroxycarbamide vs blood transfusion.

Previous studies have reported elevated von Willebrand factor (VWF) levels in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) and demonstrated a key role for the VWF-ADAMTS13 axis in the pathobiology of SCD vaso-occlusion. Although blood transfusion is the gold standard for stroke prevention in SCD, the biological mechanisms underpinning its improved efficacy compared with hydroxycarbamide are not fully understood. We hypothesized that the improved efficacy of blood transfusion might relate to differences in VWF-ADAMTS13 axis dysfunction.

Total femoral arthroplasty for non-oncological indications.

Aims: Total femoral arthroplasty (TFA) is a rare procedure used in cases of significant femoral bone loss, commonly from cancer, infection, and trauma. Low patient numbers have resulted in limited published work on long-term outcomes, and even less regarding TFA undertaken for non-oncological indications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of all TFAs in our unit.

Motivators and barriers to blood donation among potential donors of African and Caucasian ethnicity.

Background: Minority blood donation, especially from individuals of African ethnicity, is a focus for many countries with diverse populations. As the need for antigen-negative RBC transfusions for patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) continues to grow, inclusion of more African blood donors is essential to ensure this demand is met.

Materials And Methods: This study aims to explore barriers and motivators to blood donation and awareness of SCD among potential donors of diverse ethnic backgrounds in Ireland.