Hyperhaemolytic transfusion reaction in two β-thalassaemia major patients: The role of eculizumab.

What Is Known And Objective: Hyperhaemolytic transfusion reactions are rare life-threatening events predominantly affecting patients with haemoglobinopathies. We report two cases in β-thalassaemia major patients on chronic transfusion therapy and highlight the role of eculizumab in its management.

Case Summary: Patient 1 presented with intravascular haemolysis on day 7 (D7) post-transfusion and responded to treatment with corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin.

Prediction of long-term survival in patients with transfusion-dependent hemoglobinopathies: Insights from cardiac imaging and ferritin.

Aims: The current study evaluated the association of echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), and ferritin data with 10-year survival in thalassemia patients.

Methods: Demographics, ferritin, echocardiography, and CMR parameters of stable consecutive thalassemia patients were prospectively collected.

Results: In total, 75 patients (mean age 37 ± 11 years, 45% male) with thalassemia were included and dichotomized based on their survival status after a median follow-up period of 10.

Left Atrial Strain Identifies Increased Atrial Ectopy in Patients with Beta-Thalassemia Major.

Patients with beta-thalassemia major (β-ΤΜ) may develop cardiac arrhythmias through a multifactorial mechanism. The current study evaluated the association of cardiac structure and function on echocardiography with atrial ectopic burden on 24-hour tape recording in β-ΤΜ patients. This prospective study included consecutive β-ΤΜ patients.

A survey to evaluate the implementation of vaccine recommendations among rheumatologists practicing in Greece.

Objectives: We sought to document the knowledge, perceptions and attitudes toward vaccinations among rheumatologists practicing in Greece.

Methods: Rheumatologists practicing in Greece in 2015 were surveyed by questionnaire during the Postgraduate Course of the Greek Rheumatology Society. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS software.

A meta-analysis to determine the effect of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments on fibromyalgia symptoms comprising OMERACT-10 response criteria.

Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain, sleep problems, fatigue, functional impairment, psychological distress, and cognitive dysfunction. The objective of this meta-analysis is to synthesize the available data on the effectiveness of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions across all domains included in the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials (OMERACT-10) fibromyalgia response definitions, and to examine response based on these definitions. We searched Cochrane, PubMed, Scopus, and the reference lists of articles for randomized controlled trials of any drug formulation or non-pharmacological intervention used for fibromyalgia treatment.

Role of vaccinations and prophylaxis in rheumatic diseases.

Targeted strategies for reducing the increased risk of infection in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases include vaccinations as well as antibiotic prophylaxis in selected patients. However, there are still issues under debate: Is vaccination in patients with rheumatic diseases immunogenic? Is it safe? What is the impact of immunosuppressive drugs on vaccine immunogenicity and safety? Does vaccination cause disease flares? In which cases is prophylaxis against Pneumocystis jirovecii required? This review addresses these important questions to which clinicians and researchers still do not have definite answers. The first part includes immunization recommendations and reviews current data on vaccine efficacy and safety in patients with rheumatic diseases.

Comparison of national clinical practice guidelines and recommendations on vaccination of adult patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases.

The aim of the study is to identify and compare national recommendations on vaccination of adult patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) in Europe, North America, and Australia. We conducted a search for recommended immunizations in adult patients with ARDs in the Medline database and the Web sites of National Rheumatologic Societies, Ministries of Health, National Advisory Committees on Immunization, and other relevant National Scientific Societies. We compared national guidelines and identified points of agreement and differences.

Monte Carlo estimation of radiation doses in red bone marrow and breast in common pediatric x-ray examinations.

Radiation exposure was investigated for children undergoing various common radiographies in three dedicated pediatric hospitals in Greece. Kerma in air at the entrance of the beam (Ka,e) was measured with thermoluminescent dosimeters. Ka,e values ranged from 0.

Derivation of ozone flux-yield relationships for lettuce: a key horticultural crop.

Ozone flux-response relationships were derived for lettuce, employing a multiplicative approach to model the manner in which stomatal conductance is influenced by key environmental variables, using a dataset collected during field experimentation in Crete and yield-response relationships derived from parallel open-top chamber experiments. Regional agronomic practices were adopted throughout. Computed versus measured data revealed that the derived model explained 51% (P<0.