HCV infection in hemophilia A patients is associated with altered cytokines and chemokines profile and might modulate the levels of FVIII inhibitor.

Prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is high in hemophilia A patients and the development of FVIII inhibitor is another challenge in the management of these individuals. The influence of HCV infection in the occurrence of inhibitors was investigated by the comparison of clinical and laboratory data from noninfected (NI, n = 96) and chronically HCV-infected (HCV, n = 58) hemophilia A patients. Concentrations of plasmatic cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF, IFN-γ, and IL-17A) and chemokines (CCL2, CCL5, CXCL8, CXCL9, and CXCL10) were quantified from patients' samples.

Association between inflammatory molecules, nitric oxide metabolites and leg ulcers in individuals with sickle cell anemia.

Introduction: Leg ulcers (LUs) are relatively common in patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA). The role of inflammation and nitric oxide (NO) pathways in the pathophysiology of the LU is not understood.

Objective: The aim of this study was to verify the association between inflammatory molecules and nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) and the occurrence of the LU in patients with SCA.

Test seeking: are healthcare professionals referring people to blood centers for infections marker testing?

Background: Test-seeking is associated with HIV in Brazilian blood donors. This study sought to investigate the frequency with which three different donor groups: deferred donors, accepted donors who tested HIV positive [HIV (+)], and accepted donors who tested infectious disease markers negative [IDM (-)], came to the blood bank at the suggestion of a health care professional.

Study Design And Methods: Donors deferred for reporting high-risk behaviors and participants in an HIV risk factor case-control study completed a confidential audio computer-assisted self-interview (ACASI) that included two questions related to health care professionals and test-seeking.

Blood donation in a large urban centre of southeast Brazil: a population-based study.

Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and characterise potential blood donors and non-donors in a well-populated and representative urban area of Southeastern Brazil.

Background: Studies on blood donation usually evaluate individuals who donate. Population-based studies may contribute to characterise those who never reach the blood centre, trying to increase the range of donors.