Post-transfusion purpura: a challenging diagnosis.

Background: Post-transfusion purpura is a rare syndrome characterized by severe thrombocytopenia and bleeding caused by alloimunization to human platelet specific antigens following a blood component transfusion. The suggested incidence is 1:50,000-100,000 transfusions, most often occurring in multiparous women. The diagnosis is not easy because these patients, who are often critically ill or post-surgery, have alternative explanations for thrombocytopenia such as infection, drugs, etc.

Quality of life and social support following distal arterial bypass in elderly patients.

Background: The chronic progressive course of peripheral arterial occlusive disease with its limb-threatening and life-threatening potential is associated with physical, psychological and social distress for elderly patients and their families.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of infra-inguinal bypass surgery for limb salvage, and social support, on quality of life in elderly patients (over 60 years old).

Methods: Sixty patients aged 60 years and above diagnosed with limb-threatening ischemia were evaluated using the SF-36 generic questionnaire for quality of life, and the MOS-SS questionnaire for social support.

Surgery of the superficial venous system in elderly patients.

Chronic venous insufficiency, which traditionally has been attributed to failure of the deep venous system, may result from reflux in the superficial venous system. Chronic venous insufficiency is common in elderly patients, but surgical treatment is seldom offered to this patient population. We evaluated the results of superficial venous surgery for the treatment of severe chronic venous insufficiency in a cohort of elderly patients.