Prevalence of thrombophilia in asymptomatic individuals with a family history of thrombosis.

Objective: The present study investigates the prevalence of thrombophilia in individuals with first or/and second degree family history of thromboembolism.

Material-methods: The study group consisted of 68 individuals with a first or second degree family history of venous or arterial thromboembolism, but without a personal history of thrombosis. The activity of ATIII, PC, PS, FVIII, FΧΙΙ and total homocysteine was measured on the ACL Advance coagulation analyzer.

Posaconazole: when and how? The clinician's view.

Posaconazole is the newest triazole antifungal agent available as an oral suspension with an extended spectrum of activity against Candida species, Aspergillus species, Cryptococcus neoformans, Zygomycetes and endemic fungi. Among posaconazole advantages are the relatively low potential of cross-resistance with other azoles, few drug interactions compared with other azoles and its activity against Zygomycetes. Randomised, double-blind trials have shown that posaconazole is effective for prophylaxis against invasive fungal infections (IFI), especially aspergillosis, in high-risk patients.

Platelet distribution width: a simple, practical and specific marker of activation of coagulation.

Background: Platelet indices are potentially useful markers for the early diagnosis of thromboembolic diseases. An increase in both mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) due to platelet activation, resulting from platelet swelling and pseudopodia formation was hypothesized.

Methods: Platelet indices (MPV and PDW) in three groups of persons, using impedance and optical technology were measured.