Disease Perception Is Correlated with Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients Suffering from Myelodysplastic Syndromes: Results of the Belgian Be-QUALMS Study.

Patients with myelodysplastic syndromes suffer from an impaired quality of life that is only partially explained by physical symptoms. In an observational study, we aimed to investigate the impact of current MDS treatments and the influence of disease perception on quality of life. Serial measurement of health-related quality of life was performed by 'the QUALMS', a validated MDS-specific patient reported outcome tool.

Cobalamin and folic acid deficiencies presenting with features of a thrombotic microangiopathy: a case series.

We report three cases of vitamin B12 and/or folic acid deficiencies presenting with non-immune hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. This presentation, with features of a thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), has earlier been described as 'pseudo-TMA'.

Results from the Belgian mantle cell lymphoma registry.

Introduction: Mantle cell lymphoma is a B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma characterized by a t(11;14), resulting in overexpression of cyclin D1. Conventional chemotherapy obtains frequent (but short) remissions, leading to a poor median overall survival (OS) of 3-5 years. To obtain more information about the prevalence and current treatment of Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) in Belgium, we collected data in a Belgian registry of MCL.

Adequate iron chelation therapy for at least six months improves survival in transfusion-dependent patients with lower risk myelodysplastic syndromes.

Background: Most patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) require transfusions at the risk of iron overload and associated organ damage, and death. Emerging evidence indicates that iron chelation therapy (ICT) could reduce mortality and improve survival in transfusion-dependent MDS patients, especially those classified as International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) Low or Intermediate-1 (Low/Int-1).

Methods: Follow-up of a retrospective study.