Immature platelet fraction as a predictor of platelet count recovery following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.

The immature platelet fraction (IPF) is a marker of increased platelet production. An increase in IPF is associated with increased marrow production; therefore, a subsequent increase in a bone marrow transplant recipient during the pancytopenic phase may correlate with platelet recovery and engraftment. We performed a retrospective cohort study and evaluated 32 patients who underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.

MPN: The Molecular Drivers of Disease Initiation, Progression and Transformation and their Effect on Treatment.

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) constitute a group of disorders identified by an overproduction of cells derived from myeloid lineage. The majority of MPNs have an identifiable driver mutation responsible for cytokine-independent proliferative signalling. The acquisition of coexisting mutations in chromatin modifiers, spliceosome complex components, DNA methylation modifiers, tumour suppressors and transcriptional regulators have been identified as major pathways for disease progression and leukemic transformation.

Atypical features in a patient with acute promyelocytic leukaemia: a potential diagnostic pitfall.

Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APML) is a malignancy with a high cure rate; however, delay in diagnosis or treatment can result in morbidity and mortality. APML has characteristic clinical, morphological, immunophenotypic and molecular features. In patients with acute leukaemia, a high index of suspicion is required to exclude APML.

Bleeding associated with acquired factor V inhibitor in a patient on warfarin treated successfully with prednisolone.

An 85-year-old man on warfarin for atrial fibrillation presented with skin bleeding. International normalised ratio (INR) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were elevated and did not correct even after warfarin reversal with vitamin K, prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) and fresh frozen plasma. Mixing coagulation studies with normal plasma suggested the presence of an inhibitor rather than the multiple coagulation factor deficiencies expected with warfarin.