Simplified assay for VWF cleaving protease (ADAMTS13) activity and inhibitor in plasma.

The absence of VWF cleaving protease activity (VWFcp, ADAMTS13) has recently been identified as a central component in the pathogenesis of TTP. Several assays for the measurement of ADAMTS13 activity have been described, but most are cumbersome and employ techniques not easily adapted to routine laboratories. Thus, ADAMTS13 assays are available at only a few reference or research laboratories.

High-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplant does not result in long-term disease-free survival in patients with recurrent chemotherapy-sensitive ALK-negative anaplastic large-cell lymphoma.

Primary systemic anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-negative anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) has a poor prognosis. This study sought to determine if high-dose therapy and ASCT results in long-term disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with recurrent, chemotherapy-sensitive ALK-negative ALCL. All patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) who underwent ASCT at Wake Forest University and Upstate Medical University from 1 January 1990 to 12 December 2002 were reviewed to determine if they had T-, B- or null-cell NHL that was CD30+/CD15-/ALK negative.

Arthritis associated with recurrent erythema multiforme responding to oral acyclovir.

Erythema multiforme is a skin condition frequently associated with herpes simplex virus and has a tendency to recur. Oral acyclovir has been successful in suppression of the disease. Here we report a patient who had recurrent erythema multiforme associated with recurrent polyarthritis that responded to oral acyclovir suppression therapy.

Immune reconstitution after hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation and its influence on respiratory infections.

Hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation has evolved as the best therapeutic option for many patients with hematologic malignancy, and it is becoming more common as a treatment for metabolic and autoimmune disorders. The conditioning regimen given before transplantation virtually eliminates all pre-existing immunity, and the resulting immune deficits leave the host susceptible to a variety of respiratory infections, many of which carry significant morbidity and mortality. These deficits resolve over time with re-constitution of the immune system.

Renal transplant and cytomegalovirus infection: experience in a community hospital program.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most frequently occurring opportunistic pathogen and single most important infectious agent in renal transplant recipients, contributing significantly to their morbidity and mortality. Infection generally occurs in the first four months after transplant and develops in about two-thirds of these patients overall. Cytomegalovirus infection may occur as a primary disease, a reactivation, or as a superinfection and may encompass a spectrum of diseases ranging from asymptomatic to fatal.