Transfusion support for matched sibling allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (1993-2010): factors that predict intensity and time to transfusion independence.

Background: Patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant require variable, often extensive transfusion support. Identification of factors that predict urgent, intensive, or special needs should improve management of these patients.

Study Design And Methods: This is a retrospective study of red blood cell (RBC) and platelet transfusion support provided for sequential matched sibling donor allogeneic transplants conducted at the Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, from 1993 through 2010.

Cross-species prediction of human survival probabilities for accelerated anthrax vaccine absorbed (AVA) regimens and the potential for vaccine and antibiotic dose sparing.

Anthrax vaccine adsorbed (AVA, BioThrax) was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) indication in adults 18-65years of age. The schedule is three doses administered subcutaneous (SC) at 2-week intervals (0, 2, and 4weeks), in conjunction with a 60-day course of antimicrobials. The Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise (PHEMCE) developed an animal model to support assessment of a shortened antimicrobial PEP duration following Bacillus anthracis exposure.

Evaluation of early immune response-survival relationship in cynomolgus macaques after Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed vaccination and Bacillus anthracis spore challenge.

Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed (AVA, BioThrax) is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) of anthrax in adults. The PEP schedule is 3 subcutaneous (SC) doses (0, 14 and 28 days), in conjunction with a 60 day course of antimicrobials. The objectives of this study were to understand the onset of protection from AVA PEP vaccination and to assess the potential for shortening the duration of antimicrobial treatment (http://www.

The utility of bronchoalveolar lavage beta-D-glucan testing for the diagnosis of invasive fungal infections.

Objectives: To investigate the utility of beta-D-glucan (BDG) testing in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid for the diagnosis of invasive fungal infection (IFI), as compared to BAL galactomannan (GM).

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 132 consecutive patients at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in whom BAL BDG testing was performed for diagnosis of pneumonia. Using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group guidelines, we determined which patients had proven or probable IFI, and assessed the diagnostic performance of BAL BDG testing, relative to BAL GM.