The importance of the clinical classification of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) in the prognosis.

Background: Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), a peripheral T-cell leukemia/lymphoma associated with the human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1), has been classified following the clinical forms defined by Shimoyama in 1991. A suggestion to modify Shimoyama's classification was proposed in 2007 to differentiate within the smoldering patients those who presented nodules or tumors in the skin without lung involvement, which was named the primary cutaneous tumoral (PCT) form of ATLL. In the present study, according to their clinicopathological characteristics, we estimated the mortality rates of 143 ATLL patients from Bahia, Brazil.

Evaluation of anemia after long-term treatment with imatinib in chronic myeloid leukemia patients in chronic phase.

Introduction: The incidence of grade 3-4 anemia was reported to be 3% with imatinib therapy for newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in the chronic phase (CP). However, there are few data regarding the causes and the development of anemia after long-term treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of anemia after at least two years of imatinib treatment of CML patients in the CP and to identify other contributing causes of anemia in this population.

Acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura due to antibody-mediated ADAMTS13 deficiency precipitated by a localized Castleman's disease: a case report.

Acquired ADAMTS13 inhibitor causing thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) may be precipitated by some infections, inflammatory diseases or neoplasia. We reported a case of refractory TTP precipitated by a newly diagnosed localized Castleman's disease (CD). TTP was initially treated with plasma exchange and immunosuppressive therapy with corticosteroids; however the treatment failed to promote sustained response.

Evaluation of extracurricular internships in the adult's intensive care units.

Objectives: Students of Salvador - BA, Brazil were trained in critical care medicine by accomplishing extracurricular internships. This study aims to detect changes in attitude and interest of students who concluded these internships as well as the most frequent activities developed.

Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional survey conducted with students who did extracurricular internships in adult intensive care units during the second semester of 2006.