Cytosine arabinoside and daunorubicin induction therapy in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia on chronic hemodialysis.

The combination of daunorubicin and cytarabine is the cornerstone of induction therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Little data are available on the optimal chemotherapy regimen for patients with AML and advanced renal failure, with some authors recommending administration of reduced daunorubicin doses. We report the case of a 54-year-old AML patient on chronic hemodialysis who was treated with a modified induction regimen with reduced-dose daunorubin.

Factors predicting relapse in elderly patients with major depressive disorder treated with escitalopram in an outpatient setting.

Objective: We investigated which factors can best predict relapse in older patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who have achieved remission with escitalopram.

Methods: A total of 405 patients who were 65 years or older with a primary diagnosis of MDD received 12 week, open-label escitalopram 10 or 20 mg/day. Patients in remission (MADRS ≤12) at Week 12 were randomized to 24 weeks of double-blind treatment with either placebo or escitalopram (fixed dose from Week 6).

Idiopathic aplastic anemia: diagnosis and classification.

Aplastic anemia (AA) is a disease characterized by pancytopenia and hypoplastic bone marrow caused by the decrease of hematopoietic stem cells. The pathogenesis of AA is complex and involves an abnormal hematopoietic microenvironment, hematopoietic stem cell/progenitor cell deficiencies and immunity disorders. Survival in severe aplastic anemia (SAA) has markedly improved in the past 4 decades because of advances in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, immunosuppressive and biologic drugs, and supportive care.