A comparison between erythrocytapheresis and venesection for the treatment of JAK2-mutated polycythaemia.

Background: JAK2-mutated polycythaemia vera (PV) is associated with reduced survival because of thrombotic events and haematological disease transformation. Therapeutic venesection has traditionally been used to lower haematocrit, but the technique of erythrocytapheresis has emerged over the last decade.

Aim: To compare erythrocytapheresis with venesection as treatment for PV by assessing medical efficacy and financial viability.

Indium-labelled autologous platelet sequestration studies predict response to splenectomy in immune thrombocytopenia: an Australian experience.

Background: Splenectomy is an effective intervention in primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Attempts to define pre-clinical predictors of platelet response to splenectomy are inconsistent. Based on international studies defining the likelihood of platelet response using platelet sequestration, patients with relapsed/refractory ITP being considered for splenectomy at a regional Australian hospital were assessed with indium-labelled autologous platelet sequestration (ILAPS) studies.

Phase 3 study of subcutaneous bortezomib, thalidomide, and prednisolone consolidation after subcutaneous bortezomib-based induction and autologous stem cell transplantation in patients with previously untreated multiple myeloma: the VCAT study.

Efficacy and safety of bortezomib-based consolidation following ASCT were investigated in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients from Australia, Korea, and China. Patients received three cycles of bortezomib-cyclophosphamide-dexamethasone induction followed by high-dose therapy/ASCT, then were randomized (1:1) to consolidation with TP (thalidomide 100 mg/d for ≤12 months/until disease progression; prednisolone 50 mg on alternate days indefinitely/until disease progression;  = 100) or VTP (subcutaneous bortezomib 1.3 mg/m every 2 weeks for 32 weeks, plus TP;  = 103).

FLORID NEOVASCULARIZATION OF THE RETINA IN A DIABETIC PATIENT UNDERGOING INDUCTION AND CONSOLIDATION THERAPY FOR ACUTE PROMYELOCYTIC LEUKEMIA.

Purpose: To report on a 39-year-old gentleman with a background of Type 2 diabetes mellitus who was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), which was treated by all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), and subsequently developed bilateral neovascularization of the disk (NVD).

Methods: Ophthalmic examination and investigation including fundus photography and fluorescein angiography.

Results: Three months after commencement of ATRA therapy, the patient was found to have florid bilateral NVD with adjacent preretinal and intraretinal hemorrhages.

A retrospective audit of the use of Prothrombinex-HT for refractory bleeding following adult cardiac surgery.

Objective: To review the frequency of use, possible efficacy and safety profile of Prothrombinex-HT (CSL Bioplasma, Melbourne, VIC) in treatment of patients with microvascular bleeding refractory to standard measures after cardiothoracic surgery.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of 60 consecutive cardiothoracic surgical patients who received Prothrombinex-HT between February and August 2003. Data collected included baseline demographic information, nature and complexity of surgery, preoperative medications, baseline haematological parameters and evidence of clinically significant prothrombotic complications.