HALP score as a novel prognostic factor for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes.

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a heterogeneous spectrum of clonal hematopoietic disorders with varying degrees of cytopenia and morphologic dysplasia. The hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet (HALP) score is a prognostic marker in several types of malignant tumors. Prognostic value of HALP score remains unclear for MDS.

Impact of posaconazole prophylaxis and antifungal treatment on BAL GM performance in hematology malignancy patients with febrile neutropenia: a real life experience.

Background: Diagnostic accuracy of galactomannan measurements is highly variable depending on the study population, diagnostic procedures, and treatment procedures. We aimed to evaluate the effect of posaconazole prophylaxis and empiric antifungal treatment upon diagnostic accuracy of GM measurements in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), bronchial lavage (BL), and serum in hematological malignancy population.

Methods: Patients hospitalized in a single tertiary care center with hematologic malignancies undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) with a preliminary diagnosis of IPA were retrospectively included.

Systemic inflammatory indices for predicting prognosis of myelofibrosis.

The impact of inflammatory markers such as systemic immune-inflammation (SII) index and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) on myelofibrosis (MF) prognosis was evaluated for the first time in this study. Data from 60 patients diagnosed with MF between March 2011 and September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. In addition to disease-related markers, the impact of SII and SIRI on prognosis was evaluated.

Potential modifications of the PLASMIC scoring system for predicting thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: Sometimes, less is more.

Introduction: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a life-threatening occlusive disease of the microcirculation characterized by systemic platelet plugs, organ ischemia, deep thrombocytopenia, and fragmentation of erythrocytes. One of the widely used scoring system to determine the clinical probability of TTP is the PLASMIC scoring system. This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of PLASMIC score modifications to sensitivity and specificity in patients with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA) undergoing plasma exchange with a prediagnosis of TTP at our center.

The Role of White Blood Cell Count in Perianal Pathologies: A Retrospective Analysis of Hematologic Malignancies.

Background And Objective: Infections are the most common cause of anal and perianal pathologies in patients with hematological malignancies. Perianal infection diagnosis in this group of patients is difficult; thus, a careful anorectal examination is necessary with imaging modalities. In addition, the literature reveals a knowledge gap in the approach to anal pathologies in patients with neutropenia during diagnosis or chemotherapy.

Is split-dose better than single-dose? Results of Turkish Stem Cell Coordination Center (TURKOK) donors in the era of rising biosimilar G-CSF.

Background: Turkish Stem Cell Coordination Center (TURKOK) carries out the procurement process of unrelated allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells in Turkey. This study aims to compare the efficacy of both once-daily and divided-dose G-CSF administration and the original and biosimilar G-CSF use and the frequency and severity of adverse events in TURKOK donors.

Method: The study was conducted retrospectively with 142 healthy TURKOK donors.

The effect of comorbidities on the choice of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) approved for chronic myeloid leukemia known to have similar efficacies but different safety profiles. Therefore, the choice of patient-specific treatments is driven by factors such as tolerability and adverse event profile of TKIs. This review article examines the most up-to-date data and provides practical recommendations for clinical approaches.

The evaluation of risk factors leading to early deaths in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia: a retrospective study.

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) differs from other forms of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), including coagulopathy, hemorrhage, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and treatment success with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). Despite ATRA, early deaths (ED) are still common in APL. Here, we evaluated factors associated with ED and applicability of scoring systems used to diagnose DIC.

Patient characteristics and management practices in chronic myeloid leukemia in Turkey: reflections from an expert meeting.

Introduction: The therapeutic landscape of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has evolved significantly since the introduction of imatinib. The European LeukemiaNet (ELN) recommendations serve as a guide for diagnosis, treatment, and monitorization of CML, but availability and accessibility of diagnostic tools and medications affect their applicability.

Areas Covered: This article provides an overview of the current clinical management of CML in Turkey with reference to the key outputs of the online expert meeting held in November 2020.

Conventional Amphotericin B Associated Nephrotoxicity in Patients With Hematologic Malignancies.

Introduction:  Amphotericin B (AmB-d) is one of the most effective therapeutic options against frequently life-threatening systemic fungal infections in patients with hematologic malignancies. However, significant adverse effects including nephrotoxicity associated with its use limit its more widespread use. The objectives of our study were to determine the incidence of AmB-d associated nephrotoxicity, to evaluate clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients, and to support the notion that conventional amphotericin B remains a valid therapeutic option among hematologic patients with proper patient selection.

Identification of Psychological and Social Problems in Caregivers of Individuals Diagnosed with Hematologic Malignancy.

Objective: Caring for patients with hematological malignancy could lead to many problems in different aspects regarding the lives of caregivers. However, there is limited data on the emotional and social problems of caregivers, who deal with patients of hematological malignancy. The aim of this study is to determine the emotional and social problems in caregivers of individuals diagnosed with hematological malignancy.

Evaluation of Sexual Dysfunction in Patients with Hematological Malignancies.

Objective: Physiological and/or psychological problems that affect the quality of life of the patients occur depending on the diagnosis and treatment of hematological malignancies. Cancer treatment causes sexual problems such as infertility, vaginal dryness, and erectile dysfunction in the patients. Erectile dysfunction and loss of sexual desire are the most common sexual problems of men, while dyspareunia and loss of sexual desire are the most common sexual problems of women.

Efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib in patients with myelofibrosis: a retrospective and multicenter experience in Turkey.

Background/aim: The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib in patients with myelofibrosis.

Materials And Methods: From 15 centers, 176 patients (53.4% male, 46.

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci infection and predisposing factors for infection and mortality in patients with acute leukaemia and febrile neutropenia.

Background: Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) is an infectious agent that can increase morbidity and mortality, especially in patients with neutropenia in haematology departments. We analysed VRE infections and mortality rates among VRE colonized patients with acute leukaemia, defined predisposing risk factors for infection and mortality, and investigated the influence of daptomycin or linezolid treatment on mortality.

Patients-methods: We included 200 VRE colonized adult acute leukaemia patients with febrile neutropenia between January 2010 and January 2016.

Study for the Diagnostic Screening of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria in Older Patients with Unexplained Anemia and/or Cytopenia.

Background: Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare acquired hematopoietic stem cell disease that may lead to weakness and death of patients, if unrecognized and untreated. Although consensus guidelines were reviewed recently for the diagnostic screening of PNH with multi-parameter flow cytometry (FCM), until now, no study has investigated the efficiency of such clinical indications in older patients.

Methods: Overall, 20 centers participated in the study and a total of 1,689 patients were included, 313 of whom were at geriatric age and 1,376 were aged 18 - 64 years.

Patterns of Hydroxyurea Prescription and Use in Routine Clinical Management of Polycythemia Vera: A Multicenter Chart Review Study.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate real-life data on patterns of hydroxyurea prescription/use in polycythemia vera (PV).

Materials And Methods: This retrospective chart review study included PV patients who had received hydroxyurea therapy for at least 2 months after PV diagnosis. Data were collected from 10 representative academic medical centers.

Study for the diagnostic screening of paroxsymal nocturnal hemoglobinuria in Turkey: Prospective multicentric evaluation of suspected patients.

Background: Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare disease presenting with variable and various clinical findings. PNH might be overlooked and diagnosis may be delayed due to low awareness about PNH. This is the first multicenter study in Turkey, investigating the efficiency of diagnostic screening of PNH by multiparameter flow cytometry (FCM) according to consensus guidelines.

Polycythemia vera: diagnosis, clinical course, and current management.

Very important developments related to polycythemia vera (PV) have occurred during the last two decades. The discovery of Janus kinase (JAK) 2 mutations has changed both the diagnosis and clinical management of PV. Currently JAK2 molecular testing is essential in the diagnostic work-up and JAK2 mutation positivity is a major diagnostic criterion.

Frontline nilotinib treatment in Turkish patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic Myeloid Leukemia in chronic phase: updated results with 2 years of follow-up.

Objectives: This report presents final results (24 months of follow-up) from the first prospective, national study of frontline nilotinib in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients in Turkey.

Methods: Patients with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-positive CML in chronic phase (CML-CP; N = 112) received nilotinib 300 mg twice daily. The primary endpoint, which was the cumulative rate of major molecular response (MMR; BCR-ABL1 ≤ 0.

Outcomes with frontline nilotinib treatment in Turkish patients with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase.

Objectives: Nilotinib is a BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (CML-CP). This study was the first prospective evaluation of the efficacy and safety of nilotinib in Turkish patients with newly diagnosed CML-CP. The primary endpoint of the study was the rate of major molecular response (MMR; BCR-ABL1 ≤ 0.

Pain, anxiety, and depression during bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.

Objectives: This study is performed with the aim of prospectively analyzing the factors that affect pain, anxiety, and depression in cases for whom bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are performed and the relationships among them.

Methods: This study consisted of 90 patients who consulted to Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Uludag University, and followed-up for bone marrow aspiration and biopsy indication. The data was gathered using a personal information form, Hospital Anxiety Depression scale, and Wong-Baker face pain scale where generally face expressions exist.

Streptococcus pneumoniae sepsis as the initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective: Infections are among the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) but are rare initial presentation of the disease. Therefore, in this study, we describe a case of Streptococcus pneumoniae sepsis in a young woman with previously undiagnosed SLE.

Case Report: A 23-year-old female patient was admitted to our outpatient clinic complaining of high fever (40°C), chills, fatigue, generalized myalgia, and cough with brown sputum for 5 days.

Comparison of galactomannan, beta-D-glucan, and Aspergillus DNA in sera of high-risk adult patients with hematological malignancies for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis.

Background/aim: Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a fatal infection that is difficult to diagnose in immunocompromised patients. In this study, Aspergillus-specific DNA was searched using real-time PCR (RT-PCR) in serum samples. Galactomannan (GM) and/or beta-D-glucan (BDG) tests were previously performed on these samples for 70 neutropenic patients with hematological malignancy.