Quality Matters - Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation versus Transfusion and Chelation in Thalassemia Major.

Objective: To compare quality of life of children with thalassemia major who have undergone stem cell transplantation with those on regular transfusion.

Methods: The study included 40 children who underwent transplantation and 40 children and 20 adults on regular transfusion and iron chelation therapy. The quality of life assessment was done using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.

Ushering a New Era in the Management of Hepatitis C in Children with Hematological Disorders.

Transfusion-transmitted hepatitis C is a major concern among thalassemia patients. Our aim is to estimate the prevalence of Hepatitis C infection among thalassemia patients and to assess the treatment response, adverse effects of Peg-interferon based regimen and the new direct-acting antiviral drugs. Patients with thalassemia receiving regular blood transfusions with positive anti HCV antibodies during a period from January 2012 to June 2017 were analyzed.

Esterase activity of Candida species isolated from immunocompromised hosts.

A total of 149 clinical isolates of Candida species isolated from immunocompromised patients were examined to ascertain their esterase activity by the Tween 80 opacity test, which is a biochemical test used mainly to differentiate between Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis. Our results showed that C. albicans (92.

Candidosis in children with onco-hematological diseases in Chennai, south India.

Candida spp. are recognized as a leading contributor to mortality and morbidity in patients with onco-hematological malignancies. The rates and risk factors for mycotic infections in pediatric oncology patients are undetermined, particularly for those treated at centers in developing countries.

Cutaneous zygomycosis due to Rhizopus oryzae in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

We report herein a case of primary cutaneous zygomycosis caused by Rhizopus oryzae in a 7-year-old girl with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) receiving intensive chemotherapy. The diagnosis was based on observation of hyphal elements in cutaneous biopsy and isolation of the fungus in culture. The patient responded to surgical intervention and treatment with amphotericin B.

Adenocarcinoma of the colon as a second malignancy in a child.

Solid tumors as second malignancies are not common in children who have been managed for lymphoproliferative disorders. We report a case of adenocarcinoma (AC) of the colon as a second malignancy in a patient who was on maintenance chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In children, primary AC of the colon is very rare; colonic AC occurring as a second malignancy in a child is rarer still.

Body proportions in Fanconi anemia heterozygotes.

To study the anthropometric ratios in parents (heterozygotes) of children with Fanconi anemia. The study was carried out in the Department of Hematology, Institute of Child Health & Hospital for Children, Chennai. Parents of children with Fanconi anemia were the subjects of the study.

An epidemic of dengue haemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome in tropical India.

An epidemic of dengue haemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome occurred in Chennai, South India in 1989 during and following the rainy season. Sixty-nine infants and children admitted to the Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children with a brief febrile illness associated with skin and mucous membrane bleeds and/or shock were studied. Forty-nine had antibodies to dengue viruses.