A new alpha(0)-thalassemia deletion found in a Dutch family (--(AW)).

Alpha-thalassemia is an inherited hemoglobin disorder characterized by a microcytic hypochromic anemia caused by a quantitative reduction of the alpha-globin chain. The majority of the alpha-thalassemias is caused by deletions in the alpha-globin gene cluster. A deletion in the alpha-globin gene cluster, which was found in a Dutch family, was characterized by MLPA, long-range PCR and direct sequencing.

Hb Zoetermeer: a new mutation on the alpha2 gene inducing an Ala-->Ser substitution at codon 21 is possibly associated with a mild thalassemic phenotype.

A 52-year-old Dutch male was referred to our laboratory for hemoglobinopathy analysis because of persistent microcytic hypochromic parameters and moderate erythrocytosis in the absence of iron deficiency. The hemoglobin (Hb) pattern was normal and breakpoint polymerase chain reaction (PCR) excluded the six common deletion defects of the alpha gene cluster. Direct sequencing revealed a GCT-->TCT transversion at codon 21 of the alpha2 gene generating an Ala-->Ser single amino acid substitution.

Balloon vertebroplasty with calcium phosphate cement augmentation for direct restoration of traumatic thoracolumbar vertebral fractures.

Study Design: A human cadaveric model was used to evaluate balloon vertebroplasty in traumatic vertebral fractures.

Objectives: To assess the feasibility and safety of balloon vertebroplasty followed by calcium phosphate cement augmentation to prevent recurrent kyphosis.

Summary Of Background Data: Failure after short-segment pedicle-screw fixation for the treatment of vertebral fractures is probably caused by a redistribution of disc material through the fractured endplate into the vertebral body, causing a decrease in anterior column support.

[Perioperative mortality and the role of anesthesiologic activity at the Vrije University Hospital in Amsterdam].

Objective: To determine the perioperative mortality and the share of anaesthesiological activity in it.

Design: Retrospective, descriptive.

Setting: VU University Hospital, Amsterdam.