FLT3/ITD associated with an immature immunophenotype in PML-RARα leukemia.

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is characterized by the specific PML-RARα fusion gene resulting from translocation t(15;17) (q22;q12). Internal tandem duplication (ITD) of the FLT3 gene has been observed in approximately 35% of APLs, and large-scale studies have identified the presence of ITD as an adverse prognostic factor for acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) patients. Aberrant expressions of surface antigens, such as CD2, CD34, and CD56, have been found in APL, but the implications of this are not well understood.

Automatic detection of immature platelets for decision making regarding platelet transfusion indications for pediatric patients.

Immature or reticulated platelets are known as a clinical marker of thrombopoiesis. Recently, an automatic method was established to detect reticulated platelets as immature platelet fraction (IPF) by means of hematology analyzer XE-2100. We assessed the effects of IPF detection after chemotherapy for various pediatric malignant disorders of 16 patients.

[EDTA-dependent pseudothrombocytopenia: clinical aspects and laboratory tests].

EDTA-dependent pseudothrombocytopenia (EDTA-PTCP) is a phenomenon caused by EDTA-dependent anti-platelet antibody. This antibody induces platelet agglutination in vitro, resulting in a decrease in platelet counts. It is necessary for clinicians to consider the possible presence of PTCP in cases of patients having low platelet counts without any hemorrhagic tendency.