Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to C Servais.
The increasing importance of accurately coded data cannot be overlooked. Although shortages of staff, time, and feelings of inadequate expertise exist, these barriers can be overcome by using computers as a basis for a focused review system that is incorporated into the daily coding routine.
ANCA antibodies represent a family of autoantibodies directed against neutrophil enzymes. Immunofluorescence patterns allow to distinguish c-ANCAs from p-ANCAs. The detection of ANCAs is often a key element for the diagnosis of Wegener's granulomatosis, microperiarteritis, Churg-Strauss syndrome and idiopathic rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. Although the pathogenic role of ANCAs is not firmly established, their detection often allows an early therapeutic decision in necrotizing vasculitides.
Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) is due to fetomaternal incompatibility for platelet specific antigens, most frequently HPA-1a (PLA1) and HPA-5b (BRa). It occurs in approximately 1/2.000-1/5.000 births. The most serious complication of NAIT is intracranial hemorrhage. The risk of life-threatening hemorrhage must lead to prompt diagnosis and effective therapy. Improvements in antenatal diagnosis and in utero therapy facilitate appropriate management of pregnancy at risk for NAIT. We report our experience with the serological diagnosis of 14 NAIT cases using new performing techniques such as western blotting (WB) and MAIPA (monoclonal antibody specific immobilization of platelet antigens).