We report a case of homozygous beta thalassaemia who developed chronic paraparesis due to spinal cord compression by paravertebral extramedullary masses. Our patient was successfully treated with hypertransfusion and hydroxyurea. This drug in addition to its well-known cytostatic effects, may be a good alternative in conditions analogous to our case. This action of hydroxyurea can also be attributed to its favourable effect on foetal haemoglobin production.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Extramedullary blast crisis in chronic myelogenous leukemia presenting with manifestations of cauda equina syndrome.

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Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

HLA antigens and Adamantiades-Behçet's disease (A-BD) in Greeks.

The distribution frequency of HLA-A and B antigens was determined in 24 Greek individuals with Adamantiades-Behçet's disease (A-BD) as well as in 280 controls. The standard NIH technique was used for tissue typing. There was an increased incidence of HLA-B5 in the patients group (75% compared to controls 32%). The calculated P corrected value was Pc less than 0.02, the relative risk (RR) was 6.23 and the aetiological fraction (EF) 0.68. This study agrees with the reported association between A-BD and HLA-B5 in other populations from the Mediterranean basin, the Middle East and Far East.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Multiple myeloma associated with autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

A rare case of multiple myeloma associated with severe Coombs-positive hemolytic anemia is described. A 60-year-old woman was hospitalized for acute hemolysis due to an IgG warm autoantibody with pan-agglutinin specificity. Serum and urine electrophoresis revealed the presence of a monoclonal IgGk protein and a BJk protein, respectively. Bone marrow aspirates showed diffuse infiltration with plasma cells, and skeletal survey revealed lytic lesions in the skull and diffuse osteoporosis. Treatment with prednisone, and subsequently with melphalan, cyclophosphamide and vincristine resulted in hematological improvement within two weeks. A reduction of paraprotein below 50% of the initial levels was found after six months of therapy.

Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune↗