A medical book need not be pretty, but it must be necessary and informative. This monograph on the clinical and diagnostic pathology of graft-versus-host disease, provid ing detailed visual information on the histo morphological and immunohistological fea tures of GvHD, is intended to close a gap in the otherwise comprehensive medical literature on GvHD. B. Heymer Acknowledgements No one accumulates knowledge alone. lowe thanks to: Prof. G. R. F. Kruger, Houston, for introducing me to the histomorphological analysis of GvHD Prof. R. Arnold, Berlin, for many fruitful clinico pathological discussions Prof. K. H. Muller-Hermelink, Wurzburg, for expert advice in difficult histological differential diagnoses Prof. W. Mohr, Ulm, for continuous support and encouragement in moments of fatigue Last, but by no means least, Mrs. R. Endres-Klein, Ulm, without whom the preparation of this book would have been impossible In addition, I am grateful to the editorial staff at Springer, Heidelberg. B. Heymer Contents 1 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1. 1 What Is Graft-Versus-Host Disease? 1 1. 2 Has the Pathology of GvHD Changed in the Past Decades? . . . . 1 1. 3 Why Write a Synopsis of the Clinical and Diagnostic Pathology of GvHO? 2 2 Occurrence of GvHD . . . . . . . . . 5 2. 1 GvHD After Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2. 2 GvHD After Allogeneic Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation 6 2. 3 Alternative Donors . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 2. 4 Umbilical Cord Blood . . . . . . . . . . 7 2. 5 GvHD After Materno-fetal Transfusion 8 2. 6 GvHD After Blood Transfusion . . . . . 9 2."

J. DE GROOTE One of the most ominous and troublesome complications of the liver disease is the appearance of hemorrhagic phenomena. Many careful clini- cal observations about the relationship of liver function and of bilia- ry tree pathology have been published. A vast amount of research work has been devoted to the subject. The severity of the hemorrhagic disor- der is usually in relation to the liver disease. In mild chronic hepa- titis or short lasting obstruction slight subcutaneous or mucosal blee- ding may (lraw the attention of the patient and the doctor, but they are as such far from dangerous. However in acute hepatic insufficiency, in biliary cirrhosis the bleeding tendency is to be considered as a life threatening complication in about half of the cases. Moreover coagulation disturbances aggravate bleeding not only from ruptured oesophageal or gastric varices but also from gastritis or peptic ulcer. 11enometrorrhagia, epistaxis and gingival bleeding may be very trouble- some in these conditions. The use of diagnostic procedures sucl. as liver puncture biopsy and peritoneoscopy are often impossible when platelets and prothrombine time are too low. In order to overcome this difficul- ty a procedure has been worked out taking a biopsy through a trans- jugular catheter placed in the hepatic vein. If a bleeding from the liver occurs it will be in the circulatory system and not cause any trouble.

International experts not only review the state-of-the-art in managing children and adults with acute leukemia, but also debate the pros and cons of current controversial and problematic issues. The book summarizes the best diagnostic and treatment practices for acute leukemias in children, adolescents, and adults. Among the therapies discussed are methotrexate, asparaginase, antipurines, epipodophyllotoxins, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, hematopoietic growth factors, and immunotherapy.

Hemoglobin and Hemoglobinologists This volume, Hemoglobin Disorders: Molecular Methods and Protocols, will be introduced with a review of the great milestones in the field, and the scientists responsible for those achievements. The history of hemoglobin can be divided into three periods: the Classical period, the Modern period, and the Post-Modern period. I am inclined to include as the four major members of the classical period Francis Roughton, Quentin Gibson, Jeffries Wyman, and Linus Pauling, not only because of their achievements, but also because of the superb scientists they trained and/or influenced. Francis John Worsely Roughton (1899-1972) (Fig. 1), in his laboratory at Trinity College in Cambridge, England, made the first measurements of the rapid reaction of oxygen with hemoglobin at the millisecond scale, at first by flow-mixing methods and later by flash photolysis. He not only opened an era of molecular research of hemoglobin, but also invented the methodology for fast reactions through the use of laser technology, which was later improved by others so that even faster reactions could be detected. Another contribution of Roughton was the education of Quentin H. Gibson (Fig. 2), his favorite s- dent, who, in his laboratory in Sheffield, continued to expand the horizon of ligand binding to hemoglobin, defining the oxygen binding constants for each of the hemes of hemoglobin. Though this did not, as expected, solve the und- lying mechanism of ligand cooperativity as discussed below, it was nonet- less an important milestone.

A comprehensive and critical review of the latest scientific advances in our understanding of the molecular genetics and biology of CLL and their application to the best management of CLL. The authors focus on diagnosis, prognosis, multifaceted treatment options, and complications. Among the diverse treatments considered are chemotherapy, autologous and allogenic transplantations, monoclonal antibody therapy, immunotoxin therapy, gene therapy, and several new therapeutic strategies. Familial and juvenile chronic lymphocytic leukemia are also discussed.

In Leukemia and Lymphoma: Detection of Minimal Residual Disease, hands-on experts describe and discuss the minimal residual disease (MRD) methods they have successfully pioneered for leukemias and lymphomas. They apply reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Other PCR methods are used for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and for the monitoring of follicular lymphoma. Additional chapters address the use of real-time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR), the emergent method of choice, in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the evaluation of MRD techniques in clinical trials, and the application of flow cytometry techniques.

Now in its second edition, Modern Hematology: Biology and Clinical Management reflects the major advances in the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of blood disorders. It describes the latest clinical and scientific developments as well as details targeted and molecular therapies. The book brings together facts, concepts, and protocols important for the practice of hematology. In 23 chapters, all major blood diseases are covered, as well as rare diseases that are of scientific interest. As in the previous edition, each chapter is illustrated by tables, figures, and a selection of color plates.

The extravasation of cytotoxic agents can result in severe local tissue damage and medical emergencies during tumour therapy. This revised compendium is intended to help clinicians assess any situation speedily and with certainty. The general section of the book includes topics such as predisposition, prevention, type of harm, general measures in handling extravasated drugs, specific antidotes, and documentation. In the 2nd edition, the scientific information contained in the general section and relating to the actual substances has been updated. The substance specific part of the book includes detailed instructions on handling more than 50 cytotoxic drugs, to initiate targeted measures. Templates for an extravasation set, overview tables, documentation sheets, and patient information, as we as a CD-ROM are included to support clinical practice. The book is the outcome of a consensus of an interdisciplinary working group that has collected and systematically reviewed all published literature on the topic.

Anemia in the elderly has been properly defined as the silent epidemic, representing 3 million people in the United States aged 65 years and older. Incidence and prevalence of this condition increase with age. It differs in its etiology, pathogenesis and treatment from anemia in children and younger adults. Anemia is associated with reduced survival, increased risk of functional dependence and hospitalization, increased risk of congestive heart failure and stage renal disease and cognitive disorders. Approximately 70% of anemia in older individuals is reversible.

Sickle cell disease (SCD), an inherited hemolytic anemia, is associated with multiple acute and chronic complications such as painful vasoocclusive events, cerebral vasculopathy, priapism, and renal or lung disease. These complications are variable and unpredictable, and can be associated with significant morbidity and poor quality of life. This book covers several areas regarding pathology, diagnosis, complications, signs, symptoms and medical treatments. There are few studies in literature on the role of physiotherapy as a resource to prevent and treat locomotor system disorders, respiratory problems and painful crises in SCD individuals. This book highlights the role of physiotherapy in sickle cell anemia. A comprehensive and authoritative monograph, this book will be equally interesting to both established researchers and to graduate students interested in both genetics and the physical therapy field.

This is a concise, practical, case-based book documenting examples and scenarios that will help you manage challenging clinical issues for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms. The editors and authors have strived to distil the very latest information in this rapidly advancing field in a way that will help you to update your practice and manage your patients. The key focuses are: diagnosis, both standard and challenging; both day-to-day management as well as special situations such as surgery, thrombotic events and pregnancy; and finally, managing evolving situations with MPN such as progression to acute myeloid leukemia. This book is an outstanding resource that includes a discussion of both classical myeloproliferative neoplasms, such as essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera and myelofibrosis, and also less common disorders such as systemic mast cell disease, hypereosinophilia, MPN/MBS overlap syndromes and atypical CML, amongst others. This book is a practical reference for practitioners, hematologists, medical oncologists and trainees.

This book contains the contribution to the 37th Hemophilia Symposium, Hamburg 2006. The main topics are epidemiolgy, treatment of inhibitors in hemophiliacs, hemophilic arthropathy and synovitis, relevant hemophilia treatment 2006, and pediatric hemostasiology. The volume is rounded off by numerous free papers and posters on hemophilia, casuistics, and diagnostics.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive bone marrow cancer associated with high morbidity and mortality and most commonly affects older patient populations. In this book, the clinical presentation of acute myeloid leukemia are presented. Other chapters present the differences in the outcomes of two subtypes of core binding factor (CBF) acute myeloid leukemia (AML); examine the occurrence of the Philadelphia chromosome in AML with core binding factor leukemia; and therapeutic options of older patients with AML.

Thrombotic disorders of the circulatory system represent the leading cause of morbidity, motality, and health care expenditure in the United States. Fibrinolytic and Antithrombotic Therapy provides a practical, evidence-based approach to the management of thrombotic disorders for all clinicians involved in the care of patients with these disorders. It provides not only vital conceptual information on fibrinolytic and antithrombotic therapy, but also the means to apply it to everyday decision making and patient care. Focusing on managment guidelines and critical pathways, the text stresses practicality and usability. It will be a valuable resource for the wide range of clinicians involved in the care of patients with these disorders, including cardiologists, emergency physicians, primary care physicians, hematologists, neurologists, intensivists, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners.
The origins of mammalian blood coagulation can be traced back over 400 million years. Despite its long history, it is only within the past century that this complex and pivotal teleologic system has begun to be understood. Most recently, the intricacies of hemostasis and pahtologic thrombosis have come to light, leading the way toward new, more effective, and safer treatment modalities.
The Second Edition of Fibrinolytic and Antithrombotic Therapy, even more concise and clinically relevant than the First, provides vital, evidence-based information on management of patients with arterial and venous thrombotic disorders. Since the First Edition, the text has been expanded to cover the evolving topics of atherothrombosis, thrombocardiology, hematologic/thrombophilic conditions, and vascular medicine. Itincludes up-to-date guidelines for antithrombotic and fibrinolytic therapy, and offers concise summaries of current "standards of care." Chapters are dedicated to discussions of patient-specific therapeutics and to the importance of genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics in defining genotype-phenotype relationships, while throughout the book coagulation, inflammation, and vascular medicine are newly examined as elements in an intricatley-linked triad of biochemical and cellular based phenomenology.

Authored by a Registered Dietitian and book 11 in a series of 12 on topics related to Chronic Kidney Disease Iron deficency anemia has affected millions with chronic illnesses including kidney disease. If you should have any chronic illness and you are looking to improve your anemia labs then you should look to read this book on anemia. It covers all of the types of anemia as well as the potential medical treatments. As with any chronic disease, anemia can often be difficult to understand but can be controlled with by using the proper tools. Use the tips and ideas in this book to lead to managing your anemia. Are you always feeling tired? Get the answers here.

Platelets are tiny blood cells that help the body form clots to stop bleeding. Antiplatelet medications, such as aspirin and clopidogrel, are commonly used to thin the blood which limits clotting and reduces the risk of heart attack. This book is a comprehensive guide to blood platelets for haematologists. Beginning with discussion on platelet structure, morphology, function and physiology, the next chapters cover the role of calcium in platelet activation and calcium modulation by cyclic nucleotides. The following sections explain the pharmacology of antiplatelet drugs, antiplatelet therapies, aspirin resistance, and the association of diabetes mellitus with major platelet dysfunction. The book concludes with chapters on acute coronary problems, interaction between endothelial cells and platelets, and blood biocompatibility studies. Authored by a Minneapolis-based expert in the field, the text is further enhanced by clinical photographs, diagrams and tables. Key points Comprehensive guide to blood platelets for haematologists Extensive coverage of antiplatelet drugs and resistance Recognised author from University of Minnesota Highly illustrated with clinical photographs, diagrams and tables

The first edition of this manual appeared in 1992 and was entitled ECAT Assay Procedures. It was the result of a unique cooperation between experts brought together by the European Concerted Action on Thrombosis and Disabilities (ECAT). The Concerted Action was at that time under the auspices of the Commission of the European Union. The second edition, like the first edition, deals with diagnostic tests within the field of thrombosis. However, the second edition has a broader scope because it is no longer limited by the frontiers of ECAT. Experts allover the world, in and outside ECAT, have contributed to this edition. The editors are very grateful for their contributions. The need for a new edition is obvious. Since 1992 new assays have been introduced for research, diagnosis, and therapy of thrombosis; for other assays improvements have been suggested, while a few others became redundant. The editors waived the radioimmunoassays of ~-thrombog1obulin and platelet factor 4 due to the fact that the kits required for these assays are rarely, or no longer, available. Also the PAI-1 activity assay was waived as it is liable to many inconsistencies and to large variations. A list of names and addresses of manufacturers marketing the kits and reagents has been compiled, together with a list of the recommended nomenclature of quantities in thrombosis and haemostasis, in order to facilitate the use of the updated version. These lists have been carefully compiled by Johannes J. Sidelmann, PhD, Department of Clinical Biochemistry in Esbjerg, Denmark.

New insights into the molecular biology of childhood leukemias have stimulated numerous advances in diagnostic methods, strategies for risk assessment and the development of novel therapy for genetic subtypes of the diseases. Fully revised and updated, this new edition of Childhood Leukemias provides the most comprehensive, clinically-oriented and authoritative reference dedicated to these diseases. Beginning with an overview of history, cell biology, and pathology, subsequent chapters review approaches in the evaluation and management of specific leukemias, new therapeutic development and the unique pharmacodynamics and pharmacogenetics of individual patients. New chapters include epigenetics of leukemias, leukemias in patients with Down syndrome and leukemia in adolescents and young adults. The final section covers the complications associated with the disease or its treatment and supportive care during and after treatment. Authored by leading experts, this is a 'must-have' for any physician or investigator who deals with leukemias in childhood.

In this second edition of Disorders of Thrombosis and Hemostasis in Pregnancy - A Guide to Management the content has been thoroughly updated, with a particular focus on strengthening the management sections to ensure that advice on management represents state of the art.

This authoritative new book provides a comprehensive overview of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in hematopoietic cell transplantation, explaining key concepts, successes, controversies and challenges. The authors and editors discuss current and future strategies for major challenges, such as graft-versus-host-disease, including new prophylaxis and treatments. They also discuss long-term complications, such as second malignancies and cardiovascular complications. Chapters are written by leading world experts, carefully edited to achieve a uniform and accessible writing style. Each chapter includes evidence-based explanations and state-of-the-art solutions, providing the reader with practice-changing advice. Full reference lists are also supplied to facilitate further exploration of each topic. Each copy of the printed book is packaged with a password, giving readers online access to all text and images. This inspiring resource demystifies both the basics and subtleties of hematopoietic cell transplantation, and is essential reading for both senior clinicians and trainees.