Annals of clinical and laboratory science
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Ann. Clin. Lab. Sci. · Nov 1997
ReviewHemostatic abnormalities associated with cancer and its therapy.
Hemostatic abnormalities associated with malignancy have been described since the middle of the 19th century. Abnormalities associated with hypercoagulability and hemorrhage are reported in various percentages of patients depending upon the underlying neoplasm and the type of therapy. Changes in the quantitative and qualitative aspects of protein coagulation factors, anticoagulant proteins, circulating anticoagulants, platelets, and vascular responses have been noted. ⋯ Chemotherapy has been reported to be associated with venous and arterial thromboses, cerebrovascular events, and coagulopathies. Radiation therapy decreases platelet production, particularly if the active bone marrow has been included in the field. Laboratory evaluation of HAAC requires consideration of the type of malignant disorder, the history and physical condition of the patient and any therapy.
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Ann. Clin. Lab. Sci. · May 1989
ReviewVon Willebrand factor and von Willebrand's disease: a complex protein and a complex disease.
Von Willebrand factor is a complex protein which is important in several ways for normal hemostasis. Von Willebrand's disease results when there is either a quantitative or qualitative disorder of von Willebrand factor. In this review, the structure and function of von Willebrand factor are discussed. Additionally, the current laboratory and clinical classification of von Willebrand's disease and closely related variants are outlined.
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Ann. Clin. Lab. Sci. · Nov 1980
ReviewClinical applicability and usefulness of ferritin measurements.
The accurate measurement of ferritin in the serum was first reported in 1972. Since then, the assay has become widely available to clinicians. ⋯ Hepatic disease, malignancies, and other chronic diseases can cause an elevation in serum ferritin which does not represent an elevation in body iron stores. While markedly elevated in late hemochromatosis, the value of serum ferritin in the detection of early hemochromatosis or the carrier state is not certain.
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Endocrine pancreatic tumors are frequently multicellular and produce several hormones and peptides. A review of the basic concepts of hormone secretion, pancreatic islet cell composition and ultrastructural make-up of tumors is presented. The importance of correlating ultrastructural, immunocytochemical and biochemical studies of these tumors is emphasized.
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A review of the pertinent literature on the relation of erythropoietin production to the presence of renal neoplasm suggests that erythropoietin may be produced either directly by the tumor or indirectly by its physical effect on the adjoining normal renal tissue. The most commonly found tumors which are associated with elevated levels of serum and urinary erythropoietin are the hypernephromas. However, the presence of erythropoietin and an associated erythrocytosis even here occurs only relatively infrequently. ⋯ In some patients with Wilms' tumor, erythropoietin blood levels may also be increased; however, erythrocytosis in these patients is not a characteristic feature. Other renal tumors rarely produce erythrocytosis and presumably no erythropoietin. Possible explanations for the production of erythropoietin by renal tumors are discussed.