Sangre
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Thalassaemia maior is an inherited severe anaemia due to abnormal haemoglobin synthesis. Hypertransfusion therapy is based on the reduction of ineffective erythropoiesis and improvement of the anaemia. To prevent iron overload, continuous chelation therapy was performed with desferrioxamine (DFO). The efficacy of such management in 10 thalassaemia maior patients followed-up for 11 years has been evaluated. ⋯ Control of iron deposits by iron chelators can prevent the damages of iron overload. Adequate accomplishment of programmes may be difficult, especially in children.
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Donor leukocyte infusions (DLI) are useful for treating leukaemic relapse after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). We reviewed our experience with eleven patients who received DLI between 1995 and 1997. ⋯ DLI results in CR in most patients with relapsing leukaemia or myelodysplasia after BMT, especially in CML patients. The anti-leukaemia effect is highly correlated with GVHD. This complication and marrow hypoplasia remain major causes of morbidity and mortality of this procedure.