Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) results from platelet destruction and production suppression. Eltrombopag belongs to a new class of thrombopoietin-mimetic drugs that raise platelet counts in ITP patients. We performed a single-arm study to assess the response to a single course of dexamethasone (40 mg by mouth, days 1-4) in combination with eltrombopag (50 mg, days 5-32) in 12 adults with newly diagnosed ITP in an outpatient setting. Median follow-up was 12.5 months. After therapy (day 33), 100% of patients achieved at least ≥30 × 10⁹/L platelets. Four patients relapsed. Complete response at 6 months (platelets ≥100 × 10⁹/L) was achieved in 50% of patients and response at 6 months (platelets ≥30 <100 × 10⁹/L) was achieved in another 25%; relapse-free survival was 66.7% at 12 months (median response duration of 8.3 months). In conclusion, eltrombopag/dexamethasone is a feasible frontline therapy for ITP. This trial is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01652599.

Background: Older adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) represent a cancer population in which disease-based risk factors, comorbidities, patient goals, and treatment risks and benefits influence treatment recommendations. Objective: These evidence-based guidelines from the American Society of Hematology (ASH) are intended to support patients, clinicians, and other health professionals in their decisions about management of AML in older adults. Methods: ASH formed a multidisciplinary guideline panel, including patient representatives, that minimized bias from conflicts of interest. Clarity Research Group at McMaster University supported the guideline development process, including updating or performing systematic evidence reviews. The panel prioritized questions and outcomes according to their importance for clinicians and patients. The panel used the grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation approach, including evidence-to-decision frameworks, to assess evidence and make recommendations. Results: The panel agreed on 9 critical clinical recommendations for managing AML in older adults, mirroring real-time practitioner-patient conversations: the decision to pursue antileukemic treatment vs best supportive management; traditional induction and postremission therapy vs hypomethylating agent or low-dose cytarabine, or combinations with venetoclax; the role and duration of postremission therapy; combinations with venetoclax vs monotherapy; the use of targeted therapy, including isocitrate dehydrogenase and FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) inhibitors, in appropriate patients; the role of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in nonfavorable prognosis AML; and the role of transfusion support for patients no longer receiving antileukemic therapy. Conclusions: Key recommendations of these guidelines include treatment over best supportive care; venetoclax-based regimens over monotherapies; and incorporation of FLT3 inhibitors into traditional induction and postremission therapy.

Objective: To compare serum ferritin (SF) concentrations and other hematological parameters between patients with preeclampsia (PE) and normal pregnant women of the same gestational period who received supplemental iron during pregnancy. Methods: Prospective, comparative, observational pilot study that included 31 women with PE and 30 healthy pregnant women, at 20 weeks’ of gestation. Ferritin, iron and complete blood cell count were compared between groups. Results: In comparison with controls, preeclamptic patients had a higher weight, body mass index, and arterial pressure. Serum ferritin and serum iron were higher in patients with PE (median: 36.5 μg/l vs. 20.9 μg/l and 103.9 μg/dl vs. 90.8 μg/dl) with a significant difference (P = 0.019 and P = 0.345). SF values >40 μg/l correlated with PE (r = 0.281; P = 0.032). A platelet count less than 100 × 10⁹/l was higher in the PE group than in the control group (13% vs. 3%, P = 0.354). Conclusion: Higher SF levels, despite being within normal range, were associated with PE. The incidence of thrombocytopenia was higher in preeclamptic women, however, the remaining hematological parameters were similar in both groups.

To review the current diagnostic and therapeutic landscape of AML in Latin America as a reflection of other low- and middle-income countries and regions of the world. Encompassing both acute promye...

To discuss the status and challenges associated with the management of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in Latin America.This review summarizes various insights gained from information regarding ...