Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the definite treatment for patients with thalassemia major. A busulfan (Bu) and cyclophosphamide (Cy)-based regimen has been the standard myeloablative chemotherapy, but it is associated with higher treatment-related toxicity, particularly in patients classified as high risk by the Pesaro criteria. Treosulfan-based conditioning regimens have been found to be equally effective and less toxic. Consequently, we analyzed the safety and efficacy of treosulfan/thiotepa/fludarabine (treo/thio/flu)-based conditioning regimens for allogeneic HSCT in patients with thalassemia major between February 2010 and September 2012. We compared those results retrospectively with results in patients who underwent previous HSCT with a Bu/Cy/antithymocyte globulin (ATG)-based conditioning regimen. A treo/thio/flu-based conditioning regimen was used in 28 consecutive patients with thalassemia major. The median patient age was 9.7 years (range, 2-18 years), and the mean CD34(+) stem cell dose was 6.18 × 10(6)/kg. Neutrophil and platelet engraftment occurred at a median of 15 days (range, 12-23 days) and 21 days (range, 14-34 days), respectively. Three patients developed veno-occlusive disease, 4 patients developed acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and 2 patients had chronic GVHD. Treatment-related mortality (TRM) was 21.4%. Two patients experienced secondary graft rejection. We compared these results with results in patients who underwent previous HSCT using a Bu/Cy/ATG-based conditioning regimen. Twelve patients were treated with this protocol, at a median age of 7.2 years (range, 2-11 years). One patient had moderate veno-occlusive disease, 2 patients developed acute GVHD, 2 patients had chronic GVHD, and 2 patients experienced graft rejection. There was no TRM in this group. We found no significant differences between the 2 groups (treo/thio/flu vs Bu/Cy/ATG) in terms of the incidence of acute GVHD, chronic GVHD, TRM, and graft failure, although a trend toward higher TRM was seen with the treo/thio/flu regimen.

The use of the PAT is one practical method for A&E staff to detect the alcohol misusing patient for referral to a departmental alcohol health worker.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a definite cure for many hematological diseases. With the increasing indications for HSCT and its relatively low cost in Indian subcontinent, an increasing number of patients are opting for this procedure. We retrospectively analyzed the cost of one hundred sixty two HSCTs done at our center in the last three years. The median cost of autologous transplant was USD, $ 12,500 (range $ 10,331–39,367) and the median cost of allogeneic transplant was $ 17,914 (range $ 10,832–44,701). The cost of HSCT is cheaper here compared to that in developed countries and success rates are nearly equivalent. The major factors contributing to the cost are related to the complications post-transplant mainly infections and graft versus host disease, which are also the reasons for the increased stay in the hospital.

Giant cell tumor of talus is a rare entity. In contrast to GCT of long bones, most cases occur in a younger age group and tend to be multicentric. The authors report a case of GCT in a 19 year old boy which had led to extensive destruction of the talus. In view of the extensive involvement, total talectomy along with tibio – calcaneal arthrodesis was performed. At 6 months of followup, the patient had a painless and well arthrodesed ankle. There was no evidence of recurrence at 18 months of followup.

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Background and Aims: Hemoglobinopathies and thalassemias are the commonest single gene disorders in India. In Terai region of India, Hemoglobinopathies and thalassemias are the most common in the Tharu community. Therefore, in this study, we aim to evaluate the Hb variant analysis of hemoglobinopathies and thalassemias in a Tharu population in Lakhimpur Kheri Districts of Uttar Pradesh, India. Materials and Methods: Total 493 individuals were recruited in this study. The demographic details and blood samples were collected from different location at Kheri district during mega health camp. Hb variant analysis was performed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system beta thalassemia short program in BIO-RAD VARIANT. Results: Out of 493, 108 (21.9%) individual suffers with abnormal haemoglobinopathies. In which β-thalassemia trait is the commonest haemoglobinopathy (12.98%), followed by HbE trait (7.50%), and compound heterozygous HbS/β-Thalassemia trait (1.42%) in overall population. The HbF was significantly greater in HbS heterozygous (1.45 ± 1.41), whereas mean HbA2 was significantly greater in β-Thalassemia trait (5.17 ± 1.36). Conclusion: The high incidence of hemoglobinopathies and thalassemias were observed in Tharu community in Lakhimpur Kheri districts of Uttar Pradesh, Indian.

Valproate is a drug used in the treatment of various seizure disorders, bipolar disorder, migraine prophylaxis, and off label in many indications by various specialists. The common adverse drug reactions reported on valproate administration are tremor, weight gain, gastrointestinal disturbances, liver dysfunction, metabolic acidosis, thrombocytopenia, and hair loss. An internet search with keywords “valproate” and “hair” was done on Google Search and PubMed for articles related to the topic. Recognition of cosmetically significant side effects on hair is necessary and neglect of which might result in poor compliance. Valproate-induced hair loss is diffused, nonscarring, and dose related. Other hair-related adverse events are curling of hair, graying, dirty appearance, and changes in texture. In contrast to oral ingestions causing hair loss, experiments with topical valproic acid have shown some initial evidence on hair regeneration. This makes valproate's effects on hair interesting and understanding it's effects on hair is very much essential in clinical practice.

Parotidectomy surgeries are being routinely performed by ENT surgeons nowadays. Parotid tumours can present with a variety of manifestations ranging from a barely noticeable mass to a large tumour with facial paralysis. Most benign parotid tumours are located in the superficial lobe though rarely deep lobe may also be involved, while malignant tumours are generally seen to involve both the lobes of the gland. We present clinico-radiological-pathological profile of 25 patients who underwent parotid surgeries for tumours involving deep lobe alone or the whole gland, and were operated at our institute during the period from January 2011 to December 2012. This study was a retroprospective observational analysis with the aim of analyzing the epidemiology, radiological, surgical and histopathological profile of these patients. Among 25 patients who underwent parotid surgeries, 17 patients underwent total conservative parotidectomy, while 5 patients underwent radical parotidectomy. In 3 patients, extended radical parotidectomy was performed. We also report the complications and follow-up of these patients. We concluded that fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) findings and final histopathological report may not always correlate.