Myelodysplastic syndrome with trisomy 8 associated with Behçet syndrome: an immunologic link to a karyotypic abnormality

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in children is often associated with chromosomal anomalies and trisomy 8 is a characteristic karyotypic feature in up to 20% of the cases. Behçet disease is a rare multisystem inflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent mouth and genital ulcers. MDS with trisomy 8 has been observed in adult patients with Behçet syndrome with some cases developing prior to the clinical manifestations of the latter. We present a female with a similar association and explain the importance of identifying the coexisting conditions. The immunological abnormalities, which may be observed in MDS and their possible mechanisms, are also discussed. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:649–651. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Does perfusion equal diuresis in the upper urinary tract?

Pressures occurring in the upper urinary tract during perfusion and diuresis were compared in an unsedated dog preparation. Perfusion pressures were significantly higher, suggesting that a product of diuresis actively reduces upper tract tone.     

Heparin induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis: a two step process?

Heparin induced thrombocytopaenia is an increasingly recognised prothrombotic disorder, where platelet activation by immunoglobulin G, heparin and platelet factor 4 complexes has been proposed to result in the activation of coagulation, and thrombus formation. However, this pathophysiological mechanism will not explain the predilection of patients, undergoing surgical procedures, especially orthopaedic surgeries, for the development of thrombosis secondary to heparin induced thrombocytopaenia. The article describes a two-step process, where a quantitative role for platelet factor 4 in activating monocytes at the tissue injury sites may play a role in the pathogenesis of heparin induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis.