High-value research of 2014 presented for hematology
(HealthDay)—Articles relating to malignant hematology, transfusion medicine, and bleeding and clotting disorders are included in a special update summary published online April 30 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Alice D. Ma, M.D., from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, summarized studies relating to benign and malignant hematologic conditions published in 2014 that are relevant to practicing internists.
Ma highlighted the use of a new agent, idelalisib, which was added to rituximab to treat frail, elderly, pretreated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. A study that reported updated findings with personalized cellular therapeutics was also included for the treatment of relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children and adults. Studies in the field of transfusion medicine included one describing the superiority of a hemoglobin trigger of 70 g/L to a trigger of 90 g/L for determining when to transfuse blood to septic patients. An additional study examined the risk of hospital-acquired infections with red blood cell transfusions. Meta-analyses examined genomic-based strategies for warfarin dosing, and compared the best anticoagulant regimens for acute venous thromboembolism. A randomized trial found compression stockings to be ineffective for preventing post-thrombotic syndrome compared with sham compression hose.
"In addition to [these articles], it's also worth noting that in 2014, the American Society of Hematology published its second 'Choosing Wisely' list," Ma writes. "The Society has added five commonly used tests, treatments, and procedures in hematology that might not always be necessary."
Ma disclosed financial ties to the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.
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