der Does-Van den BergPurpose: Here we report the results of a nationwide cooperative study in the Netherlands on acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children. The aim of the study w as to improve the cure rate and to minimize side effects in a group of no n -h igh -risk ALL patients, especially with regard to the CNS. A second aim w as to study potential prognostic factors.Methods: Children (age 0 to 15 years) with n o n -h ighrisk ALL (WBC count < 50 x 109/L, no mediastinal m ass, no B-cell phenotype, and no CNS involvement) were treated with a uniform protocol, ALL VI. The treatment protocol used 6-week induction regimen with three drugs (vincristine, dexamethasone, and asp aragin ase), three weekly doses of intravenous (IV) medium high-dose methotrexate (2 g/m 2), and 2-year maintenance therapy that consisted of alternating 5-w eek periods of metho trexate and mercaptopurine and 2-w eek periods of vin cristine and dexamethasone. In the first ye a r of mainte nance, triple intrathecal therapy w as administered every 7 weeks.Results: From December 1, 1984 until Ju ly 1, 1988,

This case illustrates the presence of HBsAg mutant forms of HBV in a West European blood donor population that were undetected by several HBsAg screening assays. Adaptation of HBsAg screening is indicated to overcome deficiencies in sensitivity in detecting HBsAg mutant forms of HBV. Screening for antibody to hepatitis B core antigen or HBV DNA may also detect blood donors infected with HBsAg mutant forms of HBV

In 18 haemophilia A patients with antibodies against factor VIII:C (F VIII:c) the effect of regular treatment with factor VIII (F VIII) in intermediate or low dose was studied. All patients with previous maximal F VIII:c antibody levels between 5 and 60 Bethesda Units per millilitre (BU/ml) showed a decrease of antibody level and normal F VIII recovery within 1-2 months. From nine patients with previous maximal antibody levels above 60 BU/ml four showed a decrease of antibody level within 2-26 months. In four young patients F VIII prophylactic therapy was started or continued as soon as there was evidence of F VIII:c antibody activity. In three of these patients F VIII recovery normalized within a few months.