Background: Thalassemia is considered the most common genetic disorder worldwide and about 7% of world populations are carriers. A vast majority of such cases have iron deficiency.

Hepatic involvement either due to leishmaniasis or due to coexisting viral infection sometime poses a problem for the clinicians. Atypical presentation is also challenging for them. We present a case of visceral leishmaniasis (Kala-azar) from a non endemic zone, co infection with hepatitis B virus simulating chronic viral hepatitis successfully treated with liquid form of liposomal amphotericin B.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bsmmuj.v5i1.11018 BSMMU J 2012; 5(1):55-56

‘The art of medicine’ is a commonly discussed topic in clinical medicine. It is that aspect of medical practice which makes the physicians more humane over medical scientists. Though frequently reminded by the teachers in academic environment, in a developing country like Bangladesh, the art of medicine is barely practised at any level of care. An effort is made in this article to depict the practice of medicine in developing countries mostly devoid of art, the reasons behind, and some suggestions. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.19(4) 2020 p.778-779

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is treatable and potentially curable disease. Significant morbidity is related to the prolonged, severe neutropenia resulting from the disease as well as the intensive chemotherapy. The administration of granulocyte - colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is recommended to reduce the neutropenic period. But the current information and guidelines are insufficient about the most appropriate time to start   G-CSF and the optimum duration of treatment after chemotherapy in consolidation phase. This study explores  better timing to start G-CSF after completion of chemotherapy in consolidation phase of AML patient. This prospective study was conducted in the department of Haematology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University among AML patients, who received consolidation chemotherapy (high dose cytarabine). Samples were grouped into two arms. Arm-A (Absolute Neutrophil Count >1000/cmm) received prophylactic G-CSF and Arm-B (Absolute Neutrophil Count <1000/cmm) received G-CSF during neutropenia. Filgrastim was used as G-CSF and daily 300 micrograms were given subcutaneously according to study protocol. Statistical analysis was done by parametric (t test) test and appropriate using computer based SPSS (21) Program. Total sample was 19, out of which 6 in prophylactic G-CSF group (Arm-A) and 13 in delayed G-CSF group (Arm-B). Most of the patients were male (63.16%), male to female ratio 1.7:1 and mean age of sample 35 years. Mean ANC at the 1st day of G-CSF application in Arm-A 1170.5/cmm & in Arm-B 272.6/cmm (p=<0.001); mean requirements of G-CSF accordingly 11.5 and 5.9 (p=0.0014), mean 1st day of G-CSF application 9.5th day and 14.5th day (p=0.001). Outcomes in Arm-A and Arm-B were accordingly, mean duration of ANC recovery 10 and 9.85 days (p=0.913), febrile neutropenia 2.67 and 2.57 days (p=0.961), hospital stay 20 and 20.3 days (p=0.259), red cell concentrate transfusion 1.83 and 1.46 units (p=0.550), platelets concentrate transfusion 11.83 and 7.77 bags (p=0.2405), and there was no death case in two arms. Differences of timing to start G-CSF and its requirements between two groups were significant, but the outcomes did not show any statistically significant difference. Bangladesh Med J. 2018 May; 47 (2): 23-28

Abstract: Ara-c is a commonly used drug in acute leukaemias. In different stages of treatment dose and mode of administration of this drug is variable. It is usually considered as a cell cycle specific drug, but except in ‘standard’ induction of remission therapy for acute myelogenous leukaemia it is not usually given by continuous infusion in other conditions. This article discusses about the different intravenous modes of administration of ara-c in AML induction chemotherapy, their outcomes, and urges for trials to find out a suitable mode of administration of this common drug. Keywords: cytosine arabinoside, arabinocytosar, arabinosyl cytarabine, ara-c, cytarabine