In stage I/II NK/T-cell lymphomas, when effective chemotherapeutic regimens were used, CCRT and sequential CT + RT gave similar outcome.

There are few reports on hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) titres during nucleos(t)ide analogues treatment. We investigated the changes in HBeAg levels in patients treated with entecavir and the usefulness of HBeAg quantification for predicting antiviral response. Ninety-five consecutive HBeAg-positive patients treated with entecavir for more than 48 weeks were enrolled. Serum levels of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), HBeAg and HBV DNA were assessed at 4-week intervals to week 24 and thereafter at 12-week intervals. Virologic response (Y1VR) was defined as an undetectable HBV DNA level at week 48 of therapy. During 48 weeks, HBeAg and HBV DNA level decreased significantly in a biphasic manner and HBsAg level tended to decease. Fifty-three patients (55.8%) attained Y1VR. Pretreatment HBeAg levels were significantly lower in the Y1VR group than in no Y1VR group. At week 4 and 12 of therapy, 25% and 41.4% of patients showed a decrease of HBeAg levels with >0.5 log(10) and >1.0 log(10) from baseline, respectively. These patients achieved more Y1VR than those with less decrease of HBeAg levels (97.7%vs 22.2% and 86.2%vs 29.3%, respectively). HBeAg level at week 12 had higher predictive values for Y1VR than HBV DNA level. Multivariate analysis revealed that a pretreatment HBeAg level of <360 PEIU/mL and the reduction in HBeAg level >1.0 log(10) at week 12 were associated with Y1VR. These results suggest that pretreatment HBeAg level and an early decrease in HBeAg level are useful measurements for predicting one-year virologic response during entecavir treatment.

Histological studies of vascularised nerve graft versus conventional nerve graft were performed in eighteen rat femoral nerves using microsurgical technique. This experiment showed that there was no difference in the degree of vascularisation, reticulin framework collapse, rate and extent of axonal regeneration and remyelination between the two groups.

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Blood transfusion (which includes FFP, platelets, cryoprecipitate and any other blood-derived product) remains an important modality of treatment across all clinical disciplines. A blood transfusion is deemed appropriate when used in an evidence-based fashion and where the effects of the transfusion are felt to outweigh any potential risks and complications that may arise from the transfusion. In certain cases, it may be the best treatment option available, for example plasma exchange in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. However, blood transfusion can result in acute or delayed complications, as well as the risk of transmission of infectious agents. The inappropriate use of blood and blood products increases the risk of transfusion-related complications and adverse events to recipients. It also contributes to shortages of blood products and the possibility of it not being available when required for other patients in an appropriate setting. It is therefore necessary to reduce the unnecessary transfusions through the appropriate clinical use of blood, avoiding unnecessary transfusions, and use of alternatives to transfusion.Key words: clinical transfusion, fresh frozen plasma, guidelines, platelets, red cell, transfusion trigger. MethodsWe conducted a literature review via Pubmed and selected the articles relevant to our review and published in English or with translations provided in English. RecommendationsThese are based on the current available data; in situations where there is lack of randomized data, published reports or recommendations from previous experiences are used. Red cells transfusionThe aim of red cell transfusion is to increase oxygen carrying capacity of blood by increasing haemoglobin concentration in patients with acute or chronic anaemia.The decision to transfuse red cells should be carefully weighed on an individual basis, taking into consideration clinical evaluation of symptoms and haemodynamic status as well as laboratory parameters such as haemoglobin level. It is more relevant to consider the goal of red cell transfusion as the avoidance of tissue hypoxia rather than the correction of a laboratory parameter. In general, patients should not be transfused so as to achieve 'normal' haemoglobin (Hb) concentration [1,2]. Packed red cells should generally be provided for allogeneic transfusion where possible [3,4]. Packed red cells are preferred over whole blood to reduce the volume of transfusion and avoid the white cells ⁄ plasma that can potentially cause more febrile reaction and HLA sensitization, etc. Transfusion trigger?There is no standard fixed trigger for red cell transfusion. The trigger for transfusion should always be evaluated in the context of a multiplicity of factors including rate and amount of blood loss, cardiopulmonary reserve. The rate of development of anaemia is also an important factor.