Articles

Unexpected extensive bone marrow haemophagocytosis in a post-allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation patient

BJH - volume 15, issue 3, may 2024

K. Callebaut MPharm, L. Deleu MD, D. Deeren MD, E. Verhoye MPharm , I. Van Haute MD

SUMMARY

The bone marrow of a 69-year-old female patient, post-allogeneic stem cell transplantation, exhibited extensive hemophagocytosis in follow up. The extent of hemophagocytosis prompted investigation for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). While the diagnosis was not straightforward, clinical and biochemical features were consistent with HLH, and in this case more specific with post-transplantation HLH, a rare form of secondary HLH.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2024;15(3):122–4)

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Venetoclax-Azacitidine, the new standard of care for AML patients unfit for intensive treatment: A guide for clinical practice

BJH - volume 14, issue 2, march 2023

I. Moors MD, D. Deeren MD, C. Jacquy MD, PhD, A. Jaspers MD, PhD, T. Kerre MD, PhD, V. Havelange MD, PhD, D. Selleslag MD, C. Spilleboudt MD, N. Straetmans MD, PhD, F. Van Obbergh MD, A. De Voeght MD, S. Anguille MD, PhD, A. Schauwvlieghe MD, PhD, N. De Beule MD, PhD, A. De Becker MD, D. Breems MD, PhD

SUMMARY

Acute myeloid leukaemia is an aggressive form of bone marrow cancer with poor prognosis, especially in elderly, unfit patients. The VIALE-A study showed an impressive improvement in complete remission rate and overall survival with the addition of venetoclax, a BCL-2 inhibitor, to azacitidine. This combination therapy is now reimbursed in Belgium for newly diagnosed adult AML patients who are considered unfit for intensive chemotherapy based on age and/or comorbidities. In this article, we provide recommendations on the use of this new combination, as well as on prophylaxis and management of specific side effects.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2023;14(2):59–66)

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Epidemiology of COVID-19 infections in haematology patients and prognostic factors for outcome: A national, multicentre retrospective study

BJH - volume 13, issue 7, november 2022

T. Mercier MD, PhD, S. Fieuws PhD, K. Theunissen MD, M-C. Ngirabacu MD, PhD, N. Straetmans MD, PhD, C. Spilleboudt MD, D. Mazure MD, V. De Wilde MD, PhD, A. De Becker MD, D. Selleslag MD, D. Breems MD, PhD, D. Deeren MD, S. Servais MD, PhD, C. Jacquy MD, PhD, H. Poirel MD, PhD, D. Van Beckhoven MD, K. Blot MD, PhD, A. Janssens MD, PhD, H. Schoemans MD, PhD

SUMMARY

In the early weeks of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, little was known about the risk factors of this novel disease in haematology patients. We therefore created a national, multi-center, retrospective study via a national consortium of haematology centres in Belgium to investigate the incidence and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 in haematology patients. By combining these data with data collected through the national public health institute Sciensano and the national Belgian Cancer Registry, we were able to show that haematology patients were at an increased risk of being hospitalised with COVID-19 (1 in 250 haematology patients versus 1 in 2000 in the general population). Furthermore, we found that patients with multiple myeloma and acute leukaemia were overrepresented in these hospitalisations. Mortality at 90 days was 38% during the first wave, compared to 19.3% in the general population. We therefore conclude that haematology patients with COVID-19 are at a significantly higher risk of both hospitalisation and death.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2022;13(7):269–76)

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A-104 THE INTERACTION OF FACTOR V AND TISSUE FACTOR PATHWAY INHIBITOR IN A MYELOMA PATIENT WITH ACQUIRED FACTOR V DEFICIENCY

BJH - volume 9, issue Abstract Book BSTH, february 2018

E. De Maertelaere , E. Castoldi , I. Van Haute MD, D. Deeren MD, K. Devreese

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O.5 Sequential administration of 5-azacytidine (AZA) and donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in relapse after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT): an interim analysis from the Belgian Hematology Society (BHS)

BJH - volume 8, issue Abstract Book BHS, february 2017

X. Poiré MD, PhD, C. Graux MD, PhD, A. Ory , J. Jamart , F. Frédéric , H. Schoemans MD, PhD, P. Lewalle MD, PhD, A. De Becker MD, D. Deeren MD, Z. Berneman MD, PhD, T. Kerre MD, PhD, P. Zachée MD, PhD, D. Selleslag MD, Y. Beguin MD, PhD

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P58 Extremely elevated C – reactive protein: a bad omen for haematological patients?

BJH - volume 8, issue Abstract Book BHS, february 2017

L. Tryssesoone , D. Deeren MD

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