HCV genotype 5: an easy to treat population

in Acta Gastro-Enterologica Belgica (2004), 67

Analyse de 516 rapports de reaction apres transfusion de produits sanguins labiles

in Transfusion Clinique et Biologique (2001), 8(4), 333-42

BACKGROUND: In order to assess the implemented preventive measures of transfusion reactions (TR) and to make a study of residual reactions, we analyzed 516 TR reports from 14 hospitals, for three years ... [more ▼]

BACKGROUND: In order to assess the implemented preventive measures of transfusion reactions (TR) and to make a study of residual reactions, we analyzed 516 TR reports from 14 hospitals, for three years since 1996 to 1998. METHODS: Clinical signs were classified according to seven etiologic categories. Systematic anti-erythrocyte and anti-leucocyte detection, as well as bacterial control of the returned bag were performed. RESULTS: The TR incidence is 3.7 per 1.000 products. Platelet concentrates (PC) provoke 7.4 TR per 1.000 transfusions, and red cell concentrates (RCC) 3.8. There are as many TR with apheresis platelets (AP), pre-storage leuco-depleted, as with random platelets, post-storage leuco-depleted, and as many with leuco-depleted RCC as with non leuco-depleted RCC. Leuco-depleted AP provoke more allergic reactions than other blood components. TR with AP are much more frequent in children than in adults. Plasma removal from AP before transfusion decreases reaction frequency. CONCLUSIONS: The lack in efficacy failure of pre-storage deleucocytation in TR prevention should be due to related patient factors. Etiology of AP allergic reactions deserves further study. PC suspension in synthetic medium before transfusion is an efficient means for RT decreasing. Hemovigilance system has to be improved so that all TR be reported. [less ▲]

Evidence-Based Medicine: traitement de l'hépatite chronique C. GLEVHE. Groupe Liégeois d'Etude des Virus Hépatotropes.

in Revue Médicale de Liège (2000), 55(5), 337-340

The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects nearly 170 million people in the world. The major characteristic of virus C is its tendency to chronicity in more than 85% of cases. Generally asymptomatic, HCV ... [more ▼]

The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects nearly 170 million people in the world. The major characteristic of virus C is its tendency to chronicity in more than 85% of cases. Generally asymptomatic, HCV infection may also evolve with time to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. During the last few years, HCV-related end-stage cirrhosis has become the first cause of liver transplantation. In 10 years only, very significant progress has been made in the knowledge of the virus, not only in the field of diagnosis but also in therapy. Several consensus conferences taking last discoveries into account have been organized in order to promote recommendations useful for the management of hepatitis C patients. The aim of this short overview is to summarize practical recommendations that emerged recently from consensus meetings. [less ▲]

Delayed massive immune hemolysis mediated by minor ABO incompatibility after allogeneic peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation.

in Transfusion (1999), 39(8), 824-7

BACKGROUND: Bone marrow transplantation with minor ABO incompatibility may be followed by moderate delayed hemolysis of the recipient's red cells by donor-derived ABO antibodies. This reaction may be more ... [more ▼]

BACKGROUND: Bone marrow transplantation with minor ABO incompatibility may be followed by moderate delayed hemolysis of the recipient's red cells by donor-derived ABO antibodies. This reaction may be more severe after transplantation of peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPCs). CASE REPORT: A 16-year-old boy underwent an allogeneic PBPC transplant from his HLA-mismatched mother as treatment for acute myeloblastic leukemia that had proved resistant to induction chemotherapy. Transfusion of the unmanipulated PBPCs proceeded without any complication, despite the difference in ABO blood group (donor, O Rh-positive; recipient, A Rh-positive). On Day 7, a rapid drop in hemoglobin to 4 g per dL was observed, which was attributed to a massive hemolysis. All the recipient's group A red cells were destroyed within 36 hours. This delayed and rapidly progressive hemolytic anemia was not associated with the transfusion of the donor's plasma. Rather, the anti-A titer increased in parallel with marrow recovery, which suggested an active synthesis of these antibodies by immunocompetent cells from the donor against the recipient's red cells. The mother's anti-A titer was retrospectively found to be 2048. Her unusually high titer is probably due to prior sensitization during pregnancies. On Day 12, the patient developed grade IV graft-versus-host disease, which proved resistant to all treatments instituted and led to his death on Day 35. CONCLUSION: PBPC transplantation with minor ABO incompatibility may be associated with significant risk of massive delayed hemolysis. [less ▲]

Hepatitis C virus transmission following invasive medical procedures

in Journal of Internal Medicine (1999), 245(1), 107-108

Hépatite à virus G: mythe ou réalité? VHG/GBV-C: diagnostic, épidémiologie, risque transfusionnel et pathogénicité

in Revue Médicale de Liège (1998), 53(9), 524-528

The recently discovered G virus (also called either GBV-C or HGV) is transmitted by blood transfusion as well as by sexual intercourse. The global prevalence of GBV-C is high, not only in those groups ... [more ▼]

The recently discovered G virus (also called either GBV-C or HGV) is transmitted by blood transfusion as well as by sexual intercourse. The global prevalence of GBV-C is high, not only in those groups classically known to be exposed to parenteral risks (i.v. drug users, polytransfused patients), but also in the blood donors population. The diagnosis of active infection lies on the search of GBV-C RNA by Polymerase Chain Reaction whereas that of resolved (past) infection lies on the presence of specific antibodies. Till now, it has not been possible to correlate convincingly the presence of GBV-C RNA with any acute or chronic hepatopathy. On the contrary, a lot of arguments tend to suggest that the GBV-C is not pathogenic for the liver, although some modes of transmission are common with those of other (known and probably not known) hepatotropic viruses. According to the actual knowledge of the consequences of GBV-C infection, it appears as non relevant to instaure a systematic screening of this new virus in blood donors. [less ▲]

Comparison of a PCR-based assay and the MT2 coculture method for the follow-up of syncytium inducing strains in HIV patients under antiprotease therapy

Conference (1998)

Does HCV screening of blood donors affect transmission of hepatitis G virus in dialysed patients?

in Vox Sanguinis (1998), 75(1), 77-77

Les modes de transmission du virus de l'hépatite C

in Revue Médicale de Liège (1997), 52(6), 388-391

Les modes de transmission du virus de l'hépatite C

in Médecine & Chirurgie Digestives (1997), 26