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Introduction: Indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHLs) are a diverse category of malignancies characterized by a chronic relapsing-remitting disease course. In the modern era, patients usually receive a combination of bendamustine plus rituximab as the initial therapy, otherwise known as an R-Benda regimen. While clinical trials have demonstrated R-Benda to be superior to other regimens, our study aims to provide insight into real-world outcomes of R-Benda therapy. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study for January 2015-July 2022 among patients receiving R-Benda for indolent NHLs at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. All patients underwent pre- and post-treatment assessment through positron emission tomography scan and computed tomography (CT) imaging. The response to treatment was assessed, and the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were assessed using a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results: We enrolled 118 patients, out of which the majority were elderly males (64%). The 2-year follow-up rate was 76.3% (n = 90), and the median follow-up time was 29 months. The most common histopathology encountered was follicular lymphoma (52%) presenting with stage IV disease (56%). Approximately 73% experienced a complete metabolic response to the treatment. Of these, 31.4% subsequently experienced a relapse. In addition, 17.7% of patients underwent a partial response, while 7% had refractory disease. The mean OS was 140 months (95% CI: 120-160), while the lower quartile value was 50 months. On the other hand, the median PFS was 80 months (95% CI: 43-N/A). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that patients on R-Benda had good clinical outcomes, with the vast majority living beyond 50 months. Moreover, 76.1% had no disease progression for the first 2 years. It adds to the existing body of literature that demonstrates that in real-world experience, the outcomes of R-Benda treatment are better than those reported by earlier randomized-control trials.
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Introduction Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological disorder characterized by aberrant multiplication of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow. The current mainstay of treatment for patients with newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) is a triplet regimen with a proteasome inhibitor, immunomodulatory imide, and dexamethasone. The two most common of these triplet regimens are VLD (bortezomib/lenalidomide/dexamethasone) and VCD (bortezomib/cyclophosphamide/dexamethasone). This study aims to compare the outcomes between these two therapies in transplant-ineligible patients with NDMM. Methods We conducted a retrospective study at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. All NDMM transplant-ineligible patients either receiving VLD or VCD therapy between January 2015 and December 2022 were included in our study. Hematological parameters before and after treatment were obtained from hospital records. Response to treatment was classified according to the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) response criteria as either complete response (CR), very good partial response (VGPR), partial response (PR), minimal response (MR), stable disease (SD), or progressive disease (PD). The response to treatment as well as overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) was compared between VCD and VLD therapy. A p-value of 0.05 or less was taken to be statistically significant. Results Twenty (23.8%) patients in the VCD group and 20 (23.0%) in the VLD group underwent complete remission. Seven (8.3%) patients experienced disease progression in the VCD group, while the figure stood at three (3.4%) in the VLD group. There was no statistically significant difference in the overall response rate between the VCD (58; 69.0%) and VLD (70; 80.5%) groups (p=0.086), a difference that was not statistically significant on the Chi-square test. OS was comparable between VCD (69.1 months, 95%CI: 61.3-77.0) and VLD (76.9 months, 95%CI: 69.0-85.0) therapies. Conclusions The study did not identify any statistically significant distinction in the treatment outcomes between the VCD and VLD regimens among NDMM patients ineligible for transplantation. Nevertheless, the study highlights the positive outcomes observed with both treatments in this specific patient cohort. This implies that either regimen could be deemed suitable as a treatment option for patients in low- and middle-income countries. Since both regimens demonstrate comparable effectiveness, assessing the cost-effectiveness of these regimens is crucial. Future research should also explore the economic aspects of the two treatment options.
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Pakistan is the fifth most populous country with a population of 225 million and has health expenditure accounting for only 2.8 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). Accordingly, there are a limited number of haematology-oncology and transplant centers in the country. The Pakistan Blood and Marrow Transplant (PBMT) group was established in 2020, and this report is the first activity survey from January 2021 to December 2022 focusing on the trends of matched-related donor, haploidentical, and autologous transplants in a developing country. A total of 12 transplant centers contributed data on the modified PBMT survey form retrospectively and 806 haematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCTs) were carried out during the study duration. Allogeneic HSCT constituted 595 (73.8%) of all the transplants; this is in stark contrast to Western data, where autologous HSCT accounts for the majority of transplants. ß-thalassemia major and aplastic anemia were the commonest indications for allogeneic HSCT, in contrast to Western data, where acute leukemia is the leading transplant indication. Autologous transplants were more frequently performed for Hodgkin's lymphoma as compared to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma. The use of peripheral and bone marrow stem cells was comparable. A myeloablative conditioning regimen was routinely used in patients with acute leukemia. This report provides an insight of HSCT trends in Pakistan which are different from those of Western centers contributing to transplant data from South Asia.
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OBJECTIVE: We aim to document the frequency of HAAA cases among AA patients presenting at a tertiary care hospital, and to determine the most common agents (viral/drug induced) and Clinico-haematological features among HAAA patients at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This study was a retrospective review, conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. RESULTS: A total of 21 patients were included in the study. Hepatitis among the HAAA patients was viral in 17 cases, while 4 were idiopathic. All the patients acquired aplastic anaemia within 3-12 months of the Hepatitis episode and most presented with bleeding, bruises and petechiae. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates and proves that presence and prevalence of this disease in the Pakistani population is quite significant. Unlike the rest of the world, HAAA in Pakistan is not entirely of unknown aetiology, most of the cases can be associated with one of the Hepatitis viruses.
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Anemia Aplásica , Hepatitis A , Hepatitis , Humanos , Anemia Aplásica/epidemiología , Anemia Aplásica/complicaciones , Pakistán/epidemiología , Centros de Atención Terciaria , PrevalenciaRESUMEN
The World Health Organization-designated Eastern Mediterranean region (EMRO) consists of 22 countries in North Africa and Western Asia with a collective population of over 679 million. The area comprises some of the wealthiest countries per capita income and some of the poorest. The population structure is also unique and contrasts with western countries, with a much younger population. The region sits in the heart of the thalassemia belt. Many countries have a significant prevalence of sickle cell disease, and cancer is on the rise in the region. Therefore, the strategic priorities for the growth and development of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) differ from country to country based on resources, healthcare challenges, and prevalent infrastructure. Thirty-one reporting teams to the Eastern Mediterranean Blood and Marrow Transplantation Group have active HSCT programs in 12 countries; allogeneic transplants outnumber autologous transplants, and the proportion of allotransplants for non-malignant conditions is higher in the EMRO region than in Western Europe and North America. The vast majority (99%) of allotransplants are from matched related donors. Matched unrelated donors and other alternate donor transplants are underutilized. The chance of finding a matched related donor for allografts is higher, with a significant chance of finding matched donors among non-sibling related donors. Reasons for relatively lower rates of transplants compared with other countries are multifactorial. Capacity building, development of newer centers, innovative funding, and better utilization of information technology are required to make transplantation as an accessible modality to more patients. Cost-effectiveness and cost-containment, regulation, and ensuring quality will all be priorities in planning HSCT development in the region.
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Trasplante de Células Madre Hematopoyéticas , Humanos , Trasplante de Médula Ósea , Trasplante Homólogo , Región Mediterránea , Europa (Continente)RESUMEN
In Pakistan 76.4% of all NHLs to be diagnosed as DLBCLs. The survival of R-CHOP is better compared to the DA-REPOCH treatment regimen. A prospective follow-up study was conducted with 113 patients to study the outcomes of treatment. Multivariable cox-proportional hazard model was used to estimate the hazard ratios in patients receiving these treatment regimens considering p-value ≤0.05 significant. The survival rate among double/triple expressor lymphoma patients received R-DA-EPOCH was 82.8%, and 83.3% received R-CHOP. For double/triple expressor lymphoma patients received R-DA-EPOCH. The findings of our study demonstrated that the survival rate in both R-CHOP and R-DA-EPOCH is mostly similar.
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Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the commonest non-Hodgkin lymphoma encountered by hematopathologists and oncologists. Management guidelines for DLBCL are developed and published by countries with high income and do not cater for practical challenges faced in resource-constrained settings. This report by a multidisciplinary panel of experts from Pakistan is on behalf of three major national cancer societies: Society of Medical Oncology Pakistan, Pakistan Society of Hematology, and Pakistan Society of Clinical Oncology. The aim is to develop a practical and standardized guideline for managing DLBCL in Pakistan, keeping in view local challenges, which are similar across most of the low- and middle-income countries across the globe. Modified Delphi methodology was used to develop consensus guidelines. Guidelines questions were drafted, and meetings were convened by a steering committee to develop initial recommendations on the basis of local challenges and review of the literature. A consensus panel reviewed the initial draft recommendations and rated the guidelines on a five-point Likert scale; recommendations achieving more than 75% consensus were accepted. Resource grouping initially suggested by Breast Health Global Initiative was applied for resource stratification into basic, limited, and enhanced resource settings. The panel generated consensus ratings for 35 questions of interest and concluded that diagnosis and treatment recommendations in resource-constrained settings need to be based on available resources and management expertise.
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Hematología , Linfoma de Células B Grandes Difuso , Consenso , Humanos , Linfoma de Células B Grandes Difuso/diagnóstico , Linfoma de Células B Grandes Difuso/terapia , Oncología Médica , Pakistán/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Aplastic anemia (AA) is characterized by diminished hematopoietic precursors in the bone marrow, most often due to injury to the pluripotent stem cell. In Pakistan, AA is not uncommon, and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant remains the only curative option for these patients. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the transplant outcome of combined granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) primed blood and bone marrow grafts in adult and pediatric patients with AA. METHODS: We retrospectively collected the data of all transplant procedures performed from 2004 to 2019 at Aga Khan University in Karachi, Pakistan. Variables analyzed included age, sex, type of stem cells used, conditioning regimens, and overall survival for patients undergoing transplant in AA. RESULTS: A total of 351 transplants were performed during the study period. Out of these, 239 were allogeneic transplants, whereas 112 were autologous procedures. We performed 70 transplants for AA during the study period, of which 52 were male patients and 18 were female patients. The median age ± standard deviation (SD) was 17.5 ± 9.4 years (range, 2-43 years). Cyclophosphamide/antithymocyte globulin (ATG) was used as a conditioning regimen in 65 patients, while ATG/cyclophosphamide/fludarabine was used in 5 patients. In 60 patients, a combination of G-CSF primed blood and bone marrow stem cells were used. The mean CD34 count was 5.2 × 106/kg. Graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis was done with cyclosporine and methotrexate. All patients received standard infection prophylaxis. Engraftment was achieved in 86% of patients. The median day of myeloid engraftment was 15 (range, 10-22 days). Chronic GVHD was present in 3 patients while 4 had acute GVHD. The overall survival was 71.2% (median duration of 80 months). The main cause of mortality was gram-negative sepsis. CONCLUSION: A combination of blood and bone marrow stem cells results in early engraftment with decreased frequency of GVHD in AA. The overall survival was comparable to international literature.
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Anemia Aplásica/cirugía , Enfermedad Injerto contra Huésped/epidemiología , Factor Estimulante de Colonias de Granulocitos/uso terapéutico , Movilización de Célula Madre Hematopoyética/métodos , Trasplante de Células Madre Hematopoyéticas/métodos , Trasplante de Células Madre de Sangre Periférica/métodos , Adolescente , Adulto , Anemia Aplásica/complicaciones , Anemia Aplásica/mortalidad , Niño , Preescolar , Femenino , Enfermedad Injerto contra Huésped/etiología , Movilización de Célula Madre Hematopoyética/efectos adversos , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/epidemiología , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/etiología , Estudios Retrospectivos , Acondicionamiento Pretrasplante/métodos , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), an indolent but malignant lymphoproliferative disorder, is characterized by unregulated and uninhibited growth of mature monoclonal lymphocytes, with deletion of 17p containing TP53 gene being the most important prognostic factor. TP53 mutations, reported in 10% of CLL cases, seem to have a direct correlation to a more advanced stage and aggressive transformation of CLL. METHODS: This was a retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study limited to a period from 1st June 2013 to 30th June 2016, conducted at Section of haematology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. One thirty-nine cases of CLL received for TP53 mutation analysis at the Aga Khan University hospital clinical Laboratory were included in the study. Five ml of whole blood or one ml of bone marrow aspirate sample in EDTA tube was collected for the detection of TP53 mutation by the FISH technique. Statistical package for social sciences 21 was used for data entry and analysis. RESULTS: Of the 139 chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients, 43 (31%) were females and 96 (69%) were males. The mean age of all patients was 56.3±10.84 years. Tp53 gene mutation in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia was found only in 19(13.7%) patients. Among these patients 15 (10.9%) were male and 04(2.9%) were females. Age and gender were not statistically significant with Tp53 mutation with a p-value > 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval. CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort of Pakistani patients with Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, TP53 gene mutation was found in 19 (13.7%).
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Leucemia Linfocítica Crónica de Células B/epidemiología , Leucemia Linfocítica Crónica de Células B/genética , Mutación/genética , Proteína p53 Supresora de Tumor/genética , Anciano , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Pakistán , Estudios RetrospectivosRESUMEN
A case series was conducted at the Department of Orthopaedic surgery, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, from July 2016 to June 2018, to evaluate the functional and clinical outcome of arthroscopic anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with hamstrings autograft. Patients aged 17 years and above with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries of duration three months or older, diagnosed on history and clinical examination and confirmed on Magnetic Resonance Imaging were prospectively recruited from outpatient department. Patients with multiligamentous injury were excluded. Information on patient's demographics such as age, duration of injury and mechanism of injury were recorded. In addition, graft length and diameter, associated injuries of lateral or medical menisci were noted peroperatively. Patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months. The functional outcomes were assessed through lysholm knee score, and Tegner activity scale. Clinical outcome was assessed with loss of motion in flexion and extension and residual laxity using Lachman test. Paired sample t-test was applied to compare mean scores pre and post-operatively. The study findings reveal that arthroscopic anatomic Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction using quadruple strand hamstring tendon autograft was an effective method of treatment for the ACL-deficient knee with improved clinical and functional status.
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Lesiones del Ligamento Cruzado Anterior , Reconstrucción del Ligamento Cruzado Anterior , Tendones Isquiotibiales , Adolescente , Lesiones del Ligamento Cruzado Anterior/diagnóstico por imagen , Lesiones del Ligamento Cruzado Anterior/cirugía , Autoinjertos , Humanos , Estudios Prospectivos , Trasplante Autólogo , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Bendamustine is an attractive option for the management of both de novo and relapsed lymphomas. It is being increasingly used in the conditioning regimen for autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT) and can be an alternative to the traditionally-used carmustine. In this study, we aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of bendamustine in the conditioning regimen for autologous SCT in refractory/relapsed lymphomas. METHODS: We designed a descriptive study to evaluate bendamustine in combination with etoposide, cytarabine, and melphalan (BeEAM) in the conditioning regimen for autologous SCT. RESULTS: Fourteen patients (median age, 28 yr) with Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) (N=8), non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) (N=5), or peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL NOS) (N=1) were included in the study. A median number of 5.95×106 CD34+ cells/kg were transfused. Median times to absolute neutrophil count and platelet engraftment were 17 days and 24 days, respectively. The 100-day transplantation mortality rate was 28% (4 patients). Eight patients (57.14%) had GII-III acute kidney injury, four patients (28.5%) had GIII-IV hyperbilirubinemia, and twelve patients (85%) had GII-III diarrhea. After 3 months, 37% (5 patients) and 21.4% (3 patients) demonstrated complete response and partial response, respectively. The median follow-up was 5.5 months (15 days-19 mo). At the final follow-up, 7 patients (50%) were alive and in CR. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that bendamustine is a potentially toxic agent in the conditioning regimen for autologous SCT, resulting in significant liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal toxicity. Further studies are required to assess its safety and efficacy at reduced doses.
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The development of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) programs can face significant challenges in most developing countries because such endeavors must compete with other government health care priorities, including the delivery of basic services. Although this is may be a limiting factor, these countries should prioritize development of the needed expertise to offer state-of-the-art treatments, including transplantation, by providing financial, technological, legal, ethical, and other needed support. This would prove beneficial in providing successful programs customized to the needs of their population and potentially provide long-term cost savings by circumventing the need for their citizens to seek care abroad. The costs of establishing an HSCT program and the costs of the HSCT procedure itself can be substantial barriers in developing countries. In addition, socioeconomic factors intrinsic to specific countries can influence access to HSCT, patient eligibility for HSCT, and timely utilization of HSCT center capabilities. This report describes recommendations from the Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation for establishing HSCT programs, with a specific focus on developing countries, and identifies challenges and opportunities for providing this specialized procedure in resource-constrained settings.
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Países en Desarrollo , Trasplante de Células Madre Hematopoyéticas , Sociedades Médicas , Acondicionamiento Pretrasplante , Humanos , Guías de Práctica Clínica como Asunto , Factores Socioeconómicos , Trasplante Autólogo , Trasplante HomólogoRESUMEN
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) activity was evaluated in the African (AFR)/EMRO region and compared to the global activity for the years 2006-2013. Data were obtained from 1570 teams in the 6 WHO continental regions. Of these, 29 (1.85%) of all teams were active in 12 of the 68 AFR/EMRO countries. They reported 2.331 (3.3%) of the worldwide 71.036 HSCT, and a transplant rate of 32.8 (TR; HSCT/10 million inhabitants; worldwide 128.5). This reflects still the lowest regional TR despite an increase of 90% since 2006. HSCT activity in AFR/EMRO countries was characterized by a higher use of allogeneic compared to autologous HSCT, an almost exclusive use of family donors, including haploidentical family donors. These findings contrast with the prevalence of autologous over allogeneic HSCT, and a higher frequency of unrelated HSCT in other parts of the world. Of note, the increase by 200% in HSCT for hemoglobinopathies from 2006 to 2013 (72 per year) in the AFR/EMRO region. This reflects the specific role of HSCT for these disease categories with high prevalence and incidence in the AFR/EMRO region. This report provides information for the competent authorities to foster adequate infrastructure. It urges transplant organization to optimize their cooperation.
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Trasplante de Células Madre Hematopoyéticas/métodos , África , Trasplante de Células Madre Hematopoyéticas/tendencias , Humanos , Estudios Retrospectivos , Acondicionamiento Pretrasplante/métodos , Acondicionamiento Pretrasplante/tendenciasRESUMEN
AIM: We determined the frequency of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and overall survival (OS) in sex matched vs mismatched transplant. METHODS: Medical records were analyzed of patients undergoing transplant from 2004 to 2016. Variables included age, sex of patient and donor, indication, conditioning regimen, stem cell source, frequency of GvHD and OS. RESULTS: We performed n = 162 allogeneic stem cell transplants. The most common conditioning regimen was busulfan/cyclophosphamide (n = 64). There was no difference in the frequency of GvHD in both groups. The transplant related mortality was higher (8.7%) in sex-mismatched transplants. The OS in both groups was similar. CONCLUSION: Our study showed higher transplant-related mortality in sex-mismatched transplant. There was no difference in GvHD and OS in both groups.
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INTRODUCTION: Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are a heterogeneous group of malignancies in the lymphoid system and ureteric involvement by non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is very rare. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 37-year-old male, presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms and right flank pain. Initially, he presented with lower urinary tract symptoms without having any evidence of urinary tract infection and was managed for nonspecific cystitis. His ureteral histopathology report indicated a diffused infiltration by malignant lymphoid cells and the final diagnosis revealed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. His positron-emission tomography scan indicated stage 4 disease with skeletal involvement and he was then treated by rituximab, cyclophosphamide, liposomal doxorubicin, vincristine, and methylprednisolone chemotherapy. Later, he was also diagnosed with central nervous system lymphoma and died during his stay in the hospital. CONCLUSION: Primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the ureter is extremely rare; however, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with obstructive uropathy as its early detection is crucial for diagnostic and therapeutic treatment.
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Objectives: The heterogenous response to treatment in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can be attributed largely to the difference in cytogenetic features identified in between cases. Cytogenetic analysis in acute leukemia is now routinely used to assist patient management, particularly in terms of diagnosis, disease monitoring, prognosis and risk stratification. Knowing about cytogenetic profile at the time of diagnosis is important in order to take critical decisions in management of these patients. The study was conducted to determine the distribution of cytogenetic abnormalities in Pakistani adult patients with AML in order to have insights regarding behavior of the disease. Methods: A retrospective analysis of all the cases of AML (≥15years old) diagnosed at Aga Khan University from January 2011 to December 2016 was performed. Cytogenetic analysis was made for all cases using the trypsin-Giemsa banding technique. Karyotypes were interpreted using the International System for Human Cytogenetic Nomenclature (ISCN) criteria. Results: A total of 321 patients were diagnosed with AML during the study period, of which 288 samples successfully yielded metaphase chromosomes. The male to female ratio was 1.7:1. A normal karyotype was present in 61% (n=176) of the cases whereas, 39% (n=112) had an abnormal karyotype. Of the abnormal cases, t (8;21) (q22;q22) and t (15;17) (q22;q12) were identified in 8.3% and 4.9% cases respectively. Adverse prognostic cytogenetic subgroups including complex karyotype, monosomy 7 and t(6;9)(p23;q34) were identified in 9%, 1% and 0.7% patients respectively. Conclusions: This largest cytogenetic data in adult AML from Pakistan showed comparable prevalence of favorable prognostic karyotype to international data. The prevalence of specific adverse prognostic karyotype was low.
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Biomarcadores de Tumor/genética , Aberraciones Cromosómicas , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/diagnóstico , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/genética , Adulto , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Cariotipificación , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/epidemiología , Masculino , Pakistán/epidemiología , Pronóstico , Estudios RetrospectivosRESUMEN
Factor VII (FVII) deficiency is one of the rare inherited bleeding disorders. Thrombosis has been occasionally described in inherited FVII deficiency. Here, we report a young female with undiagnosed FVII deficiency who presented with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). Oral contraceptive pill was found to be prothrombotic risk factor. The CVSToccurred in spite of the congenital FVII deficiency indicating that no definitive antithrombotic protection is assured by this defect. Low molecular weight heparin and anti-Xa assay were found to be safe choice of anticoagulation and monitoring, respectively, in this patient.
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Factores de Coagulación Sanguínea/administración & dosificación , Anticonceptivos Orales/efectos adversos , Deficiencia del Factor VII/complicaciones , Heparina de Bajo-Peso-Molecular/administración & dosificación , Trombosis de los Senos Intracraneales/inducido químicamente , Trombosis de la Vena/inducido químicamente , Adulto , Factores de Coagulación Sanguínea/uso terapéutico , Encéfalo/diagnóstico por imagen , Coagulantes , Anticonceptivos Orales/administración & dosificación , Deficiencia del Factor VII/sangre , Deficiencia del Factor VII/tratamiento farmacológico , Femenino , Heparina de Bajo-Peso-Molecular/uso terapéutico , Humanos , Trombosis de los Senos Intracraneales/complicaciones , Trombosis de los Senos Intracraneales/tratamiento farmacológico , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X , Resultado del Tratamiento , Trombosis de la Vena/complicaciones , Trombosis de la Vena/tratamiento farmacológicoRESUMEN
The hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) activity has grown significantly over the past two decades in both developing and developed countries. Many challenges arise in establishing new HCT programs in developing countries, due to scarcity of resources and manpower in expertise in HCT. While cost issues can potentially hinder establishment of new HCT programs in certain regions, the focus on quality and value should be included in the general vision of leadership before establishing an HCT program. The main challenge in most developing countries is the lack of trained/qualified personnel, enormous start-up costs for a tertiary care center, and quality maintenance. Herein, we discuss the main challenges from a cost and quality perspective which occur at initiation of a new HCT program. We give real world examples of two developing countries that have recently started new HCT programs despite significant financial constraints. We also portray recommendations from the Worldwide Network of Blood and Marrow Transplantation for levels of requirements for a new HCT program. We hope that this review will serve as a general guide for new transplant program leadership with respect to the concerns of balancing high quality with concurrently lowering costs.