Quantitation of bleeding symptoms in a national registry of patients with inherited platelet disorders.

BACKGROUND: Inherited platelet deficiency and/or dysfunction may be more common in the general population than has previously been appreciated. In 2013 the Israeli Inherited Platelet Disorder (IPD) Registry was established. METHODS: Clinical and laboratory data were collected to pre-specified registration forms. The study protocol was approved by the local hospital ethics committees. RESULTS: To date we have included in the registry 89 patients (male 52%) from 79 families. Most patients (74%) have a not-yet specified inherited thrombocytopenia (n=39) or non-specific platelet function disorder (n=27). Full clinical data were available for 81 (91%) patients. The median (range) age at presentation and time of follow-up were 1.8years (1day-17.8years) and 4.7 (0-26) years, respectively. The Pediatric Bleeding Questionnaire was available for 78patients; abnormal bleeding score (≥2) was recorded in 47 (52.8%, 95% CI 42%-63.5%) patients and was less frequent in patients followed for isolated thrombocytopenia. Abnormal score was associated with a longer time of follow-up, OR 1.19 (95% CI 1.04-1.36). CONCLUSION: Long term follow-up of patients with IPDs is important as bleeding risks may increase with time. We expect that clinical and laboratory information of patients/families with IPDs gathered in a systemic format will allow for better diagnosis and treatment of these patients.

[Isotretinoin and exercise: can the two walk together?].

Since its introduction in 1982, isotretinoin has revolutionized acne treatment, targeting the underlying mechanism of the disease, with effective and long-lasting results. During the first decade of its marketing, several cases of hyperCKemia and rhabdomyolysis were linked to isotretinon therapy. A special concern was given to the possible triggering of muscle toxicity by vigorous exercise. These potential effects discouraged the prescription of isotretinoin to physically active patients or required them to abstain from exercise during treatment. Common musculoskeletal adverse effects of isotretinoin include muscle or joint pains. HyperCKemia is frequently found in patients receiving treatment for rare cases of rhabdomyolysis. Isotretinoin-associated muscle toxicity is usually detected in asymptomatic patients, even though symptoms can appear without hyperCKemia. A possible synergistic effect of isotretinoin and exercise is plausible, although supported by weak evidence and mediated by an unknown mechanism. There are only two reports of myoglobinuria and no reports of decreased renal function in exercising patient under treatment. In conclusion, we believe that current data should not deter physicians from offering isotretinoin to physically active patients nor require them to abstain from exercise. Physicians must explain to patients the possible side effects of treatment, ask them to refrain from an unusual change in their exercise regimen and advise them to avoid other triggers of rhabdomyolysis. Patients should be aware of possible signs of muscle toxicity and inform their doctors about any relevant symptoms.