RESUMO
The effect of recombinant interferon alfa-2b on platelet count, thrombocytosis-associated symptoms and marrow fibrosis was studied in 18 patients with myeloproliferative diseases and associated thrombocytosis (nine with essential thrombocythaemia, three with polycythaemia vera, three with myelofibrosis and three with chronic myelogenous leukaemia). A reduction of the platelet count below 600 x 10(9)/L was achieved in 94%, and below 400 x 10(9)/L in 77% of the patients within 8 to 330 days of treatment. The selective thrombocytosis-reducing effect of alpha interferon was maintained for long periods of time in most patients without serious side effects. Thrombocytosis-associated symptoms were relieved once the number of platelets was reduced to near normal levels. Marrow reticulin content was found to be reduced after treatment in two of the seven patients studied. Side effects of alpha interferon were flu-like symptoms, which usually subsided within 7 days of treatment.
Assuntos
Interferon-alfa/uso terapêutico , Trombocitemia Essencial/terapia , Trombocitose/terapia , Adulto , Idoso , Feminino , Humanos , Interferon alfa-2 , Interferon-alfa/efeitos adversos , Contagem de Leucócitos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Contagem de Plaquetas , Proteínas Recombinantes , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
A case of tropical pyomyositis in a 24-year-old Greek is reported. The patient presented with high fever and swelling of the left thigh, generalized lymphadenopathy and multiple infiltrations in both lung fields on X-ray of the chest. Multifocal muscle abscesses were detected by CT scan of the left thigh and gluteal area. Staphylococcus aureus was identified in cultures of the purulent material which was surgically drained. The patient was subsequently treated with appropriate antibiotics. Lack of familiarity with this disease caused diagnostic confusion and delayed the initiation of treatment.