Anti-E Detected in a 7-Month-Old Infant with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia after Transfusion.

BACKGROUND: Only a few cases of infantile anti-red blood cell alloantibody production have been reported. METHODS: A 7-month-old girl with acute lymphoid leukemia developed anti-E alloantibody 13 days after transfusion of E-positive red blood cells. Antibody screening was performed before and at 2, 6, 13, 18, 27, 34, and 49 days after red blood cell transfusion. Identification test, direct immunoglobulin test, acid elution, and dithiothreitol test were also performed. RESULTS: Anti-E alloantibody was detected in the blood 13 days after the first transfusion. The detected antibody was IgM and it decreased below detectable levels within 49 days after the first transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Follow-up testing for the presence of post-transfusion alloantibody at appropriate times is important, even in infants.

Effect of electroacupuncture on the healing process of tibia fracture in a rat model: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Electrical stimulation is used to promote bone reunion, and is most effective when applied directly to the fracture site. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on the healing process of tibia fracture in a rat model. METHODS: Thirty 12-week-old male Wistar rats underwent unilateral open osteotomies of the tibiae. The rats were then assigned randomly to three groups: EA group (n=10), sham group (n=10) and control group (n=10). In the EA group, a cathodal electrode was connected to an acupuncture needle percutaneously penetrated directly at the surgery site, while an acupuncture needle inserted at 15 mm proximal to the surgery site was used as an anodal electrode. EA (50 Hz, 20 µA, 20 min) was performed daily for 3 weeks. In the sham group the acupuncture needles were inserted at the same sites but no electrical stimulation was given and in the control group, no treatment was given. The response was evaluated at 1, 3, 4 and 6 weeks after surgery by radiographic, macroscopic and mechanical examinations. RESULTS: The EA group showed accelerated bone healing (EA group 29.92+/-4.55 mm², sham group 26.46+/-5.21 mm², control group 26.19+/-2.81 mm², p<0.05 at 3 weeks) and accretion of the callus (radiographic evaluation: EA group 35.66+/-4.37 mm², sham group 32.60+/-5.73 mm², control group 29.72+/-6.39 mm², p<0.05 at 6 weeks) compared with the other groups. Mechanical testing also showed an excellent result (EA group 16.54+/-9.92 N, sham group 7.13+/-3.57 N, control group 6.67+/-3.12 N, p<0.05) at 6 weeks in the EA group compared with the other groups. There was no difference between the sham and control groups in any evaluation. CONCLUSION: The use of EA enhanced callus development and bone mineralisation during the bone healing process.