The ability of lumbar spine DXA and phalanx QUS to detect previous fractures in young thalassemic patients with hypogonadism, hypothyroidism, diabetes, and hepatitis-B: A 2-year subgroup analysis from the Taranto Area of Apulia Region.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a leading cause of morbidity in patients affected by ß-thalassemia major or intermediate; we aimed to assess the association between demineralization observed in young thalassemic patients. METHODS: A total of 88 patients with ß-thalassemia were recruited at Microcitemia Center of Taranto Hospital under the Prevention Osteoporosis and Fractures research project from 2008 to 2010. All the patients were screened with both dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and quantitative ultrasound (QUS). T score and Z score values were obtained for each subject. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of demineralization was 84% with DXA and 70% with QUS, whereas normality was found in 16% of patients screened with DXA and in 30% of cases with QUS. Hypogonadism, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, hepatitis-B, and the presence of previous fragility fractures were significantly associated with the demineralization status (lower T scores values) both with DXA and QUS. CONCLUSION: Our data confirm that DXA and QUS examinations are both useful for detecting bone demineralization in thalassemic patients.

[CPFA (coupled plasma filtration absorption) treatment of septic shock. A retrospective study of nine patients]. / Trattamento con CPFA (coupled plasma filtration absorption) dello shock settico. Uno studio retrospettivo di 9 casi.

Coupled plasma filtration absorption (CPFA) can increase blood pressure in septic shock and reduce fever during and after treatment. It is not able to stop the activation of intravascular coagulation and does not reduce the need for dialysis or the overall mortality.