[Echocardiographic assessment of patients with sickle cell anemia]. / Evaluación ecocardiográfica de pacientes con anemia falciforme.

One hundred and sixty four (164) patients were evaluated. Sixty (60) with Sickle cell disease (SSHg.) and ninety seven (97) with Trait (ASHg.); seventeen (17) were normal control group. The study confirmed that the incidence of cardiomyopathy in Trait (ASHg.) is greater than reported by other clinical investigations. Cardiac arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, premature ventricular contractions, bundle branch blocks, and T and ST modifications with sub epicardial isquemia were most significant electrocardiographics changes. The possibility of myocardial infarction in SS patients with low or normal hemoglobin is significant. M-Mode and 2-D echo, demonstrated similar end diastolic volumes in AS and SS patients in which cardiomyopathy were diagnosticated. Patients with cardiac failure, treated with cardiotonics, diuretics and ACE were compensated most frequently. To prevent hemosiderosis, antioxydant (alfatocoferol and Ubiquinones) were used with satisfactory response.

[Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria: physiopathology and therapeutic management]. / Hemoglobinuria paroxística nocturna: fisiopatología y manejo terapéutico.

The authors study the pathophysiology and the therapy of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria according with the literature reviewed. They also refer to have studied seven cases with HPN, two of which were women and five men, between the ages of 26 and 76 years of age, with symptomatology that varied from moderate, chronic hemolytic anemia and acholuria, to severe pancytopenia with bleeding, infections, and requiring transfusions, antibiotics, corticosteroids, androgens and other supportive measures. Most of them had enlargement of the spleen and liver, especially during hemolytic crises.

Human T-cell leukemia virus-I and hematologic malignancies in Panama.

Serum samples were obtained in a 2-year period (November 1, 1984-December 31, 1986) from 136 Panamanian patients with hematologic malignancies identified by a population-based registry designed for studies investigating human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV)-I. Only three patients had clinical and serologic findings of HTLV-I-associated adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL). The authors conclude that although classical HTLV-I-associated ATLL occurs in the Panamanian population, it is not as prevalent as in other Caribbean populations.