The POEMS syndrome

The POEMS syndrome is an unusual disorder manifesting primary as peripheral sensorimotor neuropathy in association with a monoclonal gammopathy. The importance of its recognition is that significant clinical improvement may result from localization and treatment of the underlying plasma cell tumour.

Glanzmann's thrombasthenia and pregnancy

Glanzmann's thrombasthenia is a rare congenital disorder of platelet function manifesting as defective primary haemostasis. Bleeding episodes often require platelet transfusions, and allo-immunization to donor platelets may occur. The problems of ensuring adequate haemostatic potential for delivery of an allo-immunized pregnant female with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia are presented