ABSTRACT
Cutaneous alternariosis is a rare condition, caused by an uncommon opportunistic pathogen. The most frequently affected individuals are immunosuppressed patients, e.g., organ transplant patients on immunosuppressive therapy. Clinical manifestations range from local skin lesions to disseminated disease. We present a case report of cutaneous alternariosis in a renal transplant recipient, confirmed by histological examination and molecular means. In addition, a review of the literature was performed.
Subject(s)
Alternariosis/diagnosis , Alternariosis/pathology , Kidney Transplantation , Transplant Recipients , Histocytochemistry , Humans , Immunocompromised Host , Microscopy , Molecular Diagnostic TechniquesABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The 'order of draw' has been advocated since 1982 to reduce the risk of cross-contaminating blood tubes with additives from a previously filled tube. METHODS: We studied 193 patients receiving oral anticoagulation. Multiple tubes were collected in a specific order using the Sarstedt Safety Monovette System. We evaluated the effect of the 'order of draw' on the prothrombin time/international normalized ratio (PT/INR) and the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) when the citrate tube is drawn as the first tube, second tube or after a heparin, EDTA or serum tube with clot activator. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant influence on the PT/INR. The same applies for the APTT measured on a citrate tube drawn after a heparin tube. There was a small, but statistically significant bias on the APTT when the citrate tube was drawn as the first tube, after an EDTA tube or after a serum tube with clot activator. We consider this bias (max. 0.2 s) as not clinically significant. CONCLUSION: The order of draw has no significant influence on the PT/INR and APTT when measured on a Sarstedt citrate tube filled without the use of a discard tube or after a heparin, EDTA or serum tube with clot activator.
Subject(s)
Blood Coagulation Tests/standards , Specimen Handling/standards , Anticoagulants/pharmacokinetics , Anticoagulants/therapeutic use , Blood Coagulation Tests/methods , Humans , International Normalized Ratio , Partial Thromboplastin Time , Prothrombin Time , Reproducibility of ResultsABSTRACT
Fulminant herpes simplex virus (HSV) hepatitis is a rare condition, which is usually identified only after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) or at autopsy. The most commonly affected individuals are immunosuppressed patients, although HSV hepatitis can occur in immunocompetent patients as well. A high degree of suspicion combined with early diagnostic modalities may improve survival. We present a case report of fulminant herpetic hepatitis, requiring OLT. In addition, a review of the literature was performed.
