Total body irradiation in a patient with fragile X syndrome for acute lymphoblastic leukemia in preparation for stem cell transplantation: A case report and literature review.

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a congenital disorder caused by expansion of CGG trinucleotide repeat at the 5' end of the fragile X mental retardation gene 1 (FMR1) on the X chromosome that leads to chromosomal instability and diminished serum levels of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). Afflicted individuals often have elongated features, marfanoid habitus, macroorchidism and intellectual impairment. Evolving literature suggests the condition may actually protect from malignancy while chromosomal instability would presumably elevate the risk. Increased sensitivity to ionizing radiation should also be predicted by unstable sites within the DNA. Interestingly, in this report, we detail a patient with FXS diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated with induction followed by subsequent cycles of hyper-CVAD (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, dexamethasone) with a complete response who then was recommended to undergo peripheral stem cell transplantation. The patient underwent total body irradiation (TBI) as a component of his conditioning regimen and despite the concern of his clinicians, developed minimal acute toxicity and successful engraftment. The pertinent literature regarding irradiation of patients with FXS is also reviewed.

West meets east: cross-cultural issues in inpatient treatment.

The authors analyze the role of culture and its influence on the inpatient psychiatric treatment setting through an examination of the contrasting beliefs and assumptions of the Euro-American and Arabic-Islamic traditions. Three case vignettes illustrate the form and impact of these contrasts on various aspects of the cross-cultural encounter when Arab patients are treated in a Western psychodynamically informed hospital setting. The impact of the culture of origin on both treaters and patients is examined. These observations can also be extrapolated to other significant cross-cultural encounters within the hospital setting. Cultural differences may contribute to either a mismatch of expectations or to a creative accommodation of them on the part of both patients and treaters.

Preventing staff-patient sexual relationships.

Just as the awareness of incest and childhood sexual abuse has grown in recent years, so too has knowledge of sexual exploitation of patients by psychotherapists and other mental health professionals. Almost no one, however, has discussed the prevalence of this problem in the hospital setting. The authors were members of a study group that thoroughly reviewed reported incidents in their own institution, leading to the recommendation that education is the best preventive measure currently available. The authors discuss fundamental issues involved in such a study, summarize profiles of patients and staff members who may be vulnerable to sexual involvement, and describe the main components of a preventive educational approach.