Thrombocytopenia in pregnancy
The Haematology in Obstetrics and Women’s Health (HOW) Collaborative has released a position paper on the management of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. It covers treatment of underlying causes of low platelets, establishes 50 x 109/L as the minimum threshold for safe delivery, and recommends individualised decisions around timing, place and mode of birth. It also recommended ongoing monitoring of neonatal platelets where the cord platelet count was <100 blood x 109/L. ANZ J Obstet Gynaecol
IV vs SC immunoglobulin replacement therapy in haematological malignancy
Subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) replacement therapy appears to have a similar clinical efficacy as IV immunoglobulin (IVIg) in patients with secondary immunodeficiency (SID) associated with haematological malignancy. A small Queensland study of patients transitioning from IVIg to SCIg found mean serum IgG levels and infection rates were relatively stable over a four year study period however infections requiring hospitalisations fluctuated. Importantly, the SC route of administration improved the quality of life for most patients. Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology
Cancer check delays
Nine Australian cancer organisations are partnering on a nationwide campaign urging Australians not to ignore new symptoms or defer cancer screening or medical appointments despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. They are Bowel Cancer Australia, GI Cancer Institute, Lung Foundation Australia, Leukaemia Foundation, Lymphoma Australia, Ovarian Cancer Australia, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, Rare Cancers Australia and Pink Hope. They said the community should not lose ground on early cancer detection and treatment even in the “new normal” including face masks, hand sanitisers and social distancing. Watch New Normal, Same Cancer. The campaign is sponsored by AstraZeneca.
Transfusion medicine workshop for registrars
Haematology registrars are invited to a 2-day transfusion medicine workshop 13-14 March 2021. The program, delivered by Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, covers the full scope of topics including antibody identification, blood group discrepancies, haemolysis, transfusion complication and adverse events, obstetric and paediatric transfusion support, massive transfusion and perioperative blood management. In-person session will be facilitated in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.