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It is well known that Factor VIII concentrates affect platelet function both "in vitro" and "in vivo" but the mechanism of their action is poorly understood. Therefore the aim of the present work was to investigate a possible effect of these concentrates on prostaglandin synthesis by platelets, measured as the amount of released malondialdehyde (MDA), which is an index of Thromboxane A2 production. Our data suggest that Factor VIII concentrates have no effect on MDA release by platelets and on its inhibition by aspirin and heparin. In conclusion the effect of Factor VIII concentrates on platelets is not mediated by an increased synthesis of prostaglandins.

We report a case of eleven years old child with an acute lymphoblastic leukemia who developed an acute abdomen while in haematological relapse. He had an acute appendicitis with leukemic infiltration of the coecum. The early surgical intervention and the coecum irradiation were successful: the following chemiotherapy achieved remission. A more aggressive surgical approach to the acute abdomen, combined with careful supportive measures, might improve the usually grim prognosis in patient whose leukemia offers a chance for remission.