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Introduction: The sensitivity of the detection of irregular antibodies (DIA) is one of the fundamental basis of transfusion safety. The production of alloantibodies is the first cause of adverse events following transfusion., Case Report: We report a 77-year-old woman who was transfused and presented with a delayed haemolytic anemia due to anti-JK1 alloimmunization. This event highlights the limits of DIA performed before a transfusion, the hazard of this specific type of antibody and the difficulties of the diagnosis of haemolytic anaemia. The preventive measures necessary to avoid this undesirable effect are reminded., Conclusion: Despite the sensitive routine test method, the anti-JK1 antibodies could be missed. We should keep in mind the possibility of an anaemia due to alloantibodies we confronted to an unexplained haemolytic episode., (Copyright © 2011 Société nationale française de médecine interne (SNFMI). Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA) located to lower extremities may be the initial manifestation of an infected aortic graft., Case Reports: We report two patients with HOA secondary to aortobifemoral vascular prosthesis infection and aortoenteric fistula. As reported in the literature, initial manifestations included fever, painful swelling of limbs, joint pain, clubbing and in one case intestinal bleeding. These symptoms preceded frank episodes of septicaemia due to a wide variety of bacteria (microbial enteric flora). Bone scan was an appropriate tool for confirming the diagnosis of HOA. Abdominal computed tomography, and PET-scan were useful for detecting vascular infection. Aortoenteric fistula remained difficult to identify., Conclusions: Mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of HOA associated with infected graft are poorly understood, but vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) could play a major role. The mortality of infected aortic grafts remains high, but knowledge of this association could lead to early diagnosis and accurate treatment., (Copyright © 2011 Société nationale française de médecine interne (SNFMI). Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.)

Venous thromboembolism (VTE; defined by deep-vein thrombosis, central venous catheter-related thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) is a major therapeutic issue in cancer patients. VTE is reported in 15-20% of patients with cancer and is an independent prognostic factor and a leading cause of death. In this population, low-molecular-weight heparins have been shown to be superior to vitamin K antagonists. The Italian Association of Medical Oncology, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the French 'Institut National du Cancer', the European Society of Medical Oncology and the American College of Chest Physicians have all published specific guidelines, but their implementation is still low in clinical practice. Methodological assessment of these guidelines was performed using the Appraisal of Guidelines Research & Evaluation Instrument. None of the guidelines on thrombosis and cancer have sought for patients' preferences, nor were they tested among target users. VTE in cancer patients requires a multidisciplinary approach but downstream of the guidelines publication, the potential organisational barriers in applying the recommendations have not been discussed. Tolerance and cost-effectiveness of long-term use of low-molecular-weight heparin may account for the large heterogeneity seen in daily clinical practice. Homogenization of guidelines in international consensus working groups followed by educational and active implementation strategies would be very valuable in order to improve the care of VTE in cancer patients.