Title: Vitamin D deficiency, cardiac iron and cardiac function in thalassaemia major.

Authors: Wood, John C.; Claster, Susan; Carson, Susan; Menteer, J. D.; Hofstra, Thomas; Khanna, Rachna; Coates, Thomas

Source: British Journal of Haematology; Jun2008, Vol. 141 Issue 6, p891-894, 4p

Document Type: Article

Abstract: Vitamin D25-OH and D1-25OH levels were compared with cardiac R2* (1/T2*), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), age, ferritin and liver iron in 24 thalassaemia major patients. Vitamin D25-OH levels were reduced in 13/24 patients while vitamin D1-25OH levels were often elevated. Vitamin D25-OH levels decreased with age ( r² = 0-48) and with liver iron ( r² = 0-20). Cardiac R2* was inversely related with the ratio of D25-OH to D1-25OH levels ( r² = 0-42).

Title: Consensus recommendations.

Authors: Beutler, Ernest

Source: British Journal of Haematology; Sep2007, Vol. 138 Issue 6, p673-675, 3p

Document Type: Editorial

Abstract: The author reflects on the need to have reliable consensus on providing advice in medicine. He cited the article about the recommendations on how to manage the hematological and onco-hematological aspects of Gaucher's disease which he claimed to require careful scrutiny. He also mentioned the contribution of Genzyme Corp. to the society.