H. De Samblanx

Bio: H. De Samblanx is an academic researcher from University of Antwerp. The author has contributed to research in topics: Hantavirus & Nephropathia epidemica. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 2 publications receiving 7 citations.

Acute hantavirus infection presenting as haemolytic-uraemic syndrome (HUS): the importance of early clinical diagnosis.

Abstract: The European prototype of hantavirus, Puumala virus (PUUV), isolated from a common wild rodent, the bank vole (Myodes glareolus), causes nephropathia epidemica (NE). NE can perfectly mimic haemolytic-uraemic syndrome (HUS), progressing from an aspecific flu-like syndrome to acute kidney injury with thrombocytopaenia, and presenting with some signs of haemolytic anaemia and/or coagulopathy. Moreover, both NE and HUS can occur in local outbreaks. We report an isolated case of NE, initially referred for plasmapheresis for suspected HUS, although signs of overt haemolysis were lacking. Early suspicion of hantavirus infection, later confirmed by serology and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), prevented subsequent excessive treatment modalities.

Results from the Belgian mantle cell lymphoma registry

Abstract: Introduction: Mantle cell lymphoma is a B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma characterized by a t(11;14), resulting in overexpression of cyclin D1. Conventional chemotherapy obtains frequent (but short) remissions, leading to a poor median overall survival (OS) of 3–5 years. To obtain more information about the prevalence and current treatment of Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) in Belgium, we collected data in a Belgian registry of MCL. Materials and methods: All Belgian MCL patients, t(11;14) and/or cyclin D1 positive, seen in hematology departments over a one-year period (April 2013–March 2014) were included. Data about patient characteristics, histology, treatment lines, and response were compiled and retrospectively analyzed. Results: Four hundred and four patients were included with a median age at diagnosis of 64 years (range 23–96 years) and a male predominance (72%). For 2013, we calculated a prevalence of at least 36.2 per million and an incidence of at least 7.0 per million in the Belgian population. Characteristics at diagnosis involved lymphadenopathy (82%), splenomegaly (44%), B-symptoms (39%), and hepatomegaly (10%). Bone marrow invasion was present at diagnosis in 77%. Stage at diagnosis was advanced in the majority of cases. The median number of treatment lines was 1. Type of first line treatment included a combination of anthracyclin and cytarabine-based regimen (34%), anthracyclin (39%), and other. Rituximab was used in 88% of first line treatments. In 44% first line treatment was followed by autologous stem cell transplantation. Conclusion: The analysis of this Belgian MCL registry provides insight in the epidemiology, demographics, and current treatment of our Belgian MCL population.

Impact of novel therapies for mantle cell lymphoma in the real world setting: a report from the UK's Haematological Malignancy Research Network (HMRN).

Abstract: The treatment landscape for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) has changed dramatically in recent years, with findings from clinical trials reporting improvements in survival. Data on the general patient population are, however, sparse; and it is unclear whether the effects observed in clinical trials have translated into the real-world setting. To investigate this, we examined first-line and relapsed/refractory (RR) disease management in 335 MCL patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2015 in an established population-based patient cohort, along with data on demographic, diagnostic and prognostic factors. Marked treatment and survival changes were observed; first-line rituximab immunotherapy, for example, increased from 32% to 86% over the 11-year period, and median survival increased from 2·0 years among those first treated in 2004-2011 to 3·5 years among those treated in 2012-2015. Outcomes for RR disease also improved, from 8 months in 2004-2011 to 16·8 months in 2012-2015, coinciding with the introduction of agents, such as bendamustine and ibrutinib. Encouragingly, improvements were seen across all ages; 1-year overall survival among patients over 70 years treated for RR disease almost doubled. Our analyses underscore the importance of monitoring the impact of treatment changes in the real-world setting.

Clinical Characteristics of Ratborne Seoul Hantavirus Disease

Abstract: Although Seoul orthohantavirus is the only globally spread hantavirus pathogen, few confirmed human infections with this virus have been reported in Western countries, suggesting lower medical awareness of the milder, transient, and often chameleon-like symptoms of this zoonosis. We describe lesser known clinical and laboratory characteristics to help improve underreporting of this virus.

Molecular epidemiology of rodent-, shrew- and bat-borne hantaviruses in Mbeya region, Tanzania

Abstract: A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment for the Requirements of the Master’s in Life Sciences of the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology

Hanta hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome: A pathology in whose diagnosis kidney biopsy plays a major role (Review).

Abstract: Hantavirus infection belongs to a group of zoonoses rare in the Balkan Peninsula, causing two major syndromes, depending on the viral serotype involved: Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) also known as endemic nephropathy and cardiopulmonary syndrome (CPS). Because there is no specific treatment or vaccine for this condition approved in the USA or Europe, the key to minimizing the risk of adverse progression to chronic kidney disease, secondary hypertension or even death is primarily the recognition and early diagnosis of this condition with prompt therapeutic intervention. The aim of this study was to review the literature data on the epidemiology, pathogenesis and management of this disease and to identify several aspects related to the difficulties encountered in diagnosing this pathology, taking into consideration that the disease is not endemic in this geographical area.