Special Article Introduction Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the only curative treatment for many disorders and international data shows a growing trend. Method We aimed to evaluate the temporal trends in HSCT transplant rates in Argentina. A time-series analysis was performed for the period 2009 to 2018 using the national database from the National Central Coordinating Institute for Ablations and Implants. Crude and standardized transplant rates were calculated. A permutation joinpoint regression model analysis was used to identify significant changes over time. Results Altogether, 8,474 transplants were reported to INCUCAI by 28 centers (autologous 67.5%); the main indication was multiple myeloma (30%). The WHO age-sex standardized HSCT rates for the entire country were 153.3 HSCT/10 million inhabitants (95% CI 141.7-165.8) in 2009 and 260.1 HSCT/10 million inhabitants (95% CI 245.5-275.5) in 2018. There was a large gap in HSCT rates among the states and regions. The transplant rate was higher for autologous transplants throughout the years. Within the allogeneic group, the related donor transplant rate was higher than the unrelated donor transplant rate. The joinpoint regression analysis of HSCT rates for the whole country over time showed an observed annual percentage change of 6.3% (95% CI 5.4-7.3; p< 0.01). No changes were observed for unrelated donors during the study period. Conclusions Age-sex standardized HSCT rates in Argentina are increasing, mainly due to autologous and family donor allogeneic transplants. A wide variation across the country was found, demonstrating differences in the access to transplantation among Argentine regions.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The main cause of early mortality in polytrauma patients is hypovolemia secondary to massive hemorrhage. Hemocomponent and crystalloid therapy is an essential and life-saving mechanism in these situations as a measure of volume replacement. In the same way, patients with severe traumatic injuries have a significant acute decrease in circulating platelet counts that makes them candidates for transfusion of platelet components; However, the use of these blood components can lead to unwanted outcomes such as increased mortality. Although many studies reveal an increase in mortality as an outcome associated with the use of blood components, others establish its use as a reducing measure of this outcome. Objective: to present the main indications of blood components in polytrauma patients, as well as to relate the adverse events associated with their use that influence the mortality and hospitalization time of these patients. Devlopment: Mortality associated with the use of blood components is still a controversial issue. In massive hemorrhage, rapid and efficient transfusion support is essential in the treatment and care of polytrauma, hence it is necessary to have transfusion protocols that improve results and reduce complications. In addition, the need for new studies on the subject to improve these protocols and reduce complications was identified.

RESUMEN Introducción: La principal causa de mortalidad temprana en pacientes politraumatizados es la hipovolemia secundaria a hemorragia masiva. La terapia con hemocomponentes y cristaloides constituye un mecanismo esencial y salvavidas en estas situaciones como medida de reemplazo de volumen. De la misma manera los pacientes con lesiones traumáticas graves tienen una disminución aguda significativa en el recuento de plaquetas circulantes que los hace candidatos a la transfusión de componentes plaquetarios; sin embargo, el uso de estos componentes sanguíneos puede traer consigo desenlaces no deseados como aumento en la mortalidad. Si bien muchos estudios revelan un aumento de la mortalidad como desenlace asociado al uso de hemocomponentes, otros establecen su uso como una medida reductora de este desenlace. Objetivo: Exponer las principales indicaciones de hemocomponentes en los pacientes politraumatizados, así como relacionar los eventos adversos asociados a su uso que influyen sobre la mortalidad y el tiempo de hospitalización de estos pacientes. Desarrollo: La mortalidad asociada al uso de hemocomponentes aún es un tema controvertido. En la hemorragia masiva el apoyo transfusional rápido y eficiente es esencial en el tratamiento y la atención de politraumatismos, de ahí que sea necesario contar con protocolos de transfusión que mejoren los resultados y disminuyan las complicaciones. Además, se identificó la necesidad de nuevos estudios sobre el tema para mejorar estos protocolos y reducir las complicaciones.

Abstract We report the case of a 35-year-old woman with deep-red asymptomatic macules on the plantar and dorsal skin of the right great toe. Histopathologic fi ndings were compatible with Angioma serpiginosum. Immunohistochemical stains for estrogens and progesterone receptors were negative. Dermoscopy showed an erythematous parallel ridge pattern with double rows of irregular dots and globules. We report an unusual case of angioma serpiginosum with acral volar skin involvement. The dermoscopic features described may aid in the diagnosis of AS in this specifi c skin area. Acral volar skin involvement must be included in the clinical spectrum of Angioma serpiginosum and in the differential diagnosis of acral vascular lesions.