Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, also known as veno-occlusive disease (SOS/VOD), is a potentially life-threatening complication that can develop after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). A new definition for diagnosis, and a severity grading system for SOS/VOD in adult patients, was reported a few years ago on behalf of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT). The aim of this work is to update knowledge regarding diagnosis and severity assessment of SOS/VOD in adult patients, and also its pathophysiology and treatment. In particular, we now propose to refine the previous classification and distinguish probable, clinical and proven SOS/VOD at diagnosis. We also provide an accurate definition of multiorgan dysfunction (MOD) for SOS/VOD severity grading based on Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score.

Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome or veno-occlusive disease (SOS/VOD) is a potentially life-threatening complication of hematopoietic SCT (HSCT). This review aims to highlight, on behalf of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation, the current knowledge on SOS/VOD pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis and treatments. Our perspectives on SOS/VOD are (i) to accurately identify its risk factors; (ii) to define new criteria for its diagnosis; (iii) to search for SOS/VOD biomarkers and (iv) to propose prospective studies evaluating SOS/VOD prevention and treatment in adults and children.

Purpose: The changing role of haematology nurses has never been mapped systematically which makes it difficult to plan practice development initiatives in a strategic manner.Method: A survey was conducted to gain insight into the role of European haematology nurses and identify their learning needs.Results: Two hundred and seventy one questionnaires were completed by nurses from 25 countries. most of who were unit-based clinical nurses (116, 43%), had 10 years or more of experience in haematology (56%) and no specialist qualification (65%). The most common professional activities undertaken involved the detection and management of side effect. Respondents believe that they are well trained. possess good communication skills and play a key role within the multidisciplinary team. However. a small but significant number of nurses indicated that they had a limited role to play in patient education (42%) and only 38% (102) agreed that they played an important role in facilitating patient choice. Lack of time, limited course availability and staff shortages are perceived as key barriers to developing practice.Conclusions: Nurses are most interested in receiving further education about graft versus host disease and late effects of treatment. The knowledge component of the questionnaire revealed numerous deficits. Demographic factors such as role and experience had a significant influence on responses. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.