View clinical trials related to Hematologic Disorders.
Filter by:Rituximab is frequently used in adult and pediatric cancers, blood disorders, lymphoma (a cancerous growth made up of lymphoid tissue), graft-versus-host-disease (complication that can occur after a stem cell or bone marrow transplant), diseases of the immune system (the cells and substances that protect the body from infection) and rheumatologic conditions. Rituximab works by decreasing or temporarily eliminating a specific type of white blood cell, the B-lymphocyte. Overall, rituximab is generally well tolerated. The likelihood of an infusion-related reaction, or symptoms such as fever, chills, hives, low blood pressure or swelling, is very low, but highest during a patient's first infusion of rituximab and decreases with each additional dose. Adults commonly receive rituximab at a faster rate if they have done well with the first infusion, this study will help determine if the same approach is well tolerated in children. In this study, the investigators are testing a new method of administering rituximab which may reduce the time it takes to receive the medication. The initial ordered amount of rituximab will not change from the current standard of care (meaning what is usually done by doctors, and would likely be done if you were not on this study). The period of time over which rituximab is given is what is being studied.
Catheter occlusion and dysfunction are common complications of central venous access device (CVAD) use in children with cancer and hematologic disorders. These events can lead to interruption of therapy and may require device removal and replacement. Attempts to clear occlusion can cause device fracture. There is a clear link between catheter occlusion and other serious complications including bloodstream infection and intravascular thrombosis. There is evidence that catheter occlusion or dysfunction may be preceded by subclinical catheter narrowing, which could be detected by accurate measurement of catheter resistance. This study aims to observe and describe the feasibility and results of catheter resistance monitoring (CRM) over time with the aim of prospectively identifying patients at high risk of catheter occlusion. If CRM is feasible and proves to be sensitive and specific, it could provide an opportunity for preemptive therapy to prevent occlusion, which might also prevent bloodstream infection or thrombosis.
This study will evaluate the use of the AMICUS device in patients where Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) is prescribed by their physicians.