From: Sandra Takami, PharmD	Category: Hematology
City: New York	Language: English

Coumadin (warfarin) is a potent blood thinner that is used to treat different conditions that require blood thinning, such as DVT(blood clot in the leg), pulmonary embolus, atrial fibrillation, and mechanical heart valves. The major complication of coumadin is bleeding. When you are on coumadin, you will need to check a blood test- the PT/INR. Sandra Takami, PharmD, a doctor of pharmacology.

From: Ayalew RTeffferi, MD	Category: Hematology
City: Rochester	Language: English

Myelofibrosis: Dr Ayalew Tefferi, a clinical hematologist at the Mayo Clinic discusses Myelofibrosis, a chronic blood disorder, and one of the myeloproliferative diseases. These patients usually have significant anemia, requiring transfusion. They also have splenomegaly, an enlarged spleen which causes weight loss, nausea, and cachexia. Some treatments include thalidomide, and lenalidomide (Revlimid).

From: Steven Fein, MD	Category: Hematology
City: Kendall	Language: English

An overview of ITP, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. This disease is charecterized by a low platelet count. It is commonly found on a routine blood test. Symptoms include abnormal bruising, nose bleeds, heavy menstrual periods, or small marks on the legs called petechiae. In this disease the body is destroying the platelets. Treatements include steroids, and platelet transfusion when the platelet count is very low, or there is active bleeding. Dr. Steven Fein, Hematologist.

From: Maria Baer, MD	Category: Hematology
City: Baltimore	Language: English

Lymphoma and multiple myeloma: Dr. Maria Baer, the Director of Hematologic Malignancies at Univ. of Maryland. Multiple Myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells of the blood. Symptoms of myeloma include bone pain, unexplained fractures, bleeding problems, anemia. Lymphoma is cancer in the lymph system, which filters the blood and fights infection. Symptoms of lymphoma include swollen lymph nodes, fever, nightsweats, fatigue, weight loss and itchy skin.