Is exit of pediatric pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukaemia cells from the bone marrow to the peripheral blood associated with cell maturation or alterations in gene expression?
The transition of ALL cells from the BM into the circulation does not demand, or result in, major changes of gene expression pattern. This might indicate an independence of BM stroma on the part of transformed pre-B cells, which contrasts with that of their normal counterparts.
Half of patients with incident RA received GCs in primary care. Average GC use was 7.5 mg for 25% of the time, perhaps higher usage than rheumatologists and GPs might expect. GCs were prescribed more commonly in certain high-risk populations, including older patients and those with CVD.