Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to K Sletnes.
Today there are not enough specialists in haematology in Norway. During the period 1990-1995 2.5 specialists in haematology qualified per year. In order to meet future requirements for haematologists at Norwegian municipal and university hospitals, it has been estimated by the Norwegian Society for Haematology that the number of specialists qualifying per year should be increased to ten for the next ten years.
The Norwegian Society of Haematology has worked out guidelines for the use of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and granulocyte-monocyte colony stimulating factor and interferon alpha in clinical haematological practice. We recommend not using growth factors as a routine to prevent or to treat fever in patients with granulocytopenia induced by cytostatics, or patients with myelodysplastic syndromes. At present such treatment should be restricted to clinical trials. The same conclusion was reached in regard to use of erythropoietin in the case of myelodysplastic syndromes. Harvesting of stem cells from peripheral blood is a well documented indication for administration of growth factors. Interferon alpha as maintenance treatment for cases of multiple myeloma and low grade malignant lymphoma delays progression of the disease but does not improve chance of survival. There is no documentation of improved quality of life. Use of interferon alpha is not justified as a routine treatment for multiple myeloma. In chronic myelogenous leukemia, interferon alpha seems to be equal to or better than hydroxyurea, and may be considered for patients who cannot undergo allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.
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