The ERN Preceptorship experience in Foundation IRCCS Ca'Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan
Discover the experience of the coordinator and the participants!
Last October 2022, 19th-22nd, the 3rd Preceptorship on Rare Haemolytic Anaemia in Laboratories has been held. This educational activity was organized by Dr. Giovanna Graziadei at the foundation IRCCS Ca'Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan.
During the preceptorship, the participant had the opportunity to:
- Acquire the theoretical and practical basis for the use of diagnostic tools and follow-up of patients with suspected hemoglobinopathies, porphyrias and RBC membrane defects and defects of RBC metabolism.
- Know the genetic diagnostic and monitoring tools, their limitations and the interpretation of the results, from RBC morphology to molecular analysis and functional tests
- Be able to propose a change in his/her laboratory, make adaptations or propose that analyses in a particular field be sent to a reference center.
- Propose a rational approach/algorithm for congenital hemolytic anaemias and iron metabolism defects based on national/international recommendations with particular attention to differential diagnosis with acquired/rare and very rare hemolytic anaemias.
In the following lines, you will find the outcomes of this ERN-EuroBloodNet Preceptorship experience from both sides:
«In October 2022 we hosted in Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico in Milan, Italy, the "Preceptorship on Rare Hereditary Hemolytic Anemia in Laboratories". It was a wonderful opportunity to have in our Institute Dr Kevin Colgan from Ireland. We discussed clinical cases and the related diagnostic approaches, new biochemical and molecular laboratory protocols and new guidelines with decision algorithms. We covered several topics related to haemoglobinopathies, other rare anaemias including membrane defects and erythroenzimopathies and, porphyrias. The course was inclusive of a theoretical part and a practical one in the laboratory, where Dr Colgan and the colleagues of my group shared their experiences. ERN programs will help to improve cultural exchanges regarding rare haematological diseases and Europe collaborations. Considering the results had in this experience, we will be happy to propose this course again next year.» Dr Giovanna Graziadei, Coordinator of the Preceptorship (Foundation IRCCS Ca'Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy).
«The ERN-EuroBloodNet preceptorship in Rare Haemolytic Anaemia in Laboratories, in the Foundation IRCCS Ca'Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan (Italy), coordinated by Dr. Giovanna Graziadei was an excellent opportunity to gain invaluable experience and develop my understanding of the intricacies of Rare Haemolytic anaemia diagnosis. During my three-day course, I had the opportunity to learn from diagnostic experts about the different causes of Haemolytic anaemias. Day one covered Haemoglobinopathies and Thalassaemia, day two Porphyrias and day three Red cell membranopathies. Each day involved detailed presentations on the disease epidemiology and pathophysiology. These presentations offered an excellent opportunity to discuss complex and rare aspects of these conditions, real clinical cases and their challenges with expert clinicians and technicians. As we are attempting to develop scientific protocols to diagnose patients with Red cell membranopathies and enzymopathies, the third day was extremely beneficial. I was given a detailed tour of the laboratory, with explanations and recommendations for each different technique. This insight into a well-established and expert diagnostic group was invaluable for me as a scientist. The whole preceptorship experience was incredibly valuable, not just for me but my colleagues, who I could share this information with. Dr Graziadei, Dr. Paola Bianchi and everyone involved in the Foundation IRCCS Ca'Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico were so giving with their scientific knowledge and friendship. This short trip opened my eyes to the larger scale work being carried out by such talented teams and has offered me a wonderful experience that I am so grateful for.» Dr Kevin Colgan (Children's Health Ireland, Ireland).
Other exchanges, in the frame of the Exchange Mobility Program (Ecorys Agency), have been organised by the ERN-EuroBloodNet. Stay tuned to our social media channels to discover the next preceptorship’s calls!
You will find all the information about the ERN-EuroBloodNet preceptorships on our website!