Historical review. The light and shadow of Paul Kaznelson: His life and contribution to hematology

Abstract

Paul Kaznelson is credited with describing the first case of pure red cell aplasia. He was also known for his contribution to the discovery of the therapeutic role of splenectomy in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Most of his academic works appeared in 1910s and 1920s, when he used to work in Karl-Ferdinand University in Prague. Trail of his rather tragic postwar life is briefly added. © The Author(s) 2008.