The contribution of immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of pediatric neoplastic lesions in the University of Puerto Rico, School of Medicine

Immunohistochemistry has revolutionized the field of diagnostic pathology in the past fifteen years. Since then, it has been increasingly used as an adjunct to morphological diagnosis. The purpose of this retrospective analysis is to examine the value of this technique in the diagnosis of pediatric neoplasias in our laboratory. Forty eight pediatric cases, collected from January 1998 until May 1999, were reviewed, and classified in one of four categories: confirmed the morphological diagnosis, provided the definite diagnosis from a list of probable diagnoses, contributed by excluding other entities, and non-contributory. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the morphological diagnosis in 29 cases (60.4), provided the definite diagnosis from a list of probable diagnoses in 13 cases (27.1), was contributory by exclusion of other entities in 2 cases (4.2), and was non-contributory in 4 cases (8.3). In this preliminary study, we conclude that immunohistochemistry is being used in our laboratory mostly as a confirmatory tool for the definitive diagnosis of the lesions and once more exalts the utility of this technology in the field of diagnostic pathology.

Chronic hepatitis C: treatment comparison between 3 and 5 million units of interferon alpha-2b

Interferon (IFN) is the only drug that has been approved by the FDA for therapy of chronic hepatitis C. However, optimal dose and duration of therapy are still controversial. This study compares the effectiveness of treatment of chronic hepatitis C patients with 3 vs. 5 million units (MU) of recombinant alpha-interferon 2-b three times per week. We also evaluated the relapse rate with a shorter 12 week-course of therapy in those patients who had normalization of aminotransferases by week 12. Seventy-five patients were randomized to receive either 3 vs. 5 MU of IFN; seventy-two completed the study. A complete response was seen in 11/35 (31 per cent) of those treated with 5 MU vs. 13/37 (35 per cent) in the 3 MU dose (p = 0.74). Patients were followed after IFN was withdrawn and only 2 had persistently normal aminotransferases. Analysis of multiple variables was done to predict response to FN and only elevations of GGT, ferritin and alkaline phosphatase were found to be predictors of a poor response. Therefore, we recommend initial therapy with 3 MU of IFN for a longer period than 12 weeks in patients who show a response.

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy. Case report and review of the literature

A case of acute fatty liver of pregnancy is presented. This case is characterized by many of the reported diagnostic features of AFLP, including the abrupt onset of symptoms with progressive liver failure, coagulopathy and encephalopathy, during the third trimester of pregnancy. Autopsy findings confirmed the diagnosis. The literature is reviewed, emphasizing the clinical and laboratory features helpful in the diagnosis of this entity

Budd chiari syndrome in a post partum female with adrenal cortical carcinoma: case report and review of the literature

Reportamos el caso de una paciente post parto cuya primera manifestación de su carcinoma de corteza adrenal fue un síndrome agudo de Budd Chiari. También revisamos los casos previamente reportados en la literatura médica en que se ha asociado el sindrome de Budd Chiari al carcinoma de corteza adrenal

Liver biopsy findings in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Ocho pacientes con SIDA fueron sometidos a biopsia de hígado para determinar el espectro de enfermedad de hígado en esta condición. Las indicaciones para biopsua fueron fiebre, hepatomegalia o alteración en las enzimas hepáticas. En siete pacientes se realizó prueba de perfil de hepatitis. Las biopsias se tiñeron con H & E, reticulina, PAS, tinte FITE pra bacilos ácidos-resistentes y plata, se examinaron por microscopía electrónica y todas se cultivaron para bacilos ácido-resistentes y hongos. Cinco de 8 pacientes (62.5%) tenían historial de abuso de drogas intravenosas, 3(37.5%) eran homosexuales. La edad media era de 37 años (30-43), y la duración de enfermedad era de 8 meses (2-15). Siete (100%) tenían algún marcador de hepatitis B, 6 de 7 (85.7%) tenían anticuerpos de hepatitis A. Todos los pacientes estaban recibiendo por lo menos un agente hepatotóxico. Los hallazgos histológicos incluyeron hígado graso (2/8), granulomas de schistosomiasis (1/8), hepatitis crónica activa (3/8). Los estudios de bacteriológia fueron negativos en todos. Concluimos que los pacientes con SIDA tenían una incidencia alta de anormalidades hepáticas, pero no se identificaron cambios hepáticos específicos o patognomónicos

Colonic histoplasmosis simulating crohn's disease in a patient with AIDS: case report and review of the literature

Hemos presentado el caso poco usual, pero no único, de un varón de 48 años cuya primera manifestación de SIDA fue diarrea crónica simulando enfermedad de Crohn secundaria a histoplasmosis colónica. El paciente murió con histoplasmosis diseminada. Hemos repasado la literatura reciente tocante a histoiplasmosis, al igual que aquella literatura local referente a este tema. En vista de que la razón estimada de infección por este organismo es de 30% en Puerto Rico y, conociendo que los sujetos inmunosuprimidos se encuentran en un riesgo alto de que la infección se disemine, debemos pensar en H. capsulatum como agente infeccioso en nuestros pacientes con SIDA, de manera que hagamos un diagnóstico temprano y administremos el tratamiento adecuado prontamente, evitando asi resultados fatales