Value of DNA image cytometry, and cell proliferation by pCNA index in bone marrow biopsies infiltrated by non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

The assessment of DNA ploidy, and proliferative activity by image analysis [IA], was carried out on 17 bone marrow trephine biopsies [BMTBs], from patients with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma [NHL]. Comparative estimation of proliferative activity, was performed using immunohistochemical staining of proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA]. In the twelve bone marrow biopsies, infiltrated by NHLs, aneuploidy was detected in 11[91.6%] cases, S Phase Fraction [SPF], ranged from 15.6-32.5, PCNA labeling index, ranged from 4% to 70% with highest score in intermediate grade NHL mixed small and large cell type. A significant correlation was found between SPF and tumor cell burden [TCB], nuclear surface area and nuclear area variance. However no correlation was found between SPF and PCNA index. For bone marrow biopsies, image analysis has advantages over flowcytometry, including better sampling by histologic correlation, the ability to use limited material, and the supplementary information of prognostic indicators, assessed on comparable paraffin blocks. DNA image analysis and PCNA index by immunostaining are complementary methods in assessment of proliferative activity of NHL. However each technique has its advantages and limitations

Diagnostic and clinical significance of Argyrophilic proteins in patients with acute leukemia

The number [amount] of Argyrophilic proteins [AgNORs] were estimated in bone marrow smears of thirty-six patients with acute leukemia at initial diagnosis: 24 children [10 males 14 females] and 12 adults [6 males and 6 females] as well as 12 matched controls. The purpose of the present work was to study the possible relation of AgNORS to immunophenotypic markers and clinical outcome. Silver staining of AgNORS was applied to bone marrow smears, and immunophenotyping was done by FACS flow cytometry. Statistically significant difference in mean AgNORS count/nucleus was observed in patients versus control [p<0.05], and a different staining pattern was observed in acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL] [fine dots] versus acute myeloid leukemia [AML] patients [coarse dots]. Positive correlation was found between AgNORS and bone marrow blast percent, while negative correlation was found with age, hemoglobin concentration and platelet count. Strong AgNORS staining was associated with immaturity markers and poor response to treatment. Eighty percent [80%] of AML and 70% of ALL patients with mean AgNORS<2.5 achieved complete remission. Determination of AgNORS has a major predictive value and adds an additional tool to differentiate ALL from AML smear Hence, it should be included in the diagnostic and prognostic workup of patients with acute leukemia

pulmonary performance and airway reactivity in acute and chronic fascioliasis before and after triclabendazole treatment

The pulmonary performance and airway reactivity were evaluated in 16 acute and 12 chronic fascioliasis patients before and after treatment with triclabendazole in a trial to clarify some underlying pulmonary changes which can explain the chest symptomatology that may accompany this intestinal fluke. Before treatment, the maximum voluntary ventilation was impaired in the acute and chronic cases. In the acute stage, the affection was in the small airways [as denoted by lower values of FEF75% compared to control]; while in the chronic stage, the impairment was more generalized including not only the small and large airways [as shown by diminished FVC, FEV1, FEFmax, FEF25%, FEF50% and FEF75%] but also the upper airway [as noticed by lower values of FIVC and FIF50% compared with the corresponding control values]. By individual analysis of the dose response slopes [DRS], 37.5% of acute and 33.3% of chronic cases had bronchial hyperactivity. After triclabendazole treatment and cure of the patients, most of the pulmonary flow rates improved significantly compared with the pretreatment values. Moreover, all cases regained normal bronchial reactivity and the DRS diminished significantly than during fascioliasis infection. It is concluded that, although the fluke doesnot have a cycle in the lung, yet if may have an impact on the pulmonary performance and airway reactivity which subsides greatly after treatment with triclabendazole