ABSTRACT
To test the validity of the polymerase chain reaction for diagnosing American visceral leishmaniasis, 88 suspected cases were studied. Diagnosis was confirmed in 47 (53.5%) and ruled out in 41 (46.5%) patients. Samples of bone marrow and peripheral blood were processed by polymerase chain reaction to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the test and its agreement beyond chance with microscopy examination. The polymerase chain reaction was positive in bone marrow of 100% of the patients with amastigotes seen with microscopy examination, and in 59.5% in those where no parasite were seen. Agreement beyond chance between visualization of the parasite in bone marrow aspirates and polymerase chain reaction was considered weak (Kappa = 0.41). Concordance between polymerase chain reaction of bone marrow aspirates and of peripheral blood was considered excellent (Kappa = 0.88). The test turned out positive in all bone marrow aspirates of those with the disease and whereas the positivity rate was 58.5% among those without the disease, with specificity rate of 41.5%.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Female , Humans , Male , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/diagnosis , Leishmaniasis, Visceral/diagnosis , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Bone Marrow/parasitology , DNA, Protozoan/analysis , Sensitivity and SpecificityABSTRACT
Objective To compare the efficacy and adverse effects of rubomycin plus aracytidine(DA) dripping in bone marrow with DA dripping in vein in the treatment of acute nonlyphocytic leukemia (ANLL). Methods 60 cases of previously untreated ANLL patients were randomly divided into two groups, group A(DA dripping in bone marrow) and group B (DA dripping in vein). the efficacy and adverse effects of both groups were compared. Results The complete remission (CR) rate was 70.0% and 33.3% in group A and group B, and the total response rate was 86.7% and 50.0%, respectively. Both were significant higher than those of group B (P0.05). Conlusions The treating outcome was better in group A than that in group B for ANLL, with higher cure remission rate and lower toxic reaction.