Perfil nutricional de pacientes onco-hematológico internados em um Hospital Especializado em câncer em São Luís - MA / Nutritional Profile of Onco-hematological Patients Hospitalized in a Cancer Specialized Hospital in São Luís - MA

Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil nutricional de pacientes onco-hematológicos internados em um hospital especializado em câncer em São Luís - MA. Metodologia: Estudo transversal, retrospectivo, analítico, com coleta de dados secundária, envolvendo pacientes com idade mínima de 18 anos, de ambos os gêneros e que tenham sido submetidos a pelo menos uma ASG-PPP (Avaliação Subjetiva Global Produzida Pelo Paciente). Os dados foram coletados em registros do Serviço de Nutrição e Dietética do hospital. Analisaram-se dados demográficos (gênero e idade), clínicos (diagnóstico) e nutricionais: Índice de massa corporal (IMC), circunferên-cia braquial (CB), prega cutânea tricipital (PCT), circunferência muscular do braço (CMB) e ASG-PPP. As análises foram realizadas no programa estatístico Stata® 13.0. O nível de significância utilizado para os testes foi de p<0,05. Resultados: Foram avaliados 330 pacientes, onde foi constatado que 67,58% eram de adultos e 32,42% de idosos, com maior frequência do sexo masculino, com 60,30%. Ocorreu maior incidência de leucemia (58,48%), seguidos de linfomas (24,85%), mieloma múltiplo (13,33%) e síndrome mielodisplásica (3,3%). Na avaliação do estado nutricional os resultados mostraram que a ASG-PPP detectou maior número de pacientes com algum grau de desnutrição do que outros indicadores (93,94%), seguido pela PCT (65,76%), CMB (53,64%), CB (45,45%) e IMC (14,87%). De acordo com o IMC, foi encontrado maior incidência de eutrofia, correspondendo a 57,27% da amostra. Conclu-são: Diante do que foi encontrado, destaca-se que a desnutrição é um aspecto de extrema importância a ser considerado no tratamento de pacientes onco-hematológicos, visto que pode interferir diretamente no prognóstico da doença. (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the nutritional profile of onco-hematological patients admitted to a specialized cancer hospital in São Luís - MA. Methodology: Cross-sectional, retrospective, analytical study, with secondary data collection, involving patients aged at least 18 years, of both genders and having undergone at least one ASG-PPP (Subjective Global Assessment Produced by the Patient). Data were collected from records of the Hospital's Nutrition and Dietetics Service. Demographic (gender and age), clinical (diagnostic) and nutritional: Body Mass Index (BMI), Brachial Circumference (CB), Tricipital Skinfold (PCT), Muscular Arm Circumference (CMB) and ASG-PPP data were analyzed. The analyses were performed using the Stata® 13.0 statistical program. The level of significance used for the tests was p<0.05. Results: 330 patients were evaluated, in which it was found that 67.58% are adults and 32.42% are elderly, with a higher frequency of males with 60.30%. There was a higher incidence of Leukemia (58.48%), followed by Lymphomas (24.85%), Multiple Myeloma (13.33%) and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (3.3%). In the assessment of nutritional status, the results showed that ASG-PPP detected a greater number of patients with some degree of malnutrition than other indicators (93.94%), followed by PCT (65.76%), CMB (53.64%), CB (45.45%) and BMI (14.87%). According to the BMI, a higher incidence of eutrophy was found, which corresponds to 57.27% of the sample. Conclusion: In view of what was found, it is highlighted that malnutrition is an extremely important aspect to be considered in the treatment of onco-hematological patients, since it can directly interfere in the prognosis of the disease. (AU)

Evaluación de reactantes de fase aguda como predictores de bacteriemia en niños con fiebre, leucemia aguda y linfoma / Evaluation of acute-phase reactants as predictors of bacteremia in children with fever, acute leukemia, and lymphoma

Introducción: Para predecir una infección en estadios tempranos en niños con cáncer se han evaluado marcadores como ESD, PCR y PCT. Objetivo: evaluar la precisión diagnóstica para bacteriemia de estos marcadores al ingreso en niños con fiebre y leucemia aguda (LA) o linfoma (L) internados entre 2013-2016. Métodos: estudio analítico retrospectivo. Revisión de historias clínicas. Se calcularon sensibilidad, especificidad, valor predictivo positivo, valor predictivo negativo y área bajo la curva ROC para cada marcador en MedCalc® V16.8.4. Se obtuvo autorización del Comité de Ética. Resultados:en total se internaron 31 niños con diagnóstico de LA y L, 19 presentaron fiebre y 12 no. Hubo 40 episodios de fiebre clasificados en 4 grupos: bacteriemia 14 (35%), infección documentada microbiológicamente 5 (12.5%), infección documentada clínicamente 2 (5%) y fiebre de origen desconocido 19 (47.5%). Los niveles de PCT fueron mayores en el grupo de bacteriemia registrando un valor promedio de 1,17ng/ mL (p: 0.045). El área bajo la curva ROC entre el grupo con y sin bacteriemia fue de 0.50 para ESD, 0.65 para PCR y 0.83 para PCT con S de 77.78%, E de 66.67%, VPP de 50% y VPN de 92.86%. Discusión: la PCT mostró ser el más eficaz que ESD y PCR para predecir bacteriemia. se deben realizar investigaciones con biomarcadores con el objeto de disminuir el uso inadecuado de antibióticos en pacientes con fiebre secundaria a enfermedad y acortar los tiempos de tratamiento en pacientes con infecciones adecuadamente resueltas mejorando ampliamente la calidad de vida en niños con cáncer (AU)

Introduction: To predict infection in early stages in children with cancer, markers such as ESR, CRP, and PCT have been evaluated. Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic precision for bacteremia of these markers on admission of children with fever and acute leukemia (AL) or lymphoma (L) admitted between 2013- 2016. Methods: A retrospective analytical study. Review of the clinical records. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and area under the ROC curve were calculated for each marker in MedCalc® V16.8.4. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee. Results: Overall, 31 children with AL and L were admitted, 19 of whom presented with fever and 12 did not. There were 40 episodes of fever classified into 4 groups: bacteremia 14 (35%), microbiologically documented infection 5 (12.5%), clinically documented infection 2 (5%), and fever of unknown etiology 19 (47.5%). PCT levels were higher in the group with bacteremia with a mean value of 1.17ng/mL (p:0.045). The area under the ROC curve between the groups with and without bacteremia was 0.50 for ESR, 0.65 for CRP, and 0.83 for PCT with a sensitivity of 77.78%, specificity of 66.67%, PPV of 50%, and NPV of 92.86%. Discussion: PCT showed a greater efficacy than ESD and CRP to predict bacteremia. Research on biomarkers should be conducted to reduce the inadequate use of antibiotics in patients with fever secondary to disease and to shorten treatment times in patients with adequately resolved infections, thereby improving quality of life in children with cancer (AU)

Metformin and blood cancers

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and cancer are correlated with changes in insulin signaling, a pathway that is frequently upregulated in neoplastic tissue but impaired in tissues that are classically targeted by insulin in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Many antidiabetes treatments, particularly metformin, enhance insulin signaling, but this pathway can be inhibited by specific cancer treatments. The modulation of cancer growth by metformin and of insulin sensitivity by anticancer drugs is so common that this phenomenon is being studied in hundreds of clinical trials on cancer. Many meta-analyses have consistently shown a moderate but direct effect of body mass index on the incidence of multiple myeloma and lymphoma and the elevated risk of leukemia in adults. Moreover, new epidemiological and preclinical studies indicate metformin as a therapeutic agent in patients with leukemia, lymphomas, and multiple myeloma. In this article, we review current findings on the anticancer activities of metformin and the underlying mechanisms from preclinical and ongoing studies in hematologic malignancies.

Assessment of coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from blood cultures of patients with leukemia in the period 2009-2011 / Avaliação de Staphylococcus coagulase negativo isolados de hemoculturas de pacientes com leucemia no período compreendido entre 2009 a 2011

Leukemic patients have high probability of developing bacteremia, especially due to the impairment of their immune system and as a consequence of chemotherapy. These infections have been growing significantly in different regions, particularly in university hospitals and are responsible for high rates of morbidity and mortality. We evaluated coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) isolated from blood cultures from patients with leukemia. A retrospective study of blood cultures in the period from 2009 to 2011 was conducted at the University Hospital of Santa Maria. In the period of this study was possible to analyze 282 positive blood cultures, being 46.45% (131/282) caused by CoNS. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the prevalent specie. Regarding the hospitalization sectors of patients, the Treatment Center for Children with Cancer showed the highest prevalence, 67.37%. The isolates were predominant in males and in the age group between 0-22 years old. In this study the CoNS represented the most isolated microorganisms. The resistance presented by these microorganisms is a concern since it limits the treatment for bloodstream infections in these patients with compromised immune system. Retrospective studies of prevalence provide us with results for the local epidemiology to be known, considered essential for the antimicrobial treatment, especially when referring to patients with a weakened immune system and admitted in university hospitals.

Pacientes leucêmicos possuem grande probabilidade de desenvolver bacteremia, especialmente devido ao acometimento de seu sistema imune e como consequência da quimioterapia. Esse tipo de infecção vem aumentando significativamente em diferentes regiões, principalmente nos hospitais universitários, e são responsáveis por altas taxas de morbidade e mortalidade. Foram avaliados Staphylococcus coagulase negativos isolados de culturas de sangue de pacientes com leucemia. Realizou-se a avaliação de Staphylococcus coagulase negativo (SCoN) isolados de hemoculturas de pacientes com leucemia. Efetuou-se um estudo retrospectivo das hemoculturas realizadas no período de 2009 a 2011 no Hospital Universitário de Santa Maria. No período deste estudo foi possível analisar 282 hemoculturas positivas, sendo 46,45% (131/282) causadas por SCoN. Staphylococcus epidermidis foi a espécie prevalente. Em relação aos setores de internação dos pacientes, o Centro de Tratamento da Criança com Câncer mostrou a maior prevalência, 67,37%. Os isolamentos predominaram em pacientes do sexo masculino e na faixa etária compreendida entre 0 a 22 anos. Neste estudo os SCoN representaram os microrganismos mais isolados. A resistência apresentada por estes microrganismos constitui preocupação, uma vez que limita as opções de tratamento por infecções de corrente sanguínea neste tipo de pacientes com o sistema imune comprometido. Estudos retrospectivos de prevalência nos fornecem resultados para que seja conhecida a epidemiologia local, considerada essencial para o tratamento antimicrobiano, principalmente quando se refere aos pacientes com o sistema imune debilitado e internados em hospitais universitários.

A Rare Case of Polycythemia Vera Following Acute Undifferentiated Leukemia Remission

No abstract available.

A massagem na criança com câncer: eficácia de um protocolo / Massage in children with cancer: effectiveness of a protocol

OBJETIVOS: a massagem é uma intervenção que pode contribuir para o alívio da dor, embora as evidências empíricas sejam escassas e contraditórias. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficácia de um protocolo de massagem no alívio da dor na criança internada, com patologia oncológica. MÉTODOS: através de um estudo randomizado e controlado com cegamento simples, foram estudadas 52 crianças, com idades compreendidas entre os 10 e os 18 anos, internadas num serviço de oncologia pediátrica. A intervenção consistiu na aplicação de um protocolo de massagem de três sessões com duração entre 20 a 30 minutos em dias alternados durante uma semana. A eficácia do protocolo foi medida através da avaliação da dor com a aplicação do Inventário Resumido de Dor e a eficácia de cada sessão de massagem pela Escala Visual Analógica (EVA). RESULTADOS: o protocolo de massagem apenas se revelou eficaz na diminuição da interferência da dor no andar (p < 0,05), apesar de ter contribuído para o alívio da dor e sua interferência nas atividades da criança. Após cada sessão de massagem a intensidade da dor sentida pela criança diminuiu (p < 0,001). CONCLUSÕES: apesar da reduzida dimensão da amostra, a massagem parece ser uma intervenção útil no alívio da dor da criança que sofre de patologia oncológica, embora permaneçam dúvidas quanto à eficácia deste protocolo de massagem. Todavia, os autores recomendam a sua utilização pela sua contribuição na promoção do bem-estar e qualidade de vida da criança.

OBJECTIVES: massage can help relieve pain, although empirical evidence is scarce and contradictory. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a massage protocol in relieving pain in children hospitalized with cancer. METHODS: a randomized, controlled, and single-blind trial was performed in a sample of 52 children aged between 10 and 18 years who were hospitalized in a pediatric cancer ward. The intervention consisted of the implementation of a massage protocol with three sessions of 20 to 30 minutes on alternate days over a one-week period. The effectiveness of the protocol was evaluated by assessing pain using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), while the effectiveness of each massage session was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). RESULTS: the massage protocol was only effective in reducing the interference of pain in walking (p < 0.05), although it also contributed to relieve pain and its impact on the children's activities. After each massage session, the intensity of the pain experienced by the child decreased (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: despite the small sample size, massage therapy appears to be a useful intervention in reducing pain in children with cancer. However, there are still questions regarding the effectiveness of this massage protocol. The authors recommend its use due to its contribution to the promotion of the child's well-being and quality of life.

Leucemia congénita / Congenital leukemia

La leucemia congénita constituye una entidad rara que se diagnostica entre el momento del nacimiento y los primeros 30 días de vida. Menos del 1 por ciento de las leucemias de la infancia se diagnostican en el neonato. Se caracteriza por la presencia en un recién nacido, de hepatomegalia, esplenomegalia y lesiones hemorrágicas o infiltrativas en piel. El hemograma completo, el examen de la lámina de la sangre periférica, el aspirado de médula ósea, junto con el inmunofenotipaje y los estudios de biología molecular confirmarán el diagnóstico. El trastorno mieloproliferativo transitorio y las infecciones congénitas constituyen los principales diagnósticos diferenciales. El pronóstico de la enfermedad es sombrío. El tratamiento está basado en regímenes de poliquimioterapia intensiva y el trasplante de progenitores hematopoyéticos constituye una opción terapéutica en un grupo de pacientes

Congenital leukemia is a rare but well documented disease which can be diagnosed on the first 30 days of life. The diagnosis requires a high index of clinical suspicion in a newborn with hepatosplenomegaly and hemorragic or infiltratives cutaneous lesions (red, brown or purple papules or nodules) along with further investigations such as complete blood count, peripheral blood smear, bone marrow aspirate and immunopfenotypic profile. A true congenital leukemia has to be distinguished from other conditions such as a transient mieloproliferative disorder described in Down´s syndrome and congenital infections. The prognosis of neonatal leukemia is dismal. Treatment includes intensive multi-agent chemotherapy and supportive care, being the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation an additional treatment option in a group of patients

Qué síntomas presentan los niños con cáncer avanzado en cuidados paliativos? / Symptoms in childrens with advanced cancer who were attended by the palliative care

El dolor es el síntoma más frecuente y que genera más temor en los pacientes y sus cuidadores en la etapa avanzada de la enfermedad oncológica. Estos niños también presentan otros síntomas que pueden provocar importante malestar y empeorar la sensación dolorosa. En nuestro medio no contamos con información en este ámbito, que permita optimizar el tratamiento de estos pacientes. Objetivo. Caracterizar síntomas distintos del dolor en pacientes con cáncer avanzado, controlados por el equipo de cuidado paliativo (CP) del Hospital Roberto del Río. Pacientes y método. Se revisaron 71 fichas clínicas de pacientes ingresados a CP entre abril de 2002 y diciembre de 2010. Se registraron las características demográficas y los diagnósticos fueron clasificados en leucemia aguda, tumores sólidos y tumores del sistema nervioso central (SNC). Se evaluó un listado de síntomas y sus frecuencias. Resultados. El síntoma más frecuente en los pacientes con leucemia aguda fue fiebre (15 por ciento), al igual que los pacientes con tumores sólidos (16 por ciento). En los pacientes con tumores SNC la alteración de conciencia fue el más frecuente (19 por ciento). Sobre el 70 por ciento de los pacientes tuvieron hasta cuatro síntomas y la evaluación de intensidad en la mayoría fue cualitativa. Conclusiones. Síntomas distintos del dolor son frecuentes y pueden producir gran incomodidad. Evaluarlos objetivamente permitiría un mejor manejo, favoreciendo con esto el control del dolor.

Pain is the most common symptom which generates most fear in patients and their caregivers in the advanced stage of cancer. These children also have other symptoms that can cause significant discomfort and exacerbate the sensation of pain. In Chile, there has been no evaluation of the intensity of these symptoms and their effect on pain, and relevant knowledge could improve patient treatment. Objective: Describe symptoms other than pain in patients with advanced cancer who were attended by the palliative care (PC) team at the Roberto del Rio Hospital. Patients and methods: We reviewed medical records of 71 patients admitted to PC between April 2002 and December 2010. We recorded demographic characteristics and diagnoses were classified into acute leukemia, solid tumors and tumors of the central nervous system (CNS). We evaluated a list of symptoms and their frequencies. Results: The most common symptom in patients with acute leukemia was fever (15 percent) as well as in patients with solid tumors (16 percent). In patients with CNS tumors alteration of consciousness was the most frequent (19 percent). Over 70 percent of patients had four or more symptoms and intensity assessment was mostly qualitative. Conclusions: Besides pain, other symptoms are common and can cause great discomfort. Objective assessment of these symptoms would allow better management of children and also optimize pain control.

Hipoalbuminemia y tratamiento antineoplásico / Hypoalbuminemia and treatment antineoplastic

Introducción: Los pacientes oncológicos presentan deterioro nutricional aproximadamente del 40-80% los cuales pueden presentar bajos niveles de albumina en sangre (Hipoalbuminemia).Objetivo: Demostrar que la hipoalbuminemia puede constituirse como un factor pronóstico deaumento de toxicidad del tratamiento antineoplásico, evidenciando la necesidad de suplementoalimenticio o de administración de albumina parenteral previo al inicio del esquema quimioterápicoMetodología: Se tomaron al azar 101 pacientes con inicio de tratamiento antineoplásico sinimportar patología de base, se les midieron niveles de albúmina, y se tomaron laboratorios postquimioterapia durante las siguientes 24 a 48 horas. Por último se aplicó la escala de 1 a 5 sobreefectos adversos gastrointestinales y hematológicos del CTCAE (criterios y terminología comúnsobre efectos adversos).Resultados: La edad promedio del grupo fue de 45.8 años, con índice de feminidad de 1.3 a 1. Elnivel de albuminemia osciló entre 1.3 a 4.2 gr; y el 24.7% presentó signos y síntomas de toxicidad.La albuminemia en Leucemia Linfoide Aguda, no presentó variación significativa, pero sí lo fue en:Cáncer de Laringe, Mieloma Múltiple y Cáncer de Pulmón entre otros, exponiendo a los pacientes aefectos tóxicos. El Riesgo Relativo de presentar toxicidad por antineoplásicos fue 5.6 veces mayor enpacientes que tenían hipoalbuminemia, con intervalo de confianza de 3.4 a 9.27, chi2 de 50.44 yp<0.0001...

Introduction: Oncologic patients have nutritional deficit approximately in 40% - 80% of them, andthey can show low levels of serum albumin (hypoalbuminemia).Objective: Demonstrate that Hypoalbuminemia is a prognostic factor for toxicity for antineoplastictreatment.Methods: Randomly we included 101 patients who were receiving cancer treatment, with differenttypes of cancer (hematologic and solid), albumin was measured prior to initiation of therapy. On thebasis of the common criteria and terminology on adverse events, we apply a scale of 1-5 ongastrointestinal and hematologic adverse events.Results: The mean age was 45, 8 years, the woman: man rate was 1.3:1. The values of albuminwere from 1, 3 to 4, 2 gr., the 24, 7% showed signs and symptoms of toxicity. In Acute LinfoidLeukemia, was not frequent the alteration in the Albumin levels, nevertheless the albumin levelswere altered in larynx cancer, multiple mieloma, lung cancer, etc.. The adverse events weresignificantly more frequent in this last group (RR: 5.6; IC: 95%, 3, 4 - 9.27; chi: 50.44; p< 0.0001)...

Estudios de imágenes en el diagnóstico precoz de leucemia en pediatría / Imaging studies in early diagnosis of childhood leukemia

Leukemia is the most commonly encountered cancer in children under the age of 15 and accounts for approximately 35-40 percent of all cancers at that age. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common type of leukemia affecting young children between the ages of 2 and 5 years; it accounts for around 80 percent of all childhood leukemia cases. Initial clinical and laboratory findings may be non-specific. Imaging studies in patients with bone pain and extramedullary involvement may provide the clinician with valuable supplementary information when the first symptoms result from tissue infiltration and haematological series show a discrete and asymptomatic involvement. The purpose of this work is to review the initial radiological manifestations of leukemia in children. Given the systemic nature of this disease, the goal is to identify the key elements found in the study of the different affected organs, in order to facilitate an early diagnosis of this condition. Late-stage alterations or treatment complications, such as osteonecrosis, infections by opportunistic pathogens, graft-versus-host disease, etc. -where magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) play a fundamental role- will not be reviewed.

La leucemia es el cáncer más frecuente en niños menores de 15 años y corresponde aproximadamente al 35-40 por ciento de todos los cánceres a esa edad. Se presenta con mayor frecuencia entre los 2 y 5 años de edad y la forma más frecuente es la leucemia linfoblástica aguda, que corresponde al 80 por ciento de los casos. Las manifestaciones clínicas y de laboratorio pueden ser inicialmente inespecíficas. El estudio imagenológico en pacientes con dolor óseo y compromiso extramedular, puede entregar valiosa información complementaria al clínico cuando los primeros síntomas derivan de la infiltración de los tejidos y el compromiso de las series hematológicas es discreto y asintomático. El propósito de este trabajo es revisar las manifestaciones radiológicas iniciales de la leucemia en el niño. Considerando que es una enfermedad sistémica, el objetivo es identificar los elementos claves en el estudio de los distintos órganos comprometidos, que permitan al radiólogo sospechar el diagnóstico en la etapa precoz de la enfermedad. No se revisarán las alteraciones de la fase tardía o de complicaciones del tratamiento, como osteonecrosis, infecciones por gérmenes oportunistas, enfermedad de injerto vs. huésped, etc., donde la resonancia magnética (RM) y la tomografía computada (TC) juegan un rol fundamental.

Síndrome de Down y transplaste de médula ósea: un análisis desde la ética / Down syndrome and bone marrow transplantation: an analysis from ethics

En Chile, el cáncer infantil ocupa el 2° lugar en mortalidad en niños mayores de 5 años. Dentro del cáncer infantil, el más incidente es la Leucemia Linfoblástica Aguda. En relación al tratamiento de la Leucemia, el Trasplante de Médula Ósea puede ser indicación en determinados casos de Leucemia como última opción terapéutica. Al trabajar en el área de la salud, podemos atender a niños con cáncer con condiciones especiales. Dentro de ellos, tenemos a los niños con Síndrome de Down (SD), que por ser portadores de la Trisomía 21, tienen mayor riesgo de desarrollar Leucemia. En el siguiente artículo analizaremos el caso de una adolescente con Síndrome de Down, que al tener una Leucemia de alto riesgo deberá ser trasplantada de médula ósea, este procedimiento es de alto riesgo, única opción curativa para la paciente. Por ser el trasplante un tratamiento que puede conllevar graves complicaciones y ser los niños con Síndrome de Down particularmente frágiles al tratamiento previo al trasplante, analizaremos el caso desde una perspectiva bioética en base a un modelo de toma de decisiones en salud del Hastings Center de Filadelfia, a partir del siguiente problema ético: Dadas las consecuencias nocivas que podría conllevar el trasplante de médula para la paciente, considerando su condición de Síndrome de Down, ¿la paciente tendrá una mejor calidad de vida postrasplante? ¿es éticamente correcto no trasplantar a la paciente?

In Chile, cancer is the second cause of mortality in children with more than 5 year old. Inside this group of patients, Acute Linfoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is the most incidence type of cancer. For his treatment, the bone-marrow transplant is considered suitable as last option of therapy. Some special systemic conditions or certain previous diseases in children can increases the risk of develop ALL and, in the same time, represent a important risk-factor must be considered in the prognosis of ALL therapy. Down Syndrome (DS) is an example of this situation, because patients with DS are more susceptible of develop ALL, and the risks of treatment previous to transplant are higher in this group of patients than patients without DS. In this study we analyze the case of an adolescent with DS and ALL, with indication of bone-marrow transplant as the only option of treatment. For the high risk of this procedure, specially in patients with DS, we analyze the bioethics in relationship with this case using the Hasting Center of Philadelphia model designed for the make of decisions in health, with the next bioethics problem to analyze: in view of the potentially harmful consequences of bone-marrow transplant considering his DS condition, ¿his quality of life will be better after the treatment? ¿May be an ethic decision the choice of no realizes the transplant?

Gingival inflammation and platelet count in patients with leukemia: preliminary results

Leukemia has been associated with oral manifestations. However, the available literature on this topic consists of mostly reports of cases, without data about the periodontal parameters that may be under the influence of hematologic factors. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the correlation between the Gingival Index and Bleeding on Probing with the platelet count in patients with leukemia. Patients with diagnosis of any kind of leukemia, at any stage of treatment, having a minimum age of 14 years, treated at the Department of Hematology-Oncology of the University Hospital of Santa Maria, Brazil, between December 2009 and March 2010, were assessed. Excluded patients were: edentulous, with orthodontic appliances, with psychomotor disturbances, requiring antibiotic prophylaxis for the examinations, or those using medications associated with gingival swelling. Two trained and calibrated examiners evaluated the Plaque Index, Gingival Index (GI), Probing depth, Bleeding on Probing (BOP), and Clinical Attachment Loss. Hematologic data were collected from a blood test performed on the same day as the periodontal examination. Thirty-seven patients (26 males), aged between 15 and 80 years (mean age 41.7 ± 18.31) were evaluated. Correlation between platelet count and BOP (p > 0.05), or between platelet count and GI (p > 0.05), were both weak (Pearson's correlation coefficient r = 0.171 and r = -0.003, respectively) and not statistically significant. It can be concluded from the preliminary results that the low platelet count was not correlated with the higher prevalence of gingival and periodontal bleeding in patients with leukemia.

Orofacial manifestation of hematological disorders: Hemato-oncologic and immuno-deficiency disorders.

The aim of this paper is to review the literature and identify orofacial manifestations of hematological diseases with special reference to hemato-oncologic, immuno-deficiency disorders, and human immunodeficiency virus infection. A computerized literature search using MEDLINE was conducted for published articles on orofacial manifestations of hematological diseases with emphasis on hemato-oncologic and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Mesh phrases used in the search were: Oral diseases AND hematological disorders; orofacial diseases AND leukemias; orofacial lesions AND lymphomas; orofacial diseases AND multiple myeloma, orofacial manifestations AND HIV. The Boolean operator "AND" was used to combine and narrow the searches. The full texts of these articles were thoroughly examined. References in these articles also were manually searched non-Medline articles. Only relevant articles were selected for the review. Orofacial manifestation of malignant hematological diseases may present as primary clinical features due to infiltration of orofacial tissues, or as secondary due to the subsequent infiltration of normal bone marrow elements, or tertiary due to the side effects of the treatment. HIV-associated orofacial lesion may be a clinical indicator of HIV infection in otherwise healthy, undiagnosed individuals; an early clinical feature of HIV infection; clinical markers for the classification and staging of HIV disease or may be a predictor of HIV disease progression. Orofacial manifestations of malignant hematological diseases and HIV infection are not uncommon findings in clinical practice. These manifestations may be clinical indicators of hematologic disorders in otherwise healthy, undiagnosed individuals.

A pilot study on parvovirus B19 infection in paediatric haematological malignancies.

Background & objectives: Leukaemia and lymphoma are common paediatric haematological malignancies acquiring human parvovirus B19 (B19) infection. In some studies anaemia has been found in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) during maintenance therapy and rarely in lymphoma. We studied frequency of B19 infection and its implications in new onset acute leukaemia (mostly ALL) and lymphoma in children. Methods: Seventy serum samples from 35 children (age <12 yr, 29 males) newly diagnosed with haematological malignancies (on induction therapy) were collected together with 34 controls (solid tumours). Children were examined clinically and for anti-B19 IgM antibodies by quantitative ELISA and B19 DNA by PCR (VP1-VP2) and nested-PCR (VP1 unique). Bone marrow aspirates were examined histopathologically, whenever possible. Results: Of the 35 children, 22 had acute leukaemia while 13 had lymphoma. B19 infection was seen in six (17.1%) of 35 children (5 ALL, 1 NHL), two at diagnosis and four during follow up compared to none in the control. Among five B19 IgM positive ALL (n=18) children, two had B19 genome and two had giant pronormoblasts (lantern cells; but one lacked B19 DNA). Of the 70 serum samples tested, eight (11.4%) had anti-B19 IgM as two children had persistent B19 infection and one showed atypical maculopapular rashes (lower limbs) while 12 (34.3%) had anti-B19 IgG antibodies. B19 infected children had unexplained anaemia (80%), required more blood transfusions (6.6 ± 4.8 Units vs 3.0 ± 2.6 Units) besides induction chemotherapy was delayed (60%) and required longer duration of therapy (29.2 ± 20 vs 6.3 ± 7.8 days) (P<0.02). Five children (2 ALL, 2 AML, 1 NHL) died but none were infected with B19. Interpretation & conclusions: B19 infection should be considered in children with ALL as it frequently caused unexplained anaemia and delay in induction chemotherapy.

comparison between zinc sulfate and chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwashes in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis

Patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy for hematological malignancies are susceptible to development of oral mucositis, and no effective modality has been reported for its prophylaxis and treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of zinc mouthwash on chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis lesions. In this double-blind randomized trial, patients under chemotherapy for acute leukemia were divided into two test and control groups of 15 patients each. The groups were homogeneous with respect to medical history, tumor characteristics, and therapeutic details. The test group received 10ml 0.2% zinc sulfate mouthwash, and the control group received 10ml 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash, twice a day for a period of two weeks. Spijkervet scale was used to grade the severity of mucositis at every other week during eight weeks. The severity scores were analyzed with repeated measure ANOVA using SPSS 13.0 computer software. Mean severity scores were generally lower in the test group compared to the controls at all four time intervals evaluated; but only, the differences in weeks of 2 and 3 were statistically significant [P=0.025]. Zinc mouthwash used in conjunction with chemotherapy may reduce the severity of oral mucositis lesions in patients with leukaemia

Un caso de leucemia aguda de linaje Switch con der(1)t(1; 1) / A case of acute leukemia lineage Switch with der(1)t(1; 1)

La Leucemia Aguda (LA) comprende un grupo de neoplasias hematológicas heterogéneas caracterizadas por una proliferación anormal de stem cells hematopoyéticas. Un caso particular son las Leucemias de Linaje ôSwitchõ, término usado para describir un fenómeno que ocurre en LA por el cual un linaje particular en el diagnóstico inicial (linfoide o mieloide), cambia al linaje opuesto durante la recaída. Presentamos un caso de un paciente varón de 16 años que ingresa a nuestra institución con diagnóstico de Leucemia Linfática Aguda (LLA), cuyo cariotipo fue 46,XY, que luego de 6 meses recae a Leucemia Mieloide aguda (LMA), evidenciado por inmunofenotipo, con cariotipo en médula ósea: 46,XY,der(1)t(1;1)(p36;q21)[18]/46,XY[06], donde una clona mostró una translocación no balanceada originando trisomía parcial de una región del brazo largo del cromosoma 1. Alteraciones de este cromosoma se han observado en varias neoplasias hematológicas y algunos de estos rearreglos se han asociado a mal pronóstico.

Acute Leukemia (AL) involves a group of heterogeneous hematological neoplasias characterized for an abnormal proliferation of hematopoietic stem cell. A particular case is the Switch Lineage Leukemia, a term used for describing an event in AL that occurs in a particular lineage at the first diagnostic (myeloid or lymphoid) and change to opposite lineage during a relapse. We show a case from a patient 16-years old who is admitted in our institution with diagnostic of Acute Lymphatic Leukemia (ALL) whose caryotype was 46,XY and six months after presents a relapse changing to Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) demonstrated by immunophenotype, with caryotype: 46,XY,der(1)t(1;1)(p36;q21)[18]/46,XY[06], that showed one clone with non-balanced translocation raising a partial trisomy of one region of large arm from chromosome 1. Alterations in chromosome 1 have been observed in several hematological neoplasms and some of these rearranges have been associated to bad prognostic.

Estimation of salivary amylase and total proteins in leukemia patients and its correlation with clinical feature and radiographic finding.

Background: Leukemia is a fatal disease. The oral manifestations of the leukemias occur early in the course of the disease and these oral features can at times act as a diagnostic indicator. Saliva has been used as a diagnostic aid in a number of systemic diseases. Materials and Methods: In our study, samples of unstimulated saliva of 30 leukemia patients who were not on chemotherapy were collected and analyzed for salivary amylase and total protein. The oral manifestations and radiographic changes (OPG) were recorded. The correlation between the oral manifestations and the salivary components (salivary amylase and total protein) was assessed for prognostic significance. Results: In the present study when the mean values of salivary amylase (1280±754 U/ml) and total protein (647.2±320.7 mg%) were compared with that in control subjects. There was a statistically significant difference for amylase levels (P<.05). On intraoral examination the study subjects showed pallor, gingivitis, gingival enlargement, petechiae, and ecchymosis. On the OPG, the radiographic features included generalized rarefaction of bone (20%), thinning of lamina dura (3.4%), generalized alveolar crest bone resorption (30%), thinning of walls of alveolar crypts (6.7%), besides others, e.g., periapical abscess (10%). Conclusions: The saliva of leukemic patients demonstrated obvious changes in composition. A rise in salivary amylase and total protein levels was evident, with the increase in amylase levels being statistically significant.

Urolithiasis in Patients Suffering from Malignant Hematologic Diseases

PURPOSE: We performed this study in order to evaluate the incidence and characteristics of urolithiasis in patients with malignant hematologic diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine hundred one patients who underwent medical treatment for malignant hematologic disease and 40,543 patients who visited the emergency room and without malignant hematologic diseases were included in our study. The patients with malignant hematologic diseases were divided into two groups depending on their primary treatment. Group I included patients with acute and chronic leukemia (AML, ALL, CML, CLL) for which chemotherapy and steroid therapy was necessary, and group II included patients with anaplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndrome and who had undergone repeated transfusion for treatment. Comparisons were made between the two groups in respect to the incidence of urolithiasis and the stones' radiopacity. RESULTS: Twenty nine patients (3.2%) of the 901 malignant hematologic patients were diagnosed with urolithiasis, compared to 575 patients (1.4%) of 40,543 emergency room patients. There was a significant increase of the incidence of urolithiasis in the malignant hematologic group. Compared to the general patients, the patients with malignant hematologic diseases had a higher rate of radiolucent stones (46.6% versus 16.3%, respectively), and the difference was significant. CONCLUSION: The incidence of urolithiasis for malignant hematologic patients was significantly higher than that for the control group.

Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Infection in Immunocompromised Patients / 대한진단검사의학회지

BACKGROUND: Since April 2009, novel influenza A (H1N1) infection is spreading throughout the world. This infection might be fatal for immunocompromised patients who are at a potentially high risk of developing infectious complications. We investigated the detection rate and features of H1N1 infection in immunocompromised patients. METHODS: Between August 2009 and February 2010, we examined 8,112 subjects, including 390 immunocompromised patients, for H1N1. Swab samples were taken from the nose and throat of the participants. Real-time PCR was performed to identify H1N1 viral genes. RESULTS: Positive results were obtained in 2,953/8,112 (36.4%) subjects and 46/390 (11.8%) immunocompromised patients. H1N1 was identified in 8.7% patients with solid cancer, 12.9% patients with hematologic malignancy, 16.7% patients with chronic renal disease, and 14.5% patients with kidney transplantation. The mean cycle threshold (Ct) value of PCR was significantly lower (P<0.05) in patients with hematologic malignancy as compared to that in patients with chronic renal disease and control subjects. Four patients died due to respiratory complications. CONCLUSIONS: The detection rate of H1N1 was significantly lower in immunocompromised patients than in other patients. The Ct value of patients with hematologic malignancy was significantly lower than that of other immunocompromised patients and control subjects.