RESUMEN
The aim of this study was to determine the expression [levels] of some apoptosis-controlling proteins [Bcl-2 and soluble Fas] in children with lymphoproliferative malignancies and to find out the relation between their expression and the clinico-laboratory parameters as well as the outcome of the disease. The study included 39 children with lymphoproliferative malignancies [14 with non-Hodgkin lymphoma [NHL], 5 with Hodgkin lymphoma [HD] and 20 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL]]. Their age ranged from 0.5-14 years, they were 28 males and 11 females. Twelve apparently healthy children were included as a control group. Cases and controls were subjected to full history taking, thorough clinical examination and certain investigations [serum levels of Bcl-2 and soluble Fas proteins and complete blood picture]. For cases only, bone marrow examination, CSF examination, immunophenotyping and radiological evaluation were done. One-year follow-up of cases was performed for the evaluation of the prognosis and the outcome of the disease. The study concluded that increased serum expression of Bcl-2 and soluble Fas can be demonstrated in children with lymphoproliferative malignancies. High serum levels of such apoptotic controlling proteins were correlated with poor prognosis in patients with HL and NHL, while no correlation was found with the prognosis in patients with ALL