immunohistochemical expression of estrogen reception and progestrone receptor in astrocytomas

In this study, the tumor specimens from 20 cases of astrocytic neoplasms of various histologic grades were stained immunohistochemically using avidin-biotin peroxidase method and monoclonal antibodies to estrogen and progesterone [ER and PR] receptors. The correlation between ER and PR expression and patient's age, sex, location of tumors, histologic grade, survival and recurrence rate was evaluated. It was found that positive nuclear immunostaining for estrogen receptors was noted in 9/20 cases ranging from score +1 to +3. Progesterone receptor positivity was also noted in the nuclei of 9/20 of the cases. The statistical analysis showed no significant correlation between ER and PR receptors expression and patient's age, sex or histologic grade. PR showed a significant correlation to the tumor location, since most of PR positive tumors were located in the temporal area. ER and PR positive patients showed a significant correlation with patient survival and decreased recurrence rate. It was concluded that positive functioning estrogen and progesterone receptors are present in a number of astrocytomas that may stimulate the clinical use of hormonal therapy in the management of astrocytomas, particularly, recurrent and inoperable cases

Comparative study between true precocious puberty and premature thelarche

Sexual precocolty in girls is the development of sexual characteristics earlier than 8 years. The aim of the present study is to differentiate between premature thelarche [PT] and true precocious puberty [TPP] for proper diagnosis and accurate management. The study included 52 girls presenting with precocious puberty divided into 2 subgroups. The first group consisted of 32 girls with PT with a mean age at presentation 2.97 +/- 2.44 years. The second group consisted of 20 girls with TPP with a mean age at presentation 5.9 +/- 2.7 years. Etiological class fication of girls with T.P.P revealed that 17 girls [85%] had idiopathic TPP and 3 [15%] had TPP secondary to CNS lesions. The studied auxological data between the two groups as regard Height/CA weight/CA, Height/BA, BA [19 were statistically in significant except BA/CA which was markedly advanced in cases of TPP. Comparison of the hormonal values between the 2 groups showed the following: In cases of TPP the basal LH, stimulated peak LH, peak LH/peak FSH mean LH/mean FSH, B2 were as following 3.77 +/- 5 [mIU/ml], 46.4 +/- 55 [mIU/mI], 2.55 +/- 1.58, 2.34 +/- 1.63 and 27.24 +/- 18.1 pg/ml and were significantly higher than in PT. While in PT stimulated peak FSH, stimulated mean FSH, were 32.35 +/- 22.4 mIU/ml, 22.08 +/- 14.84 m JU/ml respectively and were significantly higher in comparison to TPP. In the initial diagnosis uterine length, fundus/cervix ratio, ovarian volume in TPP were statistically sign4flcant in comparison to PT. We concluded that different diagnostic tools are mandatory for proper evaluation of girls with precocious puberty. Auxiological data in comparison to bone age is considered a cornerstone in initiation of medical treatment in girls with precocious puberty