diagnostic value of absolute neutrophil count, band count and morphologic changes of neutrophils in predicting bacterial infections

To evaluate the value of neutrophil left shift parameters and neutrophil morphologic changes in diagnosing acute bacterial infections. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 105 patients who had a positive culture for bacteria. Automated complete white blood cell count was performed as well as peripheral blood smear preparation. Absolute neutrophil count [ANC] and neutrophil band count were determined and the neutrophils were evaluated for morphologic changes, namely toxic granulation, vacuolation and D?hle bodies. Band count was less sensitive than ANC and white blood cell count in predicting bacterial infections except in the elderly and infant population. Toxic granulation in neutrophils appeared to be as sensitive as ANC in predicting bacterial infection. ANC and toxic granulation appear to be more sensitive than band count in predicting bacterial infections. However, band count has a greater sensitivity in infants and elderly patients

Analysis of 3494 bone marrow examinations in a referralhospital: indications and interpretations

To characterize the indications of performing bone marrow examination and the frequent diagnoses encountered in a referral hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and to correlate the indications with the yield of specific pathologic diagnosis. The bone marrow records in the Hematology section of the Department of Pathology at King Khalid University Hospital over a 12-year period from May 1983 - May 1995 were reviewed. The records were reviewed for age, sex, main indication for performing bone marrow examination and primary bone marrow diagnosis. There were 3494 bone marrow examinations, 2375 [68%] were from adults and 1016 [29%] were from children. The M: F ratio was 1.5:1. The three most common indications were evaluation of postchemotherapy bone marrow in acute leukemia 26.2%, suspected infiltration by lymphoma or carcinoma in 10.3% and thrombocytopenia in 9.9%. The three most common specific diagnoses encountered were acute leukemia 27.3%, malignant lymphoma 13% and multiple myeloma 8.3%

Bone marrow and histochemical features of malignant histiocytosis

To study the hematological and histochemical features of malignant histiocytosis cases diagnosed at King Khalid University Hospital. This is a retrospective analysis of malignant histiocytosis cases diagnosed by bone marrow examinations at the Hematology Section, Department of Pathology, King Khalid University Hospital. The medical records were evaluated for clinical symptoms and signs at presentation and peripheral blood count. Bone marrow aspirates and biopsies were reviewed for morphological features. Immunohisto-chemical staining of bone marrow trephine biopsies was performed. Over 11 years, from February 1984 to March 1995, four cases of malignant histiocytosis were diagnosed at King Khalid University Hospital [KKUH] in Riyadh. They were two males and two females. The age range was 25-56 years. The predominant symptoms at presentation were fever and fatigability. All patients had hepatomegaly and three had splenomegaly. One patient had localized lymphadenopathy and skin involvement. Three patients had pancytopenia while one patient had anemia, thrombocytopenia and leukocytosis. Immunohistochemical stains on three cases showed positivity with 1 antitrypsin and lysozyme. One case showed CDS [T cell marker] positivity by flow cytometry. The clinical, hematological and immunohistochemical staining findings are described