[Correlation of the histological and cytogenetic pictures in placental tissue from early abortion. Does immunohistochemistry have a role?]. / Correlazione tra aspetti istologici e quadri citogenetici nei tessuti placentari da aborto precoce. L'immunoistochimica ha un ruolo?

Ninety-four cases of early abortion have been studied. Five histological groups of lesion have been identified by routine histological techniques on abortion materials, group I corresponding to partial hydatidiform mole. Cytogenetic analyses have revealed chromosome anomalies in near 50% of cases with a prevalence of triploidies followed by trisomies and monosomies. Normal histological findings are more often associated with normal karyotypes and group I with abnormal karyotypes but a specific correlation between histological pattern and cytogenetic anomalies is lacking. Neither some histochemical reactions nor the well preserved immunohistochemical reactivities of beta-hCG, hPL, PLAP, AFP, cytokeratin, vimentin, desmin, factor VIII, CD 68, MIB1 (growth fraction), EGF-R, p53 and c-erbB-2 oncoproteins have disclosed specific chromosome anomalies. They have only allowed a better definition of histological groups. A simple histological evaluation, although extended to immunohistochemical reaction may not substitute the cytogenetic analyses, not even for purposes of preselection.

Study of women who did not respond to screening for cervical cancer.

Demographic and social factors influencing the population response to cervical screening programs have been studied. Age, marital status and, to a lesser extent, place of birth and socio-economic status were the most relevant factors. On the other hand, the reasons for nonparticipation were mainly the lack of information and motivation. Personal invitations, the recall of women who did not present on the first call, and the setting up of decentralized smear collection clinics proved to be useful tools to increase attendance.