ABSTRACT
Urine levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) were determined in 6 patients with neuroblastoma, in 72 controls and in 5 infants with hematuria by means of a double-antibody inhibition radioimmunoassay method. Urine levels (NSE ng/creatinine mg) in 2 patients with advanced neuroblastoma were elevated (3.03 +/- 0.28 (S.D.)), when compared with those of 4 patients with neuroblastoma in remission (0.65 +/- 0.26 (S.D.], 10 healthy neonates (1.26 +/- 0.42 (S.D.)), 25 healthy infants (0.51 +/- 0.26 (S.D.)), and 37 healthy adults (0.37 +/- 0.17 (S.D.)). Urine levels in 4 infants with microhematuria and an infant with macrohematuria were 1.62 +/- 0.10 (S.D.) and 33.83, respectively. Serial measurements in 3 patients with neuroblastoma receiving various therapies have revealed that there was a good correlation between urine NSE level and the response to therapy. These results indicate that NSE in urine may be a valuable marker for monitoring the effectiveness of therapy in patients with neuroblastoma.
Subject(s)
Phosphopyruvate Hydratase/urine , Retinoblastoma/urine , Child, Preschool , Hematuria/urine , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Retinoblastoma/drug therapySubject(s)
Eye Neoplasms/urine , Retinoblastoma/urine , Vanilmandelic Acid/urine , Child, Preschool , Circadian Rhythm , Female , Humans , Infant , MaleABSTRACT
The idea of determining the urinary excretion of vanilmandelic acid (VMA) in children with retinoblastoma derives from the fact that elevated amounts of VMA were found in children with neurogenic tumours and especially neuroblastoma. The method of VMA analysis and the results are discussed. In view of the fact that in only 5 out of our 12 patients an elevated urinary VMA excretion was found, we cannot recommend this determination as a routine diagnostic procedure. However, further research in this direction is necessary.
Subject(s)
Eye Neoplasms/urine , Retinoblastoma/urine , Vanilmandelic Acid/urine , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , MaleABSTRACT
Urinary catecholamine catabolites, homovanillic acid, vanillylmandelic acid, total metanephrines, and total catecholamines were assayed in 12 patients with newly diagnosed retinoblastoma prior to surgery and treatment. These values were within normal limits for the ages of all 12 patients, including one with metastases to brain, liver, lymph nodes, and bone marrow. The predictive value and efficiency of these tests in the diagnosis of retinoblastoma are insufficient to warrant their continued use on a routine basis.
