A Case Series Highlighting the Relative Frequencies of the Common, Uncommon and Atypical/Unusual Hematological Findings on Bone Marrow Examination in Cases of Visceral Leishmaniasis

Introduction: Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy still remains as one of the vital tests for confirmation of diagnosis of visceral Leishmaniasis. The aim of the present study is to assess the relative frequency of common, uncommon and atypical hematological findings in cases of Visceral Leishmaniasis. Materials & Methods: A total of 16 cases of Leishmaniasis diagnosed on Bone marrow examination over a period of two years (2008-2010), were retrieved from the archives and the peripheral blood smear, bone marrow aspiration smears and trephine biopsies were examined for the common, uncommon and atypical features as described in the literature. Results: Out of the total of 16 cases, 10 were pediatric and 6 adult cases. The common findings like pancytopenia, peripheral blood monocytosis, increased histiocytes on aspirate smears and granulomas on biopsies were noted in 12/16 (75%), 9/16 (56.25%), 13/16 (81.2%) and 11/16 (69%) cases respectively. Amongst the uncommon findings, hemophagocytosis was noted in 12/ 16 (75%) cases, plasma cells with inclusions in 6/16 (37.5%) and LD bodies in cells other than histiocytes in 4/16 (25%) cases. The atypical findings included organism aggregates noted in 9/16 (56%) cases, Pelger-Heut cells seen in 4/16 (25%) cases and increased focal vascularity on biopsies in 10/16 (62.5%) cases. The average parasite density (APD) on smears was 3+ and the range of positivity was 1+ to 5+. Conclusion: The knowledge of these morphological clues can assist us in searching for LD bodies and correctly diagnosing the condition without excessive dependence on unnecessary and sophisticated tests

A Study on the Expression of BCR-ABL Transcript in Mixed Phenotype Acute Leukemia (MPAL) Cases Using the Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Reaction Assay (RT-PCR) and its Correlation with Hematological Remission Status Post Initial Induction Therapy

<p><strong>Introduction</strong>: The MPAL comprise 2-5% of all acute leukemia. The present WHO 2008 classification has separated two groups in MPAL based on t(9;22) positivity and MLL rearrangement. <strong>Aims & Objectives</strong>: The aim of the present pilot study is to note the incidence of BCR-ABL transcript in MPAL cases using the RT-PCR assay and to correlate the status with hematological remission post induction. <strong>Materials & Methods</strong>: A total of 10 MPAL cases classified on Flow-cytometry based on the current WHO 2008 criteria were enrolled. In all the cases Bone marrow or peripheral blood sample in EDTA was processed for molecular studies and the RT-PCR reaction carried out using primers specific to the t (9;22) and t(4;11) translocation. The post induction check marrow slides were also reviewed. <strong>Results</strong>: Out of the total 10 MPAL cases, 7/10 (70%) were adult and 3/10 (30%) pediatric cases. A total of 4/10 (40%) cases showed positivity for the t(9;22) transcript and none for t (4;11). Of the 4 positive cases, 3/10(30%) were adult cases and 1/10(10%) pediatric case. The BCR-ABL transcript type in adult cases was b3a2 (p210) in 2/3 (66%) and e1a2 (p190) in 1/3 (33.3%) case. The single pediatric case was positive for b3a2 transcript. <strong>Discussion & Conclusion</strong>: All the 4 positive MPAL cases presented with high TLC and low platelet count (p<0.05). The positive cases also showed hematological remission at post induction check marrow (blasts<5%). This could partly be explained due to good response to the imatinib added to the treatment protocol.</p&gt

Safety Profile, Feasibility and Early Clinical Outcome of Cotransplantation of Olfactory Mucosa and Bone Marrow Stem Cells in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury Patients

Study DesignProspective case series.PurposeTo study the safety and feasibility of cotransplantation of bone marrow stem cells and autologous olfactory mucosa in chronic spinal cord injury.Overview of LiteratureStem cell therapies are a novel method in the attempt to restitute heavily damaged tissues. We discuss our experience with this modality in postspinal cord injury paraplegics.MethodsThe study includes 9 dorsal spine injury patients with American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) A neurological impairment who underwent de-tethering of the spinal cord followed by cotransplantation with bone marrow stem cells and an olfactory mucosal graft. Participants were evaluated at the baseline and at 6 monthly intervals. Safety and tolerability were evaluated through the monitoring for adverse events and magnetic resonance imaging evaluation. Efficacy assessment was done through neurological and functional outcome measures.ResultsSurgery was tolerated well by all participants. No significant difference in the ASIA score was observed, although differences in the Functional Independence Measure and Modified Ashworth Scale were statistically significant. No significant complication was observed in any of our patients, except for neurogenic pain in one participant. The follow-up magnetic resonance imaging evaluation revealed an increase in the length of myelomalacia in seven participants.ConclusionsThe cotransplantation of bone marrow stem cells and olfactory mucosa is a safe, feasible and viable procedure in AIS A participants with thoracic level injuries, as assessed at the 24-month follow-up. No efficacy could be demonstrated. For application, further large-scale multicenter studies are needed

Hemovigilance Program-India

A centralized hemovigilance program to assure patient safety and to promote public health has been launched for the first time in India on Dec 10, 2012 in 60 medical colleges in the first phase along with a well-structured program for monitoring adverse reactions associated with blood transfusion and blood product administration. National Institute of Biologicals (NIB) will be the National Coordinating Centre for Hemovigilance. This program will be implemented under overall ambit of Pharmacovigilance Program of India (PvPI), which is being coordinated by Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC). All medical colleges of the country will be enrolled in this program by the year 2016 in order to have a National Centre of Excellence for Hemovigilance at NIB, which will act as a global knowledge platform