Increased hematogones in an infant with bicytopenia and leucocytosis:a case report

Hematogones are the normal bone marrow constituents of bone marrow in children and their number decreases with age. As hematogones can resemble malignant lymphoblasts by their morphologic features and by expression of an immature B-cell phenotype, an accurate distinction of hematogone-rich lymphoid regeneration from leukemic lymphoblasts is critical for patient care. The increased number of hematogones had been reported in the bone marrow of children recovering from chemotherapy, aplastic conditions, other forms of bone marrow injury, infections like Cytomegalovirus, HIV and immune thrombocytopenia disorders. We describe here a case of one and half month old male infant with bicytopenia and leucocytosis associated with increased hematogones in the bone marrow due to an unknown probable viral infection

Microfilaria in malignant pleural effusion: An unusual association

Lymphatic filariasis is common in tropical countries and is endemic in India. Filariasis presenting with pleural effusion is an unusual presentation. Malignancy in association of filarial pleural effusion is extremely rare. We report a case of a 60-year-old female who presented with chest pain, loss of weight and breathlessness for a few months. Pleural fluid examination revealed malignant cells, along with microfilaria of <i>Wuchereria bancrofti</i>

A cytohistological study of p53 overexpression in ovarian neoplasms

Background: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of imprint cytology in ovarian neoplasms, investigate the biological significance of p53 expression in malignant ovarian tumors and correlate it with histological type, grade and stage of tumor. Material and Methods: A total of 50 cases including 25 prospective and 25 retrospective cases were studied. Imprint cytology was performed on 25 ovarian tumors and compared with histopathological diagnosis. p53 immunohistochemistry was performed on all 50 cases. Results: On immunohistochemistry, all the benign tumors were negative for p53 while 42% of primary ovarian malignant tumors were positive. p53 expression was found to have a diagnostic value in differentiating benign from malignant tumors. p53 overexpression did not show any significant correlation with prognostic factors as stage of disease, grade of differentiation and type of tumor. Conclusion: The present study confirms the importance of p53 tumor suppressor gene expression as documented by immunohistochemistry in the differentiation of malignant and benign ovarian tumors

Immunohistochemical detection of axillary lymph node micrometastases in node negative breast cancer patients using cytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen

Background and Objective: The study was conducted to detect occult metastases in lymph node negative breast cancer patients using cytokeratin (CK) and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) immunohistochemistry (IHC) and correlate this with primary tumor size and grade. Materials and Methods: A total of 32 cases including 12 prospective and 20 retrospective cases of axillary lymph node negative breast cancer were studied. CK and EMA IHC were performed to detect micrometastases. Results: Axillary lymph node metastases were detected in 18.75% of previously node negative cases using CK and EMA IHC. CK was found to be more sensitive for detection of metastases compared to EMA. A highly significant correlation was observed between tumor grade and axillary lymph node metastases detected by CK and EMA. However, no significant correlation was found between tumor size and axillary lymph node metastases detected by IHC. Conclusion: In the present study, there was an increase of 18.75% in the occult metastases detection rate using CK and EMA. To conclude, IHC detection of occult metastases should be done using CK in all axillary node negative cases, especially in T1 and T2 stage tumors

Correlation of serology with morphological changes in gastric biopsy in Helicobacter pylori infection and evaluation of immunohistochemistry for H. pylori identification

Background/Aim: Helicobacter pylori is implicated in various gastroduodenal diseases and many tests are available for its detection. The present study attempted to document the morphological changes in the gastric mucosa induced by H. pylori colonization and correlate them with the severity of the infection. The study also compared various diagnostic tests and evaluated the different staining methods used for H. pylori detection, especially immunohistochemical identification. Patients and Methods: One hundred and two patients with dyspepsia were included. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for H. pylori-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A (IgA), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) was used. Rapid urease test was performed on endoscopic biopsy and it was stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H and E), modified Giemsa, and immunohistochemical stains. Results: A significant correlation was found between the density of H. pylori and severity of gastritis. A significant correlation was observed between serology (especially when used in combination, IgG and IgA) and status of H. pylori. Immunohistochemical staining enhanced the diagnostic yield of H. pylori detection. Conclusions: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) should be used judiciously, whereas simple and economical tests like modified Giemsa should be used routinely for the detection of H. pylori. Combined ELISA (IgG and IgA) should be preferred over single ELISA. Simultaneous morphological and serological detection of H. pylori is preferable as H. pylori may not be detected on morphology alone due to its patchy distribution in the stomach

Donor deferral due to anemia: A tertiary care center-based study

<b>Background:</b> The minimum hemoglobin cutoff for blood donation in India is 12.5 gm&#x0025; for both male and female donors and the minimum donation interval is 3 months. Donation of one unit of blood results in decrease in hemoglobin by 1 gm&#x0025; and loss of 200-250 mg of iron. Donor deferral due to anemia is one of the major reasons of temporary rejection of blood donors. In the absence of further workup or advise, it results in loss of valuable donor base. <b>Aim and Objective:</b> To provide baseline information regarding the prevalence and spectrum of anemia in prospective blood donors to help plan a future strategy for donor management. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Hemoglobin testing of donors was performed using Hemocue and Copper sulfate specific gravity method. Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid sample of all the donors who failed either or both the screening tests was tested on automated analyzer for evaluation of hemoglobin and red blood cell indices. <b>Results:</b> Of all the donors, 15.5&#x0025; were deferred due to anemia. Prevalence of anemia in prospective blood donors was 1.8&#x0025;. It was significantly higher in female donors compared with male donors (34.2&#x0025; vs 1.2&#x0025;). The most common type of anemia was normocytic normochromic