Immunophenotyping of acute lymphoblastic leukemia using immunohistochemistry in bone marrow biopsy specimens.

Flow cytometry is the preferred method of diagnosing and immunophenotyping acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, there are situations in which immunohistochemical staining (IH) of bone marrow trephine biopsy specimens can be used to provide immunophenotypic information. To evaluate the use of IH and to confirm its value in diagnosing and typing of ALL, we studied 50 cases of denovo ALL that were previously classified into pre B, T and B by morphologic, cytochemical and FC methods.

Massive ascites as a presenting manifestation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Ascites is not an uncommon manifestation of certain solid tumors like gastrointestinal malignancies, ovarian cancer and breast cancer. However, it is unusual to encounter ascites in patients with hematological malignancies especially chronic leukemia. The patient described here presented with massive ascites and blood lymphocytosis.

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

Objectives: To evaluate the value of neutrophil left shift parameters and neutrophil morphologic changes in diagnosing acute bacterial infections.

Materials And Methods: 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.

Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor in Newly Diagnosed Adult Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treated with Conventional Chemotherapy.

Twenty consecutive adult patients with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were treated with conventional therapy consisting of daunorubicin, vincristine, prednisone and L-asparaginase in standard doses. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) was administered at a single subcutaneous daily dose of 5 microgram per kilogram body weight for fourteen days starting on day 7 of chemotherapy. Twenty two adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and similar risk characteristics who received the same chemotherapeutic regimen without GM-CSF served as a historical control group.