Additional chromosomal abnormalities in Philadelphia-positive chronic myeloid leukemia.

Background And Objective: The emergence of non-random chromosomal abnormalities is a well-recognized occurrence in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and detection of these abnormalities is important in prognostic stratification. The frequency and types of additional chromosomal abnormalities in CML patients has not been determined in our region.

Patients And Methods: We conducted a descriptive, prospective study of additional chromosomal abnormalities in patients with an established diagnosis of Philadelphia-positive CML from May 2001 to June 2007.

Thrombocytosis: age dependent aetiology and analysis of platelet indices for differential diagnosis.

To identify the etiology of thrombocytosis in various age groups and to evaluate the effectiveness of platelet indices in differentiating reactive and clonal thrombocytosis, an observational, prospective review of patients with platelet count of 600 x 10(9)/L or more performed by using coulter counter STKS (Coulter Electronic, Kerfeld, Germany). Extreme thrombocytosis defined as platelet count of 1000 x 10(9)/L or more. Of 1068 patients, 91.

Haemorrhagic manifestations and utility of haematological parameters in dengue fever: a tertiary care centre experience at Karachi.

A retrospective observational study of dengue fever was performed, including 210 patients (male:female ratio 1.6:1, ages 6-74 y, mean 29.7 y) attending the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi from January 2001 to December 2006.

Chronic ITP: analysis of various factors at presentation which predict failure to first line treatment and their response to second line therapy.

Objective: To observe the significance of various factors in chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) which predict the response of first line (corticosteroids) and second line therapy (splenectomy) and to evaluate their response to second line therapy.

Methods: This was a descriptive, prospective study conducted from August 2004 till January 2006. Patients of all age groups and both genders with diagnosis of chronic ITP were included.

Diagnostic importance of bone marrow examination in non-hematological disorders.

Objective: To evaluate the frequency of involvement of bone marrow with non-haematologic disorders and to observe the significance of bone marrow examination in establishing primary diagnosis of the same.

Methods: It was a descriptive study that extended from January 2003 to September 2005. A total of 4569 bone marrow aspirate and trephines were reported during this period.

Systemic mastocytosis: a rare entity.

An 18 year old female presented with generalized maculopapular rash and headaches. The skin and bone marrow biopsy revealed numerous mast cells which stained metachromatically with giemsa and toludine blue stains and showed positivity with CD68 and CD117 on immunohistochemistry. Her clinical presentation and laboratory findings were consistent with the diagnosis of indolent systemic mastocytosis.

Clinico-pathologic features of chronic myeloid leukemia and risk stratification according to Sokal score.

Objective: To compile the clinical and haematological parameters of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and risk stratification according to Sokal score in our population.

Design: A descriptive analysis.

Place And Duration Of Study: The Aga Khan University Hospital, during the period from August 1997 to August 2005.

Fludarabine induced autoimmune haemolytic anaemia in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia following fludarabine is an uncommon complication and previously treated patients are at higher risk. We describe a case of 57-year old lady with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia; she received intermittent courses of alkylating agents and purine analogue, fludarabine. Reintroduction of fludarabine for her relapsing disease induced autoimmune haemolytic anaemia.