The prognosis and survival of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia with central nervous system relapse

Central nervous system (CNS) relapse in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has been overcome by sensitive therapeutic approachs. This study was planned to present the development of CNS relapse and survival in newly diagnosed 190 ALL patients whose cases were followed in the authors' unit between March 1991 and May 2002. St. Jude Study XI protocol was given to the patients who applied between March 1991 and March 1997 (group A) (n = 122), and St. Jude Study XIII protocol was given to the patients who applied between March 1997 and May 2002 (group B) (n = 68). The patients having isolated CNS relapse in group A received craniospinal irradiation (CSI) median 3.5 months after CNS relapse (range 2-6 months), a short time after reinduction, and 2 cures of consolidation. In group B, patients having isolated CNS relapse received IT once a month and a high-dose methotrexate treatment once every 8 weeks and 3 or 4, cures later therapy CSI median 7 months after CNS relapse (range 6-8 months) was given. When the overall survival rates of the 2 groups are compared, a statistically significant higher survival rate at 5 years was determined in group B than in group A (respectively, 82.3%, 58.4%) (p < .05). When subgroups of the patients (that is, those with no relapse, isolated CNS or BM relapse, or CNS + BM relapse) were compared in both groups, it was found that survival was much higher for the ones with no relapse and with isolated CNS relapse (respectively, 87.9%, 72.7%) compared to isolated BM or CNS + BM relapse groups (respectively, 10%, 13.3%) (p < .05). In a conclusion, for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and an isolated CNS relapse, with delayed definitive craniospinal irradiation allowing more intensive systemic and intrathecal chemotherapy results in better overall survival than has been previously reported.     

Evolving of therapeutic strategies for CNS‐PNET

Background

A protocol for the intensive treatment of non‐cerebellar PNET (CNS‐PNET) combining chemotherapy and radiotherapy was launched in 2000. Efforts were subsequently made to improve the prognosis and to de‐escalate the treatment for selected patient groups.

Procedure

Twenty‐eight consecutive patients were enrolled for a high‐dose drug schedule (methotrexate, etoposide, cyclophosphamide, and carboplatin ± vincristine), followed by hyperfractionated accelerated CSI (HART‐CSI) at total doses of 31–39 Gy, depending on the patient's age, with two high‐dose thiotepa courses following CSI. After the first 15 patients had been treated, craniospinal irradiation (CSI) was replaced with focal radiotherapy (RT) for selected cases (non‐metastatic and not progressing during induction chemotherapy). Eight of the 28 children received the same chemotherapy but conventionally fractionated focal RT at 54 Gy.

Results

The 5‐year progression‐free survival (PFS), event‐free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS) rates were 62%, 53%, and 52%, respectively, for the whole series, and 70%, 70%, and 87% for the eight focally irradiated children. Residual disease and metastases were not prognostically significant. In children with residual disease, response to RT was significant (5‐year PFS 59% vs. 20%, P = 0.01), while the total dose of CSI was not. There were three treatment‐related toxic events. Relapses were local in seven cases (including two of the eight focally irradiated patients), and both local and disseminated in 2.

Conclusions

This intensive schedule enabled treatment stratification for the purposes of radiation, thereby sparing some children full‐dose CSI. Local control is the main goal of treatment for CNS‐PNET. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;60:2031–2035. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

The Prognosis and Survival of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with Central Nervous System Relapse

Central nervous system (CNS) relapse in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has been overcome by sensitive therapatic approachs. This study was planned to present the development of CNS relapse and survival in newly diagnosed 190 ALL patients whose cases were followed in the authors' unit between March 1991 and May 2002. St. Jude Study XI protocol was given to the patients who applied between March 1991 and March 1997 (group A) (n = 122), and St. Jude Study XIII protocol was given to the patients who applied between March 1997 and May 2002 (group B) (n = 68). The patients having isolated CNS relapse in group A received craniospinal irradiation (CSI) median 3.5 months after CNS relapse (range 2–6 months), a short time after reinduction, and 2 cures of consolidation. In group B, patients having isolated CNS relapse received IT once a month and a high-dose methotrexate treatment once every 8 weeks and 3 or 4, cures later therapy CSI median 7 months after CNS relapse (range 6–8 months) was given. When the overall survival rates of the 2 groups are compared, a statistically significant higher survival rate at 5 years was determined in group B than in group A (respectively, 82.3%, 58.4%) (p < .05). When subgroups of the patients (that is, those with no relapse, isolated CNS or BM relapse, or CNS + BM relapse) were compared in both groups, it was found that survival was much higher for the ones with no relapse and with isolated CNS relapse (respectively, 87.9%, 72.7%) compared to isolated BM or CNS + BM relapse groups (respectively, 10%, 13.3%) (p < .05). In a conclusion, for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and an isolated CNS relapse, with delayed definitive craniospinal irradiation allowing more intensive systemic and intrathecal chemotherapy results in better overall survival than has been previously reported.     

HUMORAL IMMUNITY AGAINST HEPATITIS B,TETANUS, AND DIPHTHERIA FOLLOWING CHEMOTHERAPY FOR HEMATOLOGIC MALIGNANCIES: A Report and Review of Literature

Malignancy and its treatment are major causes of secondary immunodeficiency in childhood. The authors investigated the effects of chemotherapy on humoral immunity against hepatitis B, tetanus, and diphtheria in children with hematologic malignancies. The authors recruited 54 patients with hematologic malignancies after the completion of chemotherapy (group A), 25 patients with newly diagnosed hematologic malignancies before initiation of chemotherapy (group B), and 74 healthy controls (group C). All participants had been vaccinated against hepatitis B, tetanus, and diphtheria according to the Iranian national vaccination scheme. Patients in group A achieved protective levels of diphtheria and hepatitis B antibodies significantly less frequently than the other 2 groups and protective levels of tetanus antibody significantly less frequently than group C (P <.05). After controlling for age, the association observed for tetanus lost its significance, but chemotherapy was a significant and independent predictor of failure to achieve protective levels of antibodies against diphtheria (odds ratio [OR] = 7.7, P < .001) and hepatitis B (OR = 3.13, P = .008). These results indicate that chemotherapy has independent adverse effects on vaccine-induced antibody protection against diphtheria and hepatitis B.     

胰石蛋白对脓毒症患儿病情评估的价值

目的 探讨胰石蛋白(PSP/reg)判断脓毒症患儿病情及预后的价值。方法 采用前瞻性病例对照研究,收集159例脓毒症患儿(脓毒症组106例;严重脓毒症组53例,其中脓毒性休克12例)及同期20例非脓毒症患儿(对照组)的临床资料,采用ELISA检测患儿入住PICU后第1、3、7天血浆PSP/reg浓度。血浆PSP/reg水平与血清降钙素原(PCT)、CRP、WBC计数、小儿危重病例评分(PCIS)的相关性进行Spearman相关分析,并采用受试者工作特征曲线下面积(AUC)评估各指标判断脓毒症患儿病情严重程度及预后的价值。结果 脓毒症组、严重脓毒症组入住PICU后第1天血浆PSP/reg水平高于对照组(PPn=27)入住PICU后第1天血浆PSP/reg水平高于存活患儿(n=132)(Prs=0.212、0.548;Prs=-0.373,PP结论 PSP/reg与感染密切相关,对脓毒症危险分层及预后评估有一定的临床价值。     

Long-term complications in totally implantable venous access devices: randomized study comparing subclavian and internal jugular vein puncture

Background

This prospective randomized study evaluated complications related to long‐term totally implantable catheters in oncologic children and adolescents by comparing venopunction performed either in the jugular or subclavian vein.

Methods

A total of 83 catheters were implanted from January 2004 to April 2006 and followed‐up until March 2008. Patients were randomly allocated to the subclavian or jugular vein group. The endpoint was complications that led to catheter revision or catheter removal.

Results

Six patients were excluded, 43 had the catheter implanted in the subclavian and 34 in the jugular vein. Subclavian catheters were used for up to 12.6 months, while jugular catheters were kept in place for up to 14.8 months (P = 0.38). No statistical differences were found between the groups concerning age, sex, leukocyte count, platelet count, type of admission (in or outpatient), or previous chemotherapy regimens. When analyzed individually, long‐term complications did not present statistically significant differences either. Infection occurred in 20 and 11% (P = 0.44), while catheter embolism took place in 23 and 8% (P = 0.11) of patients with subclavian and jugular catheters, respectively. A statistical difference was seen in the total number of complications, which occurred in 48 and 23% (P = 0.02) of patients in the subclavian and in the jugular groups, respectively.

Conclusions

Catheters implanted by puncture in the subclavian vein were more prone to late complications than those implanted in the jugular vein. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 274–277. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Early mixed T‐cell chimerism is predictive of pediatric AML or MDS relapse after hematopoietic stem cell transplant

Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who relapse after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) have dismal outcomes. Our ability to predict those at risk for relapse is limited. We examined chimerism trends post‐HCT in 63 children who underwent HCT for AML or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Mixed T‐cell chimerism at engraftment and absence of chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) were associated with relapse (P = 0.04 and P = 0.02, respectively). Mixed T‐cell chimerism at engraftment was predictive in patients without cGVHD (P = 0.03). Patients with engraftment mixed T‐cell chimerism may warrant closer disease monitoring and consideration for early intervention.     

蛋白琥珀酸铁口服溶液防治早产儿贫血的临床研究

目的 评价蛋白琥珀酸铁口服溶液防治早产儿贫血的疗效和安全性。方法 将60例胎龄小于35周的早产儿随机分为两组：蛋白琥珀酸铁组和多糖铁组。生后2周在应用促红细胞生成素的基础上,分别应用蛋白琥珀酸铁和多糖铁,于治疗后的14、28、42和60 d测定Hb、RBC、HCT、Ret、血清铁及铁蛋白等指标,并评价治疗前后肝肾功能的变化。结果 治疗后两组间RBC和HCT变化趋势差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）,蛋白琥珀酸铁组RBC和HCT均自生后逐渐降低,但分别从28 d和42 d时间点后又开始逐渐回升,而多糖铁组RBC和HCT均自生后呈现逐渐降低的趋势。在治疗后60 d,蛋白琥珀酸铁组的Hb、RBC、HCT、血清铁及铁蛋白均高于多糖铁组（P<0.05）。两组均未发生明显的不良反应。结论 蛋白琥珀酸铁口服溶液在防治早产儿贫血中疗效显著,耐受性好。     

Nucleated RBC count as predictor of neurological outcome in perinatal asphyxia

The immediate and short term outcomes of term newborns with perinatal asphyxia were studied in relation to the nucleated red blood cell count at admission. The mean (SD) NRBC/100WBC (white blood cells) was significantly higher in sequelae group than normal [9.8 (98.9) vs. 2.9 (43); P = 0.001].     

Nephrolithiasis in pediatric hematopoietic cell transplantation with up to 40 years of follow‐up

Background

Kidney stones have been reported to occur after childhood cancer, but little is known about kidney stones in children following hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). The objective of this retrospective study was to determine risk factors for the development of kidney stones and to describe the prevalence among survivors.

Procedure

The study included 1,343 childhood HCT patients. Mean follow‐up was 15.8 (1.0–40.0) years. Patients were treated with total body irradiation (TBI) (n = 948) or non‐TBI regimens. Methotrexate (MTX) for acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis was given as long‐course (n = 360), short‐course (n = 626), or none (n = 357). Prednisone for chronic GVHD therapy was received by 525 patients. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of risk factors associated with kidney stones.

Results

Kidney stones developed in 51 patients, a median of 9.9 (0.2–29.4) years after first HCT, with a 30‐year cumulative incidence of 7.4%. Risk factors associated with kidney stones were TBI (HR = 2.2; P = 0.03), age at HCT (12–18 vs. <6 years, HR = 2.7; P = 0.01), MTX (long vs. none, HR = 3.6; P = 0.02), and prednisone (HR = 2.2; P = 0.008). Among 868 survivors, the prevalence of a history of kidney stones was 4.7%.

Conclusions

Survivors of childhood HCT have an increased risk of developing kidney stones. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:417–423. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Childhood medulloblastoma in Ontario, 1977–1987: Population-based results

A retrospective review was carried out to study children, not more than 16 years old, with a confirmed diagnosis of medulloblastoma, who were residents of the Province of Ontario at the time of diagnosis between 1977 and 1987 inclusive. The provincial tumour registry provided the population database. One hundred and eight children with medulloblastoma were identified of whom 72 (67%) were initially treated at University of Toronto Centres and 36 (33%) at other Health Science Centres, hospitals, and Regional Cancer Centres (RCC) in Ontario. The hospital/Cancer Centre records were reviewed. The 5-year relapse-free survival (RFS) for all patients treated in Ontario was 58% (SE = 5%). Those treated in Toronto had a 5-year RFS of 65% (SE = 6%) compared to 44% (SE = 8%) for those treated in other RCCs in the province (P = 0.02). Relapse-free survival for the RCCs ranged from 25 to 60%, with a trend for improved survival with increasing centre size. Univariate analysis of determinants of relapse-free survival for all 108 patients showed the following variables to be significant: T-stage (Tx + T1 + T2 vs. T3A + T3B) P = 0.0004, M-stage (M0 + Mx vs. M1–4) P = 0.0006, extent of resection (total vs. less than total) P = 0.002, radiotherapy (craniospinal irradiation and posterior fossa boost vs. other) P = 0.02, and treatment centre (Toronto centres vs. RCC) P = 0.02. Cases treated at centres outside metropolitan Toronto had a nearly two-fold (relative risk = 1.93; 95% confidence interval = 1.07, 3.47) greater risk of recurrence or death than those seen in Toronto. However, in multivariate analysis this difference was not quite significant (P = 0.07) after controlling for stage (T and M), extent of resection, meningitis, and gender. These data suggest that patients with medulloblastoma should be referred for treatment to large centres with major pediatric neurosurgical and oncology resources. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

小儿肺炎支原体肺炎合并全身炎症反应综合征时炎性相关因素的变化及临床意义

目的：检测肺炎支原体肺炎（MPP）患儿血清C-反应蛋白（CRP）和降钙素原(PCT)、血沉（ESR）及血常规白细胞（WBC）和中性粒细胞（NE），探讨它们的变化与MPP病情轻重的关系，以利于临床评估病情，防止病情恶化，判定疗效。方法：住院MPP急性期患儿92例，入选MPP患儿分为全身炎症反应综合征（SIRS）组和非SIRS 组。SIRS组中符合小儿SIRS 诊断标准2项者为S1组, 符合≥3项者为S2组。入院初及治疗1周后分别检测血清CRP , PCT，ESR及血常规。结果：①入院时CRP均值各组均增高，增加值S2组>S1组>非SIRS组（P<0.01, 0.05）。治疗1周后，各组CRP指标较入院时均明显下降，但S2组仍高于S1组和非SIRS组（P <0.01）。②入院时PCT均值非SIRS 及S1组无增高，S2组明显高于前两组（P < 0.01）；治疗1周后，非SIRS组和S1组较入院时比较差异无显著性(P> 0.05)，S2组较入院初明显下降（P < 0.01），但S2组仍显著高于S1组和非SIRS组(P< 0.01)。③入院初S2组ESR较非SIRS组和S1组显著增快, 各组ESR入院初与治疗1周后比较无明显变化。④S1 和 S2组入院时血WBC计数和NE均高于非SIRS组，且S2组高于S1组(P< 0.05)，治疗1周后S1 和 S2组血WBC计数和NE与入院初比较有所下降。⑤在各项炎性相关因素指标（CRP，PCT，ESR，WBC/ NE）中,非SIRS组中以CRP单项增高为主，占65%；S1组2项增高为主,占56%； S2组以3项及以上同时增高为主,占70.4%。结论：CRP是MPP急性期炎症反应的敏感检测指标，动态监测CRP可判断MPP病情轻重、帮助判断治疗效果，结合PCT，ESR，WBC及NE多项感染炎症指标检测结果，能更准确地预测MPP病情严重程度、发生合并症及混合细菌感染的可能。［中国当代儿科杂志，2007，9（4）：347-350］     

肾上腺糖皮质激素联合乌司他丁治疗儿童川崎病的非随机对照临床研究

目的 探讨肾上腺糖皮质激素联合乌司他丁治疗儿童川崎病的临床疗效。方法 根据患儿病情和家长意愿,将2011年1月至2013年12月入院确诊为典型川崎病(KD)的104例患儿分为乌司他丁组(甲基强的松龙+乌司他丁,n=46)和静脉注射丙种球蛋白(IVIG)组(n=58)。观察两组患儿治疗前、治疗后1周、3个月及6个月时的冠状动脉内径的变化,热退时间,再次治疗情况,治疗前、治疗后1周及3周时白细胞(WBC)、血小板(PLT)、血红蛋白(HB)、C反应蛋白(CRP)、血沉的变化以及住院总费用。结果 两组患儿在治疗前、治疗后1周、3个月及6个月时冠状动脉内径比较差异均无统计学意义(P> 0.05)。治疗48 h乌司他丁组患儿体温均正常(100%),正常率高于IVIG组(83%)(PPP结论 甲基强的松龙联合乌司他丁治疗儿童KD没有增加冠状动脉瘤的发生风险;并能大大降低住院费用;与IVIG治疗相比,在KD急性期能更好的控制患儿的实验室指标,缩短发热时间。     

Treatment of pediatric average-risk medulloblastoma using craniospinal irradiation less than 2500 cGy and chemotherapy: single center experience in Korea

Background:Although craniospinal irradiation (CSI) of 2340 cGy plus tumor booster with chemotherapy have been established as a standard treatment of childhood average-risk (AvR) medulloblastoma (MBL) in Western counties,there are a few recent reports in outcomes ofAvR MBL using this strategy in Korean and other Asian children.We investigated the outcome of the Korean children with AvR MBL who were treated with CSI ＜2500 cGy and chemotherapy.Methods:Between January 2001 and December 2010,clinical characteristics and outcomes of 42 patients who were diagnosed with AvR MBL postoperatively and treated with radiation including CSI ＜2500 cGy and chemotherapy in Seoul National University Children's Hospital were analyzed.Results:Their median age was 9 years (range:3-18.8),and 29 were male.Histological subtypes were classic type in 28 patients,nodular/desmoplastic in 7,and large cell/anaplastic (LCA) in 7.All the patients received adjuvant radiotherapy (CSI with median 2340 cGy and booster) and multiagent chemotherapy as the first-fine treatment.With a median follow-up of 54 months,12 patients experienced relapse or progression of the tumor.The 3-and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 78.0％±6.5％ and 75.0％±6.9％,respectively,and overall survival (OS) rates were 85.3％±5.6％ and 76.8％±6.9％,respectively.The LCA subtype was associated with poorer DFS (P=0.023) and OS (P=0.008),compared with non-LCA subtypes.Conclusion:The outcomes of children and adolescents with AvR MBL treated with radiation including CSI ＜2500 cGy and chemotherapy,are compatible to those in Western countries;however,the LCA subtype has a poor outcome with this strategy.     

IKZF1基因拷贝数异常在儿童BCR/ABL阴性B系急性淋巴细胞白血病中的意义

目的 了解BCR/ABL阴性B系急性淋巴细胞白血病(B-ALL)患儿IKZF1基因拷贝数异常情况,并分析IKZF1基因拷贝数异常与该部分患儿预后的相关性。方法 应用多重连接探针扩增(MLPA)技术检测180例初诊BCR/ABL阴性B-ALL患儿IKZF1基因拷贝数异常情况。根据有无IKZF1基因缺失将其分成两组:IKZF1缺失组和IKZF1正常组。回顾性分析IKZF1拷贝数缺失与BCR/ABL阴性B-ALL患儿预后的关系。结果 180例患儿中共有27例(15.0%)患儿发生了IKZF1缺失,其中IKZF1基因8个外显子全部缺失者4例,单纯1号外显子缺失者17例,4~7号外显子缺失者3例,2~7号外显子缺失者3例。IKZF1缺失组患儿初诊时白细胞水平及流式MRD-高危组患儿的比例明显高于IKZF1正常组;IKZF1缺失组患儿多发生在无特殊融合基因异常的BCR/ABL阴性患儿,且IKZF1基因缺失患儿易伴随出现11、8、5、7、21号等染色体的异常。Kaplan-Meier法分析显示,IKZF1缺失组无病生存率(DFS)明显低于IKZF1正常组(0.740±0.096 vs 0.905±0.034,P=0.002)。Cox法分析显示在排除了年龄、性别、初始WBC、初诊时脑脊液状态、泼尼松松试验反应情况、染色体核型后,IKZF1缺失仍不利于患儿的DFS(P结论 部分BCR/ABL阴性B-ALL患儿存在IKZF1缺失,IKZF1缺失为BCR/ABL阴性B-ALL患儿DFS的独立危险因素。     

Recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in children with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia

Twenty children 1–17 (median, 5.5) years of age received GM-CSF during chemotherapy-induced neutropenia at the dose of 5 μg/kg/day, continued until the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) exceeded 500 × 10⁶/liter. Twelve children with solid tumors received GM-CSF after courses of conventional chemotherapy (VP-16 + ifosfamide or “6 in 1”). One course followed by GM-CSF was compared to identical courses without GM-CSF in the same patients. Eight children with recurrent/poor risk malignancies received GM-CSF after marrow-ablative therapy and autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT). Their engraftment data were compared to matched historical controls. In both groups GM-CSF accelerated myeloid recovery, which was preceded by the appearance of immature myeloid elements in bone marrow. The ANC levels of 200, 500, and 1,000 × 10⁶/liter were exceeded 2, 3 (P<0.05), and 6 (P<0.005) days earlier with GM-CSF in the conventional chemotherapy group, and 6, 10 (P<0.05), and 9 days earlier in the ABMT group, as compared to the controls. All adverse effects observed were mild, including skin rashes, nasal stuffiness, general achiness, nausea, and fever. We conclude that GM-CSF is well tolerated in children and accelerates myeloid recovery in chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Wilms’ Tumor—Lessons and Outcomes—A 25-Year Single Center UK Experience

Wilms’ tumor (WT) is a common childhood renal cancer. A 25-year single center UK experience is reported. During 1985–2010, 97 children underwent immediate nephrectomy or delayed resection of tumor after chemotherapy. Survival, morbidity, and late effects following treatment are described. Tumor distribution was: Stage I, 25.7% (n = 25); Stage II, 24.7% (n = 24); Stage III, 26.8% (n = 26); Stage IV, 17.5% (n = 17); and Stage V, 5.2% (n = 5). Immediate nephrectomy was performed in 39% (n = 38) patients with elective delayed resection in 61% (n = 59) cases. Ten patients had cavotomy to excise tumor involving vena cava territory. Two cases required cardiopulmonary bypass. Tumor rupture was recorded in eight (8.5%) total operated cases—after immediate (n = 5/37), 13.5% vs delayed nephrectomy—(n = 3/57), 5.2%; X ² P = .154. From 2001 onwards, one case of tumor rupture was recorded at this center after the universal adoption of UKW3 and SIOP guidelines advocating preoperative chemotherapy and delayed nephrectomy for all WT. Three treatment-related deaths occurred—hepatic veno-occlusive disease (n = 2) with actinomycin D and a single WT fatality due to vascular injury. Overall survival was 84.5% (82/97 cases). Two patients developed “late malignancies” —thyroid cancer and a basal cell carcinoma. This study demonstrates excellent survival for WT comparable with national outcomes and international cooperative studies. Adverse events with chemotherapy and surgery, including “late onset,” second malignancies deserve special consideration.     

ToRCH “co‐infections” are associated with increased risk of abortion in pregnant women

ToRCH infections (toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus and Herpes simplex virus) have long been known to be associated with bad obstetric outcomes. However, little information is available about the impact of ToRCH co‐infections on the outcome of pregnancy. Hence, we tested the IgG and IgM antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus and Herpes Simplex Virus among 81 pregnant women with abortion (case group) and 98 pregnant women with normal delivery (control group). In the single‐infection model, only CMV‐IgM seropositivity was significantly increased in case than control group (25.9% in case and 12.2 % in control, OR = 2.5, P = 0.019). In the co‐infection model, 14 patterns were recognized, but two patterns were significantly increased in the case than the control group. Co‐infection of T. gondii IgG + CMV IgM was 9.1‐fold increased in the case than the control group (8.6% in the case and 1% in control, OR = 9.1; P = 0.024). Also, co‐infection of T. gondii IgG + HSV IgG + CMV IgM was 7.7‐fold increased in case than the control group (7.4% in case and 1 % in control, OR = 7.7; P = 0.04). Although the OR of other co‐infections was higher in the case than the control group, the difference was not statistically significant. These findings indicate that ToRCH co‐infections are associated with increased risk of abortion than single infection. Hence, the rates of co‐infections should be considered in prenatal screening of ToRCH infections.     

白细胞计数对新生儿早发型败血症的诊断界值探讨

目的 评价白细胞（WBC）计数在新生儿早发型败血症（EOS）诊断中的临床应用价值，探讨WBC诊断的上限界值。方法 回顾性选取2019年1月至2020年3月收治的新生儿EOS患儿306例，以同期580例非感染患儿作为对照组，比较两组患儿一般情况、WBC计数等。根据2003年《新生儿败血症诊疗方案》（简称2003年版诊疗方案）及《新生儿败血症诊断及治疗专家共识（2019年版）》（简称2019年版专家共识）标准分别对WBC计数的诊断价值进行评价。结果 根据两种不同诊疗方案，WBC计数的阳性率均较低（分别为51.3%和32.0%），但特异度均较高（分别为93.3%和98.6%）。经受试者工作特征曲线分析显示，2003年版诊疗方案WBC计数曲线下面积大于2019年版专家共识（P < 0.05）。结论 WBC计数在诊断EOS中的诊断上限界值以2003年《新生儿败血症诊疗方案》中≥25×10⁹/L更为合理。     

Prognostic variables in patients with advanced colorectal cancer treated with fluorouracil and leucovorin-based chemotherapy

Possible prognostic variables for tumor response, time to progression (TTP), and survival in 141 patients with advanced colorectal cancer treated with fluorouracil and leucovorin-based chemotherapy were analyzed. None of the variables examined for their possible influence on tumor response attained significance in the stepwise logistic regression. In the univariate analysis, variables found to be strongly associated with TTP were performance status (PS) (P = 0.0301), liver involvement (P = 0.030), and the initial values of WBC (P = 0.0319), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH; P = 0.0053), γ-glutamyl-transpeptidase (γ-GT; P = 0.0013), alkaline phosphatase (ALP; P = 0.0186), albumin (P = 0.0004), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA; P = 0.0014). In the Cox analysis, liver involvement (P = 0.0553), albumin (P = 0.0181), PS (P = 0.0484), and ALP (P = 0.0553) were retained as independently significant variables. When only patients with liver metastases were included in the analysis, then only albumin (P < 0.001) demonstrated a prognostic significance. Also, in the univariate analysis, variables predicting survival were PS (P = 0.0230), grade (P = 0.0060), liver involvement (P = 0.0002), LDH (P = 0.0001), γ-GT (P < 0.001), ALP (P = 0.0006), albumin (P = 0.0309), and CEA (P = 0.0005). With the multivariate analysis, γ-GT (P = 0.004), albumin (P = 0.0634), and CEA (P = 0.0804) were selected as significant. In those patients who presented with liver involvement, variables predicted survival were γ-GT (P = 0.0041), albumin (P = 0.0442), and the percentage of involved liver parenchyma (P = 0.0690). These results could be helpful for the stratification of future trials in advanced colorectal cancer. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.