Computed cell cycle and DNA histogram analyses in image cytometry in breast cancer.

AIMS--To analyse the cell cycle and DNA histogram components in data from DNA static cytometry and, in particular, to investigate the influence of the length of time the slides are exposed to the light of the cytophotometer in evaluating the G0/G1 peak. METHODS--DNA static cytometry was performed on 18 Feulgen stained imprints and six histological sections taken from six breast carcinomas. The total optical density values obtained were analysed using software commercially available as Multicycle. DNA flow cytometry was performed on the same cases. RESULTS--The proportions of nuclei related to the cell cycle components from DNA static cytometric data, obtained from Feulgen stained cytological smears, were almost identical with those obtained from DNA flow cytometric data. Moreover, additional information was obtained from the DNA static cytometry frequency histogram and the proportions of nuclei below the diploid G0/G1 peak and above the G2 phase. Discrepancies between DNA static cytometry and DNA flow cytometry were seen in the large coefficients of variation of the G0/G1 peaks obtained with the former method of analysis, even though a better correspondence was found when the exposure time of the slides to the light of the cytophometer was conspicuously shortened. The information obtained from histological sections seemed to be similar to that obtained from DNA flow cytometry when a single cell population was present; a single cell population was detected in two out of the three cases in which two distinct populations had been present in DNA flow cytometry. CONCLUSIONS--The computer analysis of DNA static cytometric data obtained from Feulgen stained cytological specimens provides the type of information on the cell cycle which is usually obtainable only from DNA flow cytometry. Correspondence with the DNA data from histological sections, however, was poor.     

Role of cyclosporin in preventing or delaying colectomy in children with severe ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND: Oral cyclosporin (CyA) has been widely and successfully used in adult patients with severe ulcerative colitis (UC) to delay or avoid colectomy. AIM: To determine if treatment with oral CyA is similarly effective in pediatric patients MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data on all patients with severe UC treated with oral CyA in our unit were collected retrospectively. Patients were treated with CyA if dependent on or resistant to steroids, and therefore, candidates for colectomy. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients with severe UC were treated with CyA administered orally at a dose needed to obtain therapeutic blood levels (150-250 ng/ml). Twenty-eight of 32 patients (87%) had an immediate response within 11 days. Four (13%) did not respond and underwent colectomy. One patient had two cycles of treatment and is in remission. Two patients underwent three cycles of treatment because of relapse, but both eventually underwent elective colectomy. Three other patients underwent elective colectomy. A total of nine colectomies were performed. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with oral CyA altered the course of UC in 28/32 (87%) of patients; 4/32 (13%) did not respond to oral CyA and underwent colectomy. Of the 28 patients that responded to CyA, five underwent later elective colectomy. Overall, in 72% of patients, colectomy was avoided. We, therefore, suggest a trial of oral CyA in all children with severe UC who are dependent or resistant to corticosteroids.     

Prenatal management and postnatal separation of omphalopagus and craniopagus conjoined twins

Two cases of prenatally diagnosed conjoined twins are presented: a set of omphalopagus twins sharing a common liver, and a set of craniopagus with involvement limited to the skull. In both cases, prenatal diagnosis allowed accurate planning of pre- and postnatal management. Prenatal management involved serial imaging and counseling with participation of different specialists according to imaging findings. In the rare case of conjoined twins, an interdisciplinary approach is required, with feto-maternal specialists playing a pivotal role in co-ordinating teamwork and planning successive stages of management.