O diagnóstico das síndromes mielodisplásicas: revisão da literatura / The diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndromes: literature review

A síndrome mielodisplásica (SMD) é uma doença de diagnóstico complexo e, com bases nas contribuições encontradas na literatura, reunimos as principais ferramentas diagnósticas disponíveis na atualidade e sua aplicação, bem como o avanço nos métodos de diagnóstico, contribuindo para melhor compreensão da doença e futuras pesquisas. Este trabalho teve como objetivo apresentar as características da SMD, e apontar os exames realizados para o diagnóstico e seu avanço laboratorial, expondo as novas tecnologias para diagnóstico. Para realizar uma revisão bibliográfica, foi realizado um levantamento de artigos científicos publicados a partir de banco de dados confiáveis como PubMed, Bireme e SciELO, de 2000 a 2016. Foram utilizados os seguintes termos para a pesquisa: síndrome mielodisplásica, displasia e diagnóstico. Incluindo-se publicações no idioma Inglês e Português. A SMD, por se tratar de uma doença clonal ou não clonal, deve ser avaliada desde uma análise de sangue periférico, no qual observa-se uma alteração, e com o isso realizar uma investigação baseando-se em dados clínicos, histopatológicos, citogenéticos e na evolução do paciente. Sendo assim, requer profissionais altamente capacitados e que acompanhem a evolução dos critérios para o diagnóstico.

Gelatinous transformation of bone marrow: rare or underdiagnosed?

Gelatinous transformation of the bone marrow (GTBM) is a rare hematologic entity, which was first described by Paul Michael in 1930. GTBM is mostly associated with caloric intake/anorexia nervosa, although it also has been described accompanying other pathologic conditions, such as malignancy, systemic lupus erythematosus and HIV infections. Even though the diagnostic features of the hematopoietic tissue, such as hypoplasia, adipose cell atrophy, and deposition of a gelatinous substance in the bone marrow (which stains with Alcian blue at pH 2.5) are quite specific, the underlying pathogenic mechanisms remain poorly understood. Considering the evidence of reversibility­notably in cases of malnutrition and anorexia­this entity should be kept high on cards as a possible differential diagnosis of patients presenting with cytopenias and associated weight loss or starvation, especially in developing countries with nutritionally deprived populations. On an extensive review of the literature aimed at comprehensively addressing the evolution of the GTBM from the past century until now, we conclude that the lack of clinical suspicion and awareness regarding this pathologic entity has led to misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis.

Monoartritis del codo e infarto óseo como presentación inicial de enfermedad linfoproliferativa / Elbow monoarthritis and bone infarction as a form of presentation of B cell lymphoma: case report

We report a 68-year-old woman presenting with pain and swelling in her left elbow. An elbow magnetic resonance with gadolinium evidenced bone marrow infiltration and a bone infarct. Given these findings, a body CT scan was performed which showed multiple mesenteric adenopathies and a large retroperitoneal mass. A lymph node biopsy confirmed a B cell lymphoma. Monoarthritis with no systemic manifestations represents a highly uncommon form of presentation of lymphoma. Moreover it usually affects inferior limbs, particularly in the presence of bone infarction.

Aplastic Anemia and Severe Myelosuppression with Boceprevir or Simeprevir-Containing Hepatitis C Virus Treatment

ABSTRACT The addition of the new protease inhibitors (PIs) to peg-interferon (IFN) and ribavirin (RBV), approved for chronic hepatitis C, has clearly improved sustained virological response (SVR) rates although several adverse events have been reported with this regimens, including mild hematological toxicity. Moreover, severe pancytopenia and aplastic anemia during triple therapy with telaprevir has recently been described in seven patients. We report here two cases of severe agranulocytosis/aplastic anemia using boceprevir or simeprevir in interferon-based combination and 2 additional cases of severe myelosupression in IFN-free therapy with sofosbuvir and simeprevir plus RBV. Our observations suggest that PIs could have a sort of class-effect in developing severe hematologic toxicity or, at least, an additive interaction with other potentially myelotoxic agents such as IFN or RBV that are used in the classical regimens against HCV. Unfortunately, the mechanisms behind this phenomenon are currently unknown. In conclusion, given the lifethreatening character of these complications, close monitoring is mandatory in patients under PIs based therapy to promptly detect serious hematological toxicities and to carefully evaluate treatment discontinuation. Prospective studies assessing the usefulness of RBV in the era of new IFN-free combinations are needed.

The need for endodontic treatment and systemic characteristics of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients

Abstract The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the epidemiological and clinical profiles of patients before and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and the need for endodontic treatment. The subjects included 188 individuals enrolled in the dental care program for transplanted patients of the School of Dentistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais (Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, FO-UFMG) from March 2011 through March 2016. The patients were subjected to an HSCT conditioning dental regimen based on a thorough clinical and radiographic evaluation. Intraoral periapical and bite-wing X-rays were obtained, and after evaluation, specific dental treatment was planned and performed. The following demographic and clinical data were collected from the patients' medical records: age, gender, transplantation stage, primary disease, transplant type, medication used, complete blood count at the time of visit, and need for endodontic treatment. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov and the chi-square tests were used. Leukemia (31.3%) and multiple myeloma (17.9%) were the most prevalent primary diseases. Most patients were subjected to allogeneic-related transplantation (83.6%). Most patients exhibited platelet counts and hemoglobin concentrations below the reference values in the pre-transplantation stage, while the neutrophil and platelet counts and the hemoglobin levels were within the reference ranges in the post-transplantation stage. The proportions of individuals requiring endodontic treatment were similar between the pre- and post-transplantation groups: 24.3% and 24.7%, respectively. The systemic conditions of the patients referred for dental treatment were compromised.

Aplasia medular secundaria a la infección por el virus del dengue / Medullary aplastic anemia secondary to dengue virus infections

La aplasia medular es una enfermedad hematológica caracterizada por citopenia periférica y una marcada hipocelularidad medular. Esta es una rara complicación de infecciones como la fiebre hemorrágica del dengue. Se presentan 2 pacientes en edad pediátrica que fueron atendidas en el servicio de Pediatría del Instituto de Hematología e Inmunología con el diagnóstico de aplasia medular en el transcurso de una infección por dengue (IgM+). Ambos casos tuvieron diagnóstico histológico de aplasia medular muy grave con una evolución tórpida(AU)

Aplastic anemia is a blood disorder characterized by peripheral cytopenia and marked marrow hypocellularity. This is a rare complication of infections, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever. Two pediatric patients were referred to our center with the diagnosis of aplastic anemia in the course of infection by dengue (IgM +), both with severe pancytopenia(AU)

Eficacia y seguridad de eltrombopag en pacientes con aplasia medular severa, no tributarios a terapia triple inmunosupresora ni trasplante de medula ósea / Efficacy and safety of eltrombopag in patients with severe medullary aplasia, non-tributary to immunosuppressive triple therapy and bone marrow transplantation

INTRODUCCIÓN: Antecedentes: El presente dictamen responde a la solicitud de evaluación de tecnología sanitaria del uso fuera del petitorio de Eltrombopag en pacientes con aplasia medular severa, no tributarios a terapia triple inmunosupresora ni trasplante de médula ósea. Aspectos Generales: La trombopeyetina es un factor humoral o citoquina, el cual estimula la producción de trombocitos (plaquetas), proliferación de megacariocitos de la médula ósea y por ende liberación de plaquetas en un mecanismo llamado trombopoyesis. El rol principal de las plaquetas es proveer la interacción y activación de factores de coagulación en la cascada de coagulación. Los pacientes con anemia aplásica exhiben altos niveles de trombopoyetina y pero aún así presentan trombocitopenia debido a una supresión o falla por parte de la producción de plaquetas en la médula ósea. Tecnología Sanitaria de Interés: Eltrombopag (ETP), Revolade o Promacta (GlaxoSmithKline lnc) es un medicamento agonista del receptor de la trombopoyetina (TPOr) que promueve la diferenciación megacariocítica, la proliferación y la producción de plaquetas. Es un agente hematopoyético que actúa como agonista no peptídico del receptor de la trombopoyetina. Interacciona con el dominio transmembrana e induce a la proliferación y diferenciación de los megacariocitos produciendo, a consecuencia de ello, un incremento en el recuento plaquetario. METODOLOGÍA: Estrategia de Búsqueda: Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda sistemática de la literatura con respecto a la eficacia y seguridad de Eltrombopag en pacientes con aplasia medular severa, no tributarios a terapia triple inmunosupresora ni trasplante de médula ósea. Para la búsqueda primaria se revisó en primer lugar la información disponible por entes reguladoras y normativas de autorización comercial como la Administración de Drogas y Alimentos (FDA) de Estados Unidos, la Agencia de Medicamentos Europea (EMA) y la Dirección General de Medicamentos y Drogas (DIGEMID) en el Perú. Seguidamente, se emplearon los motores de búsqueda de los metabuscadores Translating Research into Practice (TRIPDATABASE), Epistemonikos y Health Systems Evidence (HSE). Asimismo, se buscó información generada por grupos internacionales que realizan revisiones sistemáticas, evaluaciones de tecnologías sanitarias y guías de práctica clínica, tales como el National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) del Reino Unido, National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC) de Estados Unidos, Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) de Canadá, Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) de Escocia, Haute Authorité de Santé (HAS) de Francia, el Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías Sanitarias (IETS) de Colombia, el Instituto de efectividad clínica y sanitaria (IECS) de Argentina. Finalmente, se realizó una búsqueda dentro de las bases de datos Pubmed, EMBASE, y The Web of Science que a su vez fue complementada con una búsqueda en www.clinicaltrials.gov y www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu. RESULTADOS: Sinopsis de la Evidencia: De acuerdo con la pregunta PICO, se llevó a cabo una búsqueda de evidencia científica relacionada al uso de eficacia y seguridad de eltrombopag en pacientes con aplasia medular severa, no tributarios a terapia triple inmunosupresora ni trasplante de médula ósea. En la presente sinopsis se describe la evidencia encontrada a la fecha. Guías de práctica clínica: No se encontraron guías de práctica clínica de buena calidad que recomienden eltrombopag en AAS. Evaluaciones de tecnologías sanitarias: El grupo evaluador de NICE revisó este año (2016) la evidencia disponible para AAS con eltrombopag. Sin embargo es observable que tanto la CADTH de Canada, la SMC de Escocia, el IECS Argentina, IETS Colombia, y la HAS de Francia los cuales son referentes internacionales de evaluaciones de tecnologías sanitarias, no han realizado aún evaluaciones ni han emitido recomendaciones para el uso de eltrombopag en AAS. Ensayos clínicos: Se encontraron los ensayos clínicos fase II de Olnes et al., 2012 y Desmond et al., 2014. Ensayos clínicos no-publicados: Se encontraron tres estudios en progreso en la página de clinicaltrials.gov que corresponden a NCT01891994, NCT 01703169, y NCT 02148133. Otros documentos adicionales: Documento de recomendación como Guía de la BCSH. CONCLUSIONES: El presente dictamen responde a la solicitud de evaluación de tecnología sanitaria del uso fuera del petitorio de Eltrombopag en pacientes con aplasia medular severa, no tributarios a terapia triple inmunosupresora ni trasplante de médula ósea. Se encontraron dos ensayos clínicos fase II, no-aleatorizados, abiertos y de un solo brazo y tres ensayos clínicos en proceso no-publicados, los cuales evaluaron la respuesta hematológica a eltrombopag en la población de interés. La evidencia generada por éstos contiene limitaciones severas para la interpretación y generalización de los resultados para la población de interés. El Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación ­IETSI, aprueba el uso de Eltrombopag en pacientes con aplasia medular severa, no tributarios a terapia triple inmunosupresora ni trasplante de médula ósea. La vigencia del presente dictamen preliminar es de un año. En los subsiguientes meses a la publicación del presente dictamen, se evaluará la nueva evidencia publicada en la literatura internacional, y se analizarán los datos clínicos de todos aquellos pacientes que hayan recibido eltrombopag en el contexto del presente dictamen, con el fin de establecer el impacto del mismo. Esta información será tomada en cuenta para actualizar el presente dictamen al culminar su vigencia.

Focal osteoporotic bone marrow defects on dental implant treated patients: a 5-year period prevalence study / Defectos focales osteoporóticos de la médula ósea en pacientes tratados con implantes dentales: estudio prevalencia de período a 5 años

Dental implants are considered the most effective treatment for teeth absence. Nevertheless, there are some bone conditions that could affect the osseointegration process, thus affecting the clinical and radiographic success rates. One of these conditions could be the Focal Osteoporotic Bone Marrow Defects. The objective of this study was to describe the 5-year period prevalence of Focal Osteoporotic Bone Marrow Defects (FOBMD) on dental implant treated patients. descriptive retrospective study was conducted. We systematically reviewed the clinical and radiographic data of treated patients in a Dental Implant Unit since January 2010 through December 2014. Once a FOBMD case was found, a detailed questionnaire was applied to the chart looking for demographic, medical and dental characteristics (clinical and radiographic). Also in a sub-sample histological analysis was carried out. Period prevalence (PP) was estimated calculating proportions and 95 % confidence intervals. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata v. 13.2 for Windows (Stata Corp., TX., USA). FOBMD 5-yPP was 9.52 % (CI 95 %: 6.87­13.5 %). We found 42 defects in 34 patients. Within the FOBMD patients, average age was 55.4±11.9 years, 67.64 % being females. Ninety-seven percent of the defects were located in the lower jaw, 79.41 % unilateral, 69.04 % single missed teeth lesions, 71.42 % affecting molar area and 59.52 % located on the right side of the maxillae. Histological analysis revealed inflammatory cells, dystrophic calcifications, hemorrhagic material and fatty cells for all the cases. FOBMD prevalence is low, so it should be considered as a rare condition but showing an exponential growing trend over the time. With no previous epidemiological data, these findings should be considered as a caution during x-ray examinations and treatment planning, in order to avoid surgical or prosthetic complications. Local factors as previous root canal treatments should be considered when elucidating reasons for its appearance.

Los implantes dentales se consideran el tratamiento más eficaz para la ausencia dentaria. Sin embargo, hay algunas condiciones óseas que pueden afectar el proceso de osteointegración, lo que afecta a las tasas de éxito clínico y radiográfico. Una de estas condiciones podrían ser los defectos focales osteoporóticos de la médula ósea (DFOMO). El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la prevalencia en un periodo de 5 años de los DFOMO en pacientes tratados con implantes dentales. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo, con una revisión sistemática de los datos clínicos y radiológicos de pacientes tratados en una unidad de implantes dentales desde enero de 2010 hasta diciembre de 2014. Cuando se encontró algún caso de DFOMO, se aplicó un cuestionario detallado sobre la ficha en busca de características demográficas, médicas y dentales (clínicas y radiográficas). También se realizó un análisis histológico de la submuestra. Se estimó la prevalencia del periodo (PP), el cálculo de proporciones e intervalos de confianza con un 95 %. El análisis estadístico se realizó con el programa Stata v. 13.2 para Windows (Stata Corp, TX., EE.UU.). La prevalencia del periodo para los 5 años de DFOMO fue 9,52 % (IC del 95 %: 6,87 % a 13,5 %). Encontrado 42 defectos en 34 pacientes. Dentro de los pacientes con DFOMO, la edad promedio fue de 55,4±11,9 años, y 67,64 % fueron mujeres. El 97 % de los defectos se encuentraran en la mandíbula. El 79,41 % fue unilateral y 69,04 % con lesiones individuales de pérdidas dentarias; el 71,42 % afectó la zona de los molares y 59,52 % se encontró en el lado derecho del maxilar. El análisis histológico reveló células inflamatorias, calcificaciones distróficas, material hemorrágico y células grasas, en todos los casos. La prevalencia de DFOMO fue baja, por lo que debe considerarse como una enfermedad poco frecuente pero que muestra una tendencia creciente y exponencial en el tiempo. Sin datos epidemiológicos previos, estos resultados deben ser considerados para tener precaución durante los exámenes imagenológicos y la planificación del tratamiento, con el fin de evitar complicaciones quirúrgicas o prótesicas. Los factores locales como tratamientos endodónticos previos deben ser considerados para dilucidar las razones de su aparición.

Disceratose congênita - relato de caso e revisão de literatura / Dyskeratosis congenita - case report and literature review

A Disceratose Congênita (DC) é uma síndrome hereditária rara que exibe marcada heterogeneidade clínica e genética, constituindo-se em anormalidades cutaneomucosas, falência medular e predisposição ao câncer. Esta é caracterizada pela tríade de pigmentação reticulada da pele, distrofia ungueal e leucoplasia em mucosas. Alterações dentárias, gastrintestinais, geniturinárias, neurológicas, oftalmológicas, pulmonares e esqueléticas associadas têm sido relatadas. A falência medular é a principal causa de morte precoce e também é descrita predisposição para doenças malignas. Afeta principalmente homens e, reconhecem-se formas recessivas ligadas ao X, autossômicas dominantes e recessivas. Relata-se o caso de um paciente de 40 anos, sexo masculino, que há 7 evolui com quadro de anemia e necessidades transfusionais (sanguíneas). Investigadas causas hemofílica e carencial sem êxito. Mielograma com normocelularidade das linhagens; solicitada biópsia de medula óssea por suspeita de Disceratose Congênita, tendo em vista sintomatologia com presença da tríade da Disceratose Congênita: leucoplasia mucosa, distrofia ungueal, e áreas de hiperpigmentação reticular. Paciente progride sob acompanhamento no serviço hematológico do Hemocentro do Pará. Em função da raridade da doença, pouco mais de 500 casos relatados no mundo, da dificuldade de se chegar ao seu diagnóstico, e de sua gravidade, é de fundamental importância a difusão do conhecimento e ratifica-se a necessidade do acompanhamento médico multidisciplinar, de modo a permitir diagnóstico e tratamento precoce das possíveis complicações.

Dyskeratosis Congenita (DC) is a rare hereditary syndrome that shows marked clinical and genetic heterogeneity, like mucocutaneous abnormalities, bone marrow failure and predisposition to cancer. Dyskeratosis congenita triad is: abnormal skin pigmentation, nail dystrophy and mucosal leukoplakia. Dental, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, neurological, ophthalmic, pulmonary and skeletal disorders have been reported. The leading cause of early death and an additional predisposition to malignancy is bone marrow failure. Dyskeratosis congenita mainly affects men and recessive X-linked, autosomal dominant and recessive forms are recognized. We report the case of a 40-year-old male, 7 years evolving symptoms of anemia and transfusion requirements. Unsuccessfully research by deficiency causes and hemophilia were done. Normal cellular lineages myelogram. Patient progresses under supervision of Hemocenter of Pará (HEMOPA). Depending on the rarity of the disease, little more than 500 cases reported worldwide, the difficulty of arriving at a diagnosis, and its severity, is crucial to spreading knowledge and it confirms the need for a multidisciplinary approach, the to enable early diagnosis and treatment of possible complications.

Marrow hypoplasia: a rare complication of untreated Grave’s disease / Hipoplasia de medula óssea: uma rara complicação da doença de Graves não tratada

Atypical presentation forms of hyperthyroidism are always a challenge to the clinician. We present a female patient with the typical symptoms of thyrotoxicosis, without any thionamides treatment before, associated with pancytopenia, which recovered after euthyroidism state was achieved. Although the major cases of pancytopenia in Grave’s disease are seen as a complication of antithyroid drugs (thioamides), in this case report the alteration in blood tests was associated with untreated hyperthyroidism. In the literature review, we found 19 case reports between 1981 to 2012, but it has been related to a hypercellular bone marrow with periferic destruction. Our case, however, is about a hypocellular bone marrow without fibrosis or fat tissue replacement, which proceeded with a periferic improvement following thyroid treatment. Although rare, pancytopenia, when present, may develop as an unusual and severe manifestation in untreated subjects.

Formas atípicas de apresentação do hipertireoidismo são sempre um desafio para o clínico. Apresentamos uma paciente do sexo feminino, com sintomas típicos de tireotoxicose associado a um quadro de pancitopenia sem nenhum tratamento prévio com tionamidas. A melhora da alteração hematológica ocorreu após recuperação do eutireoidismo. Embora a maioria dos casos de pancitopenia na doença de Graves seja uma complicação das drogas antitireoidianas (tionamidas), neste caso a alteração hematológica foi associada ao quadro de hipertireoidismo não tratado. Após uma revisão na literatura, encontramos 19 relatos de caso descritos no período de 1981 a 2012, nos quais o quadro de pancitopenia estava relacionado à hipercelularidade medular com destruição periférica das células sanguíneas. Nosso caso, entretanto, trata-se de uma pancitopenia com medula óssea hipocelular, sem infiltração por tecido adiposo ou fibrose, que evoluiu com melhora dos elementos do sangue periférico após tratamento do hipertireoidismo. Embora rara, a pancitopenia, quando presente, pode se manifestar como uma severa manifestação se não tratada a condição desencadeadora.

Mieloptisis. Viejos aspectos, nuevos conceptos / Myelophthisis. Old aspects, new concepts

Introducción: la mieloptisis es la infiltración de la médula ósea por células no hematopoyéticas.Objetivo: realizar un análisis detallado de 89 sujetos con mieloptisis tratados entre 1991 y 2006.Material y métodos: se revisaron las historias clínicas de 138 pacientes en quienes se encontró leucoeritroblastosis. De éstos, se seleccionaron 89 sujetos mayores de 16 años, con diagnóstico de alguna neoplasia sólida y mieloptisis.Resultados: la edad promedio fue 47,5 ± 17,2 años, la distribución por sexo fue homogénea y el 62 por ciento tuvo un IK ≥60 por ciento. Veintisiete pacientes (30 por ciento) tenían cáncer de mama, patología seguida por los tumores de primario desconocido (27 por ciento), el rabdomiosarcoma (10 por ciento), adenocarcinoma de próstata (10 por ciento), el carcinoma gástrico (7 por ciento) y otras neoplasias sólidas (22 por ciento). En el momento en que se documentó la mieloptisis, 72 por ciento y 50 por ciento tenían metástasis óseas y viscerales, respectivamente; 81 pacientes presentaron anemia (Hb 9,8 ± 1,2 gr/dl), la mediana del recuento plaquetario fue 174.000 y el promedio de leucocitos 24.283 ± 5.447. Cuarenta y tres pacientes recibieron quimioterapia después del diagnóstico de infiltración medular, tras lo que se evidenció normalidad en el recuento leucocitario en 40 por ciento de los casos. Se presentaron nueve episodios de neutropenia febril, la mediana de supervivencia global (SG) a partir del diagnóstico de la neoplasia fue 13,8 meses, y después de la mieloptisis, 2,2 meses. Los factores relacionados con una menor supervivencia fueron: la presencia de Hb ≤8,5 gr/dl (HR: 0,54, IC95 por ciento 0,32-0,95; p = 0.04), >3 sitios de metástasis (HR: 0,67, IC95 por ciento 0,45-0,92; p = 0.03), enfermedad visceral (HR: 0,72, IC95 por ciento 0,66-0,89; p = 0.04) y la neutropenia febril por quimioterapia (HR: 0,52, IC95 por ciento 0,37-0,60; p = 0.02).Conclusiones: la mieloptisis es una condición grave que modifica la SG de los pacientes con tumores sólidos. El tratamiento de este subgrupo debe seleccionarse teniendo en cuenta su toxicidad hematológica.

Aplasia medular após transplante hepático em pediatria / Aplastic anemia after pediatric liver transplantation

A aplasia de medula é uma das mais raras (<1 por cento) e sérias complicações após o transplante hepático por insuficiência hepática aguda grave viral não A, não B e não C. Esta condição clínica, que acomete simultaneamente o tecido hepático e o hematopoético, foi descrita pela primeira vez em 1987, por Stock, e a fisiopatologia relacionada é uma condição imunomediada, provavelmente secundária à infecção viral desconhecida, e associada a grave prognóstico. A recuperação espontânea da aplasia medular adquirida habitualmente é muito rara e 50 por cento-70 por cento dos pacientes respondem ao tratamento imunossupressor com ciclosporina A (CsA) e glubulina antitimocítica (ATG), mesmo após o transplante hepático. Além do tratamento imunossupressor, outra opção é o transplante de medula óssea (TMO). Apresentamos o caso de uma criança com aplasia medular grave após transplante hepático, por insuficiência hepática aguda grave, que recebeu tratamento imunossupressor com CsA e ATG e evoluiu com recuperação completa das três séries do hemograma.

Aplastic anemia (AA) is one of the rarest (<1 percent) and most serious complications of liver transplantation for fulminant non-A, non-B and non-C hepatitis. It was first described in 1987 by Stock; the mechanism involved is an immunologically mediated condition secondary to an unknown viral infection. The disease is associated with a dismal prognosis. Spontaneous recovery from acquired AA is very rare however some patients (50-70 percent) recover after immunosuppressive therapy, such as Cyclosporin A (CsA) and Antithymocyte globulin (ATG), even after liver transplantation. Another treatment option is bone marrow transplantation. We report on a child who developed AA following liver transplantation for fulminant viral hepatitis that was treated with intensive immunosuppression including CsA and ATG and achieved complete recovery.

Insuficiencia medular / Bone marrow insufficiency

La insuficiencia medular es un síndrome hematológico; de pronóstico siempre reservado; que reconoce dos mecanismos etiopatogénicos: la aplasia medular y la mieloptisis. La primera es de naturaleza benigna y recuperable (50 por ciento) y la segunda maligna. Ambas se manifiestan clínicamente por una pancitopenia de la sangre periférica, la que se traduce por la asociación de un síndrome anémico normocítico y normocrómico arregenerativo, uno infeccioso febril y uno purpúrico. El diagnóstico clínico de insuficiencia medular es fácil, no así su tratamiento, especialmente en las mieloptisis.

Síndrome de edema de la médula ósea de cadera / Bone marrow edema syndrome of the hip

Background: Bone marrow edema syndrome (BMES) is a rare clinical condition. Its etiology is unknown and it can be seen in different locations. In the case of the hip, avascular necrosis is the main differential diagnosis. Aim: To present our experience of BMES of the hip and a review of the literature. Patients and methods: Retrospective analysis of clinical records of patients with hip pain that met clinical, radiological, and magnetic resonance imaging criteria for BMES. Clinical outcome and clinical and radiological follow up are presented. Results: Two men and two women (one of them pregnant) aged 42, 48, 36 and 26 years old, fulfilled criteria. Treatment included limited weight bearing, non steroidal antiinflammatory drugs, intranasal calcitonin and physical therapy. Complete remission of symptoms was observed within five to seven months. At an average follow up of 36 months, all patients presented complete function of the hip, returning to their previous activity levels, with no new episodes of BMES. Conclusions: It is important to be aware of this condition as part of the differential diagnosis of hip pain to avoid aggressive and unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures (Rev Méd Chile 2004; 132: 947-54).

Karyotype of cryopreserved bone marrow cells

The analysis of chromosomal abnormalities is important for the study of hematological neoplastic disorders since it facilitates classification of the disease. The ability to perform chromosome analysis of cryopreserved malignant marrow or peripheral blast cells is important for retrospective studies. In the present study, we compared the karyotype of fresh bone marrow cells (20 metaphases) to that of cells stored with a simplified cryopreservation method, evaluated the effect of the use of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) as an in vitro mitotic index stimulator, and compared the cell viability and chromosome morphology of fresh and cryopreserved cells whenever possible (sufficient metaphases for analysis). Twenty-five bone marrow samples from 24 patients with hematological disorders such as acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, chronic myeloid leukemia, megaloblastic anemia and lymphoma (8, 3, 3, 8, 1, and 1 patients, respectively) were selected at diagnosis, at relapse or during routine follow-up and one sample was obtained from a bone marrow donor after informed consent. Average cell viability before and after freezing was 98.8 and 78.5 percent, respectively (P < 0.05). Cytogenetic analysis was successful in 76 percent of fresh cell cultures, as opposed to 52 percent of cryopreserved samples (P < 0.05). GM-CSF had no proliferative effect before or after freezing. The morphological aspects of the chromosomes in fresh and cryopreserved cells were subjectively the same. The present study shows that cytogenetic analysis of cryopreserved bone marrow cells can be a reliable alternative when fresh cell analysis cannot be done, notwithstanding the reduced viability and lower percent of successful analysis that are associated with freezing

Severe refractory sarcoidosis in a 64-year-old man with persistent leucopenia

We present a case of bone marrow granulomas in a 64-year-old West Indian man who presented with severe leucopenia, anaemia, thrombocytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly, hypercalcaemia, hypercalciuria, elevated angiotensin converting enzyme level and reticulo-nodular shadows on chest X-ray. Bone marrow biopsy revealed numerous non-caseating epithelioid granulomas. A diagnosis of sarcoidosis was made and he was treated with prednisolone 60 mg daily for four weeks and the dose was subsequently reduced to 30 mg daily. Eight months follow-up revealed persistent pancytopenia. Bone marrow granulomas are rare and, when they occur, sarcoidosis is an uncommon aetiology. This case illustrates that severe leucopenia may occur in sarcoidosis and may present therapeutic difficulties

The availability of full match sibling donors and feasibility of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in Brazil

The feasibility of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (alloBMT) in a developing country has not yet been demonstrated. Many adverse factors including social and economic limitations may reduce the overall results of this complex and expensive procedure. Our objective was to characterize the most important clinical, social and economic features of candidates for transplantation and their potential donors as well as the influence of these factors on overall survival in a retrospective and exploratory analysis at a university hospital. From July 1993 to July 2001, candidates for BMT were referred to the Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit by Hematology and Oncology Centers from several regions of Brazil. A total of 1138 patients were referred to us as candidates for alloBMT. Median age was 25 years (range: 2 months-60 years), 684 (60.1 percent) were males and 454 (39.9 percent) were females. The clinical indications were severe aplastic anemia and hematological malignancies. From the total of 1138 patients, 923 had HLA-typing; 497/923 (53.8 percent) candidates had full match donors; 352/1138 (30.8 percent) were eligible for alloBMT. Only 235 of 352 (66.7 percent) were transplanted. Schooling was 1st to 8th grade for 123/235 (52.3 percent); monthly family income ranged from US$60 (7 percent) to more than US$400 (36 percent). Overall survival for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia, severe aplastic anemia and acute myeloid leukemia was 58, 60 and 30 percent, respectively. Thus, overall survival rates for the most frequent hematological diseases were similar to those reported in the International Registry, except for acute myeloid leukemia. This descriptive and exploratory analysis suggests the feasibility of alloBMT in a developing country like Brazil