CHARACTERIZATION OF SERUM SERINE PROTEASE BIOCHEMICAL PROFILE IN PATIENTS WITH RENAL FAILURE.

The present study meticulously delineates the biochemical alterations in serine protease activity and various life variables in patients with kidney failure compared to a control group. By evaluating 160 samples, comprising 80 from individuals with renal failure and 80 from healthy controls, the researchers observed a significant elevation in serine protease activity among kidney failure patients (274.38 ± 1.55 U/L) relative to the control group (173.78 ±1.49 U/L). Beyond serine protease, other enzymes such as lactate dehydrogenase, basal phosphatase, myeloperoxidase, peroxidase, and aspartate aminotransferase also showed heightened activities in renal failure patients; alanine aminotransferase similarly exhibited a notable increase. Conversely, catalase and arylesterase activities were markedly reduced in these patients compared to controls. The mineral profile revealed substantial decrements in calcium, iron, copper concentrations alongside potassium levels in kidney failure sufferers while showing pronounced increments in phosphate, zinc, and sodium concentrations. Furthermore, protein profiles indicated a stark decrease in total protein, albumin levels along with triglycerides and various cholesterol forms except for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol which increased significantly alongside urea, creatinine and glucose levels; globulin and uric acid also saw considerable elevations when contrasted with the control group's data. These comprehensive findings underscore the profound metabolic disruptions inherent to kidney failure while providing pivotal insights into enzyme activities and mineral imbalances associated with this condition.

Pelvic cellulitis caused by Raoultella planticola in a neutropenic patient.

Raoultella planticola is a gram-negative, encapsulated, aerobic bacterium within the Enterobacteriaceae family. It has been primarily described as pathogen in cases with pneumonia and gastrointestinal infections. Here we describe a case of severe pelvic cellulitis in a patient with neutropenia following induction therapy for myeloid sarcoma. The patient experienced a septic shock and was treated successfully with antibiotic therapy. A literature review is provided to put this case in context with previous reports on R. planticola. This report highlights that awareness for uncommon pathogens is crucial in the clinical management of infections in neutropenic patients.

Richter transformation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)-a pooled analysis of German CLL Study Group (GCLLSG) front line treatment trials.

Richter transformation (RT) is defined as development of aggressive lymphoma in patients (pts) with CLL. The incidence rates of RT among pts with CLL range from 2 to 10%. The aim of this analysis is to report the frequency, characteristics and outcomes of pts with RT enrolled in trials of the GCLLSG. A total of 2975 pts with advanced CLL were reviewed for incidence of RT. Clinical, laboratory, and genetic data were pooled. Time-to-event data, starting from time of CLL diagnosis, of first-line therapy or of RT diagnosis, were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier methodology. One hundred and three pts developed RT (3%): 95 pts diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (92%) and eight pts Hodgkin lymphoma (8%). Median observation time was 53 months (interquartile range 38.1-69.5). Median OS from initial CLL diagnosis for pts without RT was 167 months vs 71 months for pts with RT (HR 2.64, CI 2.09-3.33). Median OS after diagnosis of RT was 9 months. Forty-seven pts (46%) received CHOP-like regimens for RT treatment. Three pts subsequently underwent allogeneic and two pts autologous stem cell transplantation. Our findings show that within a large cohort of GCLLSG trial participants, 3% of the pts developed RT after receiving first-line chemo- or chemoimmunotherapy. This dataset confirms the ongoing poor prognosis and high mortality associated with RT.