The content of unbound polyamines in blood plasma and leukocytes of patients with polycythemia vera.

In the blood plasma and isolated leukocytes of 11 patients with polycythemia vera and 3 healthy subjects, the polyamines putrescine, spermidine and spermine were determined. The average values in the leukocytes of the healthy volunteers were found to be 1.8 +/- 1.4 nmol putrescine/10(8) cells, 3.0 +/- 0.9 nmol spermidine/10(8) cells and 12.9 +/- 3.8 nmol spermine/10(8) cells. In the plasma of healthy persons the amounts of the polyamines were below the sensitivity level of the method employed. In 4 patients with polycythemia vera no polyamines were detected. In contrast, in 7 cases 0.1 to 3 nmol polyamines/ml were found. The level of polyamines in the leukocytes of 6 of these patients was decreased and in one patient corresponded to the values found in the normal range (17.7 +/- 6.0 nmol polyamines/10(8) cells). Continued blood-letting therapy on 3 patients led to values approaching the concentrations found in normal subjects in both blood plasma and leukocytes. A decreased amount of these diamines in the leukocytes of the patients was seen to correlate with an elevated concentration in the plasma.

[Clinical relevance of the Kiel classification of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (author's transl)]. / Zur klinischen Relevanz der Kieler Klassifikation von Non-Hodgkin-Lymphomen.

The Kiel classification of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, based on morphological, cytochemical and functional criteria, differentiates between lymphomas of low-grade malignancy and high-grade malignancy, which are themselves subdivided into several distinct entities. The probability of survival, the symptomatology and some important laboratory parameters are described in 138 cases of malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, classified according to the Kiel classification. The results show that this classification has not only prognostic and clinical relevance, but also explains some uncommon clinical courses of malignant lymphomas. It is to be hoped that this classification will also promote further progress in therapy.

[Clinical effects of high-dose immunoglobulin therapy in adults with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura]. / Klinische Effekte hochdosierter Immunglobulintherapie bei Erwachsenen mit idiopathischer thrombozytopenischer Purpura (ITP).

15 patients suffering from idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura were treated in our department with high-dosage immunoglobulins. The daily dosage amounted to between 0.13 and 0.4 g/kg body weight, administered for 4 to 15 days consecutively. The platelet count in 10 patients increased within the first week of treatment, but this increase was maintained for more than 4 weeks in only 3 patients. The average age of these 10 patients amounted to 41.2 years and was significantly lower than that of the remaining 5 patients (66.6 years), who failed to respond. Only one of 4 splenectomized patients responded with an increase in platelet count. Two different immunoglobulin preparations were used. No difference in efficacy was found and both preparations were well tolerated.

[Effect of Prednimustine (Leo 1031) in chronic lymphatic leukemia]. / Die Wirkung von Prednimustine ("LEO 1031") bei chronischen lymphatischen Leukämien

46 ambulatory patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia were treated with Prednimustine either continuously (daily or each other day 20 mg) or intermittently (daily 20 mg for 14 days, followed by a pause of 4 weeks). A good response was seen in 28 patients lasting up to 17 + months (mean 4,5 + months) after terminating therapy. Patients without prior chemotherapy have improved earlier and to a smaller amount of the total dose applicated. Signes of bone marrow toxicity (anaemia, thrombocytopenia) were observed in 8 cases, gastrointestinal side effects in 7 cases, cutaneous exanthema in 3 cases, and one patient exhibited a severe stomatitis after treatment. Prednimustine constitutes an effective drug for chronic lymphatic leukemia.