Protein expression of KIT, BRAF, GNA11, GNAQ and RASSF1 in feline diffuse iris melanomas.

Feline iris melanoma, the most common feline intraocular tumour, has a reported metastatic rate of 19-63%. However, there is a lack of knowledge about its molecular biology. Previous studies have reported that feline iris melanomas do not harbour mutations comparable to common mutations found in their human counterpart. Nevertheless, there are differences in the gene expression patterns. The aim of this study was to investigate the protein expression of B-RAF oncogene serine/threonine kinase (BRAF), G protein subunit alpha q (GNAQ) and 11 (GNA11), KIT proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase (KIT), and Ras association family member 1 (RASSF1) in feline iris melanomas. Fifty-seven formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) iris melanomas and 25 FFPE eyes without ocular abnormalities were stained with antibodies against the respective proteins using immunofluorescence. Averaged pixel intensities/µm2 and percentage of stained area from total tissue area were measured and the results were compared. Compared to the control group, iris melanomas showed overexpression of BRAF, GNAQ, GNA11 and KIT. The higher expression of BRAF, GNAQ, GNA11 and KIT in feline iris melanomas suggest that these proteins may play a key role in the development of feline iris melanomas and KIT may present a possible target for future therapies in cats with feline iris melanomas.

Sedation of children during measurement of CSF opening pressure: lack of standardisation in German children with pseudotumor cerebri.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) requires proper documentation of raised CSF opening-pressure. In childhood results may not be reliable due to insufficient sedation/analgesia or drug effects. We aimed to evaluate the current practice regarding pain and stress management in children undergoing lumbar puncture (LP) for pressure measurement. METHODS: A one-year survey was conducted involving 368 German paediatric departments. All children with newly diagnosed PTC should be reported. Details analyzed here included: age, sex, CSF opening pressure and type of procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA) during LP. RESULTS: 61 patients were analyzed, aged 6 months to 17 years. 29 patients (47%) did not receive any kind of PSA. In children receiving PSA the following regimens were used: Ketamine; Midazolam; Ketamine + Midazolam; Midazolam + Piritramide; Propofol; Profofol + Midazolam; general anaesthesia. CONCLUSION: Pain and stress management in children undergoing LP for CSF opening pressure measurement is often insufficient. Pain, stress and the variability of PSA regimen may be confounders of pressure measurement. In order to prevent false diagnoses of PTC and to obtain comparable results at different centers, a general consensus on PSA in children undergoing LP for CSF opening pressure measurements is required.