Usefulness of the lymphocyte positional parameters in the Sysmex XN haematology analyser in lymphoproliferative disorders and mononucleosis syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: The lymphocyte positional parameters included in Sysmex XN have been suggested as useful means to differentiate lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD), mononucleosis syndrome (MNS) and other lymphocytoses. METHODS: We evaluated Sysmex XN analysers, which supply 6 lymphocyte positional parameters that can be measured in the WDF scattergram: LY-X, LY-Y, LY-Z, LY-WX, LY-WY and LY-WZ. RESULTS: We collected 301 samples from normal controls, polyclonal lymphocytosis, MNS and LPD. MNS and monoclonal expansion of T granular lymphocyte (T-GL) diagnostic groups accumulated higher numbers of significant differences in the mean values in comparison with the other groups. We propose a new algorithm that can differentiate T-GL cases from other diagnostic groups with an SE of 67.5%, an SP of 98.2%, a PPV of 87.1% and an NPV of 94.3%. Another algorithm showed its efficiency to differentiate MNS cases from other diagnostic groups with an SE of 63.6%, an SP of 97.5%, a PPV of 70.0% and an NPV of 96.7%. In 38.5% of all cases, the analyser did not generate any morphologic flag. Abnormal results in lymphocyte positional parameters were useful to detect 72.5% of these samples. CONCLUSION: The lymphocyte positional parameters provided by Sysmex XN analysers are useful to differentiate expansions of T-GLs from other LPD and to differentiate MNS cases from other diagnostic groups. In addition, these parameters are very useful for detecting changes in the lymphocytes that make it necessary to review blood smears in samples without morphological flagging.

Comparison of abnormal cell flagging of the hematology analyzers Sysmex XN and Sysmex XE-5000 in oncohematologic patients.

INTRODUCTION: Hematology analyzers should optimize flagging while minimizing false-negative results and unnecessary microscopic reviews. METHODS: We compared flagging performance of Sysmex XE-5000 and XN analyzers in oncohematologic patients. Differential counts were performed by Cellavision digital system (100 cells) and a hematologist (another 100 cells). RESULTS: First, we included 292 samples (86 with blasts): 28 acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 88 acute myeloid leukemia, 91 myelodysplastic syndromes, 45 chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms, and 40 chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. Sensitivity, specificity and efficiency to detect blasts were 59.3%, 88.3%, and 79.8% for XE-5000 analyzer and 70.9%, 91.3%, and 85.2% for the XN analyzer. Then, we included 111 lymphoid malignancies. In 55 CLL XE-5000 flagged for Abn Lympho/L_Blasts?, XN flagged for Abn Lympho?. In one-third of 19 samples with splenic marginal lymphoma, none of the analyzers flagged. In 5 Sézary syndrome cases, XE-5000 triggered the Abn Lympho/L_Blasts? flag while the flagging in XN was less consistent: Abn Lympho? Blasts? and Atypical Lympho?. In 5 hairy cell leukemias, both analyzers only flagged one sample. In 13 myelomas, XE-5000 generated Atypical Lympho? flag; XN triggered more variable flags. In other lymphoid malignancies, flags were variable. XN analyzer generates less samples with false basophilia. CONCLUSION: XN analyzer has improved blast detection in oncohematologic patients. Operators cannot rely on the blast flag alone but have to consider other flags and hemogram data. In lymphoproliferative disorders, XN analyzer yields less samples with pseudobasophilia. Both analyzers must improve flagging for hairy cell leukemia.

Changes in spinal alignment. / Alteraciones de la alineación vertebral.

Spinal misalignments are a common reason for consultation at primary care centers and specialized departments. Misalignment has diverse causes and is influenced by multiple factors: in adolescence, the most frequent misalignment is scoliosis, which is idiopathic in 80% of cases and normally asymptomatic. In adults, the most common cause is degenerative. It is important to know the natural history and to detect factors that might predict progression. The correct diagnosis of spinal deformities requires specific imaging studies. The degree of deformity determines the type of treatment. The aim is to prevent progression of the deformity and to recover the flexibility and balance of the body.

The utility of the Sysmex XE-2100 analyzer's NEUT-X and NEUT-Y parameters for detecting neutrophil dysplasia in myelodysplastic syndromes.

The diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is based on morphological changes in the blood and bone marrow. The parameters NEUT-X and NEUT-Y of the Sysmex XE-2100 analyzer could help detect neutrophil dysplasia. A control group of 50 patients, along with 50 postpartum patients, 50 anemias, 50 leukopenias, 50 patients with microscopically visible hypergranulated neutrophils and 50 MDS patients were assessed. The NEUT-X and NEUT-Y values (mean +/- SD) for the control group were 1346 +/- 28.2 and 420 +/- 19.3, respectively, with the anemia and leukopenia groups giving similar values. The postpartum and hypergranulated neutrophils groups presented higher values (P < 0.05), whereas the values in the MDS group were 1286 +/- 72.8 and 385 +/- 50.9 (P < 0.05), respectively. There were no differences between the morphological MDS types. The NEUT-X and NEUT-Y values in MDS patients with optical hypogranulation were significantly lower than for MDS patients without optical hypogranulation. NEUT-X and NEUT-Y values lower than 1298 and 398, respectively, would have a specificity for detecting MDS of 94% and 91% and would detect 60% and 56% of cases, respectively, whereas they would detect 75% and 74%, respectively, of MDS cases with optical hypogranulation. NEUT-X and NEUT-Y parameters can be used to detect neutrophil dysplasia arising from MDS and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia.