Ching-Fen Yang

Publications of Ching-Fen Yang

• Chronic kidney disease stage 5 as the prognostic complement of International Staging System for multiple myeloma.

  Authors: Liang-Tsai Hsiao, Ching-Fen Yang, Sheng-Hsiang Yang, Jyh-Pyng Gau, Yuan-Bin Yu, Ying-Chung Hong, Chun-Yu Liu, Jin-Hwang Liu, Po-Min Chen, Tzeon-Jye Chiou, Cheng-Hwai Tzeng

  European journal of haematology. 02/2012; 88(2):159-66.

  Reversal of renal impairment (RI) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) has been evaluated using the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR(MDRD) ) formula developed by the Modification of DietReversal of renal impairment (RI) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) has been evaluated using the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR(MDRD) ) formula developed by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease study group. However, the prognostic impact of eGFR(MDRD) at diagnosis of MM is not well studied, particularly its use in conjunction with the International Staging System (ISS). Newly diagnosed patients with MM were enrolled between 1996 and 2007. Data on clinical features, laboratory tests, and overall survival were compared in terms of corresponding eGFR(MDRD). A total of 387 patients with MM (median age, 71 yr) were enrolled. At diagnosis, 56% had ISS stage III disease; the median values of serum creatinine (SCr) and eGFR(MDRD) were 1.4 mg/dL and 38.2 mL/min/1.73 m(2) , respectively. Thirty-four percent of patients had SCr of ≥ 2.0 mg/dL, and 81.2% had chronic kidney disease stages 3-5 (CKD 3-5). Higher CKD stages were significantly more common in men, older patients (≥ 65 yr), and those with Durie-Salmon and ISS stage III, light-chain diseases, anemia, thrombocytopenia, hypercalcemia, elevated serum β(2) microglobulin, or lactate dehydrogenase. In the Cox regression model, CKD 4-5 or CKD 5 alone was independently associated with poor survival. A diagnosis of CKD 5 was shown to be useful in identifying the subgroup of ISS-III patients at high risk - those with a median overall survival of 7.2 months. Our study demonstrates the prognostic impact of eGFR(MDRD) in patients with MM and CKD 5 as the ISS-independent surrogate predictor of poorest prognosis.

• Clinicopathologic features and outcome of acute erythroid leukemia based on 2008 revised World Health Organization classification.

  Authors: Chia-Jen Liu, Ying-Chung Hong, Ching-Fen Yang, Shih-Hao Liu, Jyh-Pyng Gau, Jin-Hwang Liu, Liang-Tsai Hsiao, Chun-Yu Liu, Yuan-Bin Yu, Cheng-Hwai Tzeng

  Leukemia & lymphoma. 07/2011; 53(2):289-94.

  We report 67 patients with acute erythroid leukemia (erythroleukemia) based on the World Health Organization (WHO) 2008 classification. Reviewing the clinicopathologic features, cytogenetics andWe report 67 patients with acute erythroid leukemia (erythroleukemia) based on the World Health Organization (WHO) 2008 classification. Reviewing the clinicopathologic features, cytogenetics and outcomes, the characteristics of erythroleukemia resembled myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Patients with poor performance status, advanced anemia and poor-risk cytogenetics had significantly inferior outcomes. The International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) for MDS is useful to differentiate the prognosis of erythroleukemia.

• Molluscum contagiosum in a patient with adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma.

  Authors: Kuo-Wei Chen, Ching-Fen Yang, Chun-Teng Huang, Tzeon-Jye Chiou, Chun-Yu Liu

  British journal of haematology. 06/2011; 155(3):286.

• International Staging System predicts prognosis of Chinese patients with multiple myeloma across different calendar periods with application of novel agents.

  Authors: Sheng-Hsiang Yang, Hao-Wei Teng, Ying-Chung Hong, Chun-Yu Liu, Yuan-Bin Yu, Ching-Fen Yang, Jyh-Pyng Gau, Jin-Hwang Liu, Tai-Jay Chang, Jeffrey J Y Yen, Po-Min Chen, Tzeon-Jye Chiou, Cheng-Hwai Tzeng, Liang-Tsai Hsiao

  Annals of hematology. 05/2011; 91(1):93-102.

  The applicability of the International Staging System (ISS) for Chinese patients with multiple myeloma (MM) has not been demonstrated, especially with respect to treatments with novel agents. NewlyThe applicability of the International Staging System (ISS) for Chinese patients with multiple myeloma (MM) has not been demonstrated, especially with respect to treatments with novel agents. Newly diagnosed MM patients at Taipei Veterans General Hospital were enrolled between 1996 and 2007. Data regarding clinical features, laboratory tests, and outcome at last follow-up were collected. A total of 389 MM patients (71% male) were enrolled, with median age of 71 years. At diagnosis, 72.7% had Durie-Salmon (DS) stage III disease, 56.2% had ISS stage III disease, and 34% had serum creatinine ≧2.0 mg/dL. Compared with patients diagnosed in the first calendar period 1996-2001, the patients of the second calendar period 2002-2007 were older and more of these patients had received novel agents, especially thalidomide. The median overall survival period was 20.5 months, with a significant increase of patients in the second calendar period (15.3 and 28.2 months, respectively; P = 0.002), especially for those with ISS stages I and II. In the Cox proportion model, elevated serum β(2) microglobulin at diagnosis (≧3.5 mg/L), old age (≧65 years), and impaired renal function were found to be independently associated with poor survival. Over the entire period, the ISS was found to be effective in providing an accurate prognosis with respect to different ages and calendar periods. This is the first study to show the applicability of ISS for Chinese patients with MM, especially for those who had received thalidomide.

• Spontaneous remission in acute myelogenous leukemia evidenced by cytogenetic changes.

  Authors: Chung-Jen Teng, Ching-Fen Yang, Jyh-Pyng Gau, Jin-Hwang Liu, Ying-Chung Hong, Chun-Yu Liu, Yuan-Bin Yu, Liang-Tsai Hsiao, Wei-Shu Wang, Cheng-Hwai Tzeng

  Annals of hematology. 11/2010; 90(8):981-3.

• Clinical features and prognostic factors of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma in Taiwan: a single-institution experience.

  Authors: Han-Nan Lin, Chun-Yu Liu, Ying-Chung Hong, Jih-Tung Pai, Ching-Fen Yang, Yuan-Bin Yu, Liang-Tsai Hsiao, Tzeon-Jye Chiou, Jin-Hwang Liu, Jyh-Pyng Gau, Cheng-Hwai Tzeng, Po-Min Chen

  Leukemia & lymphoma. 11/2010; 51(12):2208-14.

  Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) is a rare subtype of peripheral T-cell lymphoma that carries a poor prognosis. This study retrospectively analyzed patients with AITL from a singleAngioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) is a rare subtype of peripheral T-cell lymphoma that carries a poor prognosis. This study retrospectively analyzed patients with AITL from a single institution in Taiwan, aiming to define the clinical features and prognostic factors. Patients with AITL treated at our institution from February 1988 through January 2010 were enrolled. Factors associated with overall survival (OS) were determined by statistical methods. A total of 31 Taiwanese patients (21 males) were identified. The median age was 74 years (range, 27-90). Among all patients, 67.7% were Ann Arbor stage III or IV, 58.1% presented with B symptoms, 48.4% had hypoalbuminenia (<35 g/L), and 63.3% had elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) at diagnosis. First-line chemotherapy was mostly CHOP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and prednisolone)-based and complete response (CR) was achieved in 25% of patients. The actuarial 2-year survival rate was 38.7%, and the median OS was 14.9 months. In multivariate analysis, initial presentation with fever (p = 0.035), advanced stage (p = 0.024), and failure to achieve CR (p = 0.029) were independent adverse factors associated with poorer OS. Interestingly, OS did not differ whether chemotherapy regimens contained anthracycline or not. Taiwanese patients with AITL were usually elderly. Despite the prognosis being generally poor, patients with AITL should be treated with the goal of achieving CR, regardless of anthracycline- or non-anthracycline-based chemotherapy.

• Severe extensive bone marrow necrosis from miliary tuberculosis without granulomas and pulmonary presentations.

  Authors: Yun-Hsuan Lee, Ying-Chung Hong, Ching-Fen Yang, Hung-Ta Wu, Ling-Ju Huang, Cheng-Hwai Tzeng, Chun-Yu Liu

  Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA. 04/2010; 73(4):208-11.

  Bone marrow necrosis (BMN) is a rare clinicopathologic entity caused by hypoxemia after failure of the microcirculation, which frequently manifests with bone pain, fever, and peripheral cytopenia. InBone marrow necrosis (BMN) is a rare clinicopathologic entity caused by hypoxemia after failure of the microcirculation, which frequently manifests with bone pain, fever, and peripheral cytopenia. In most reported cases of BMN resulting from miliary tuberculosis (TB), the presence of marrow granulomas, pulmonary infiltrates and/or extrapulmonary involvement is common. We report a female patient with extensive BMN from miliary TB, whose initial presentation was only severe peripheral cytopenia with extensive marrow necrosis, with neither evident pulmonary manifestations nor granulomas in the marrow biopsy. Serial Ziehl-Neelsen stains and Mycobacterium tuberculosis cultures were negative. The diagnosis of suspected miliary TB was made by consecutive positive results from polymerase chain reaction analysis for TB of marrow samples at 2 separate examination time points and a good treatment response to anti-TB therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a geographic pattern of multiple signal abnormalities, indicating bone infarcts over the bilateral iliac bones and T-L-spine vertebral bodies, compatible with extensive BMN. The unusual presentation of extensive BMN with severe peripheral cytopenia in the absence of granulomas or pulmonary presentations should alert clinical physicians in epidemic areas. We discuss the use of polymerase chain reaction analysis for TB and magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis of these patients.

• Duodenal squamous cell carcinoma derived from the hypopharynx: immunohistochemical assessment of metastatic mechanisms.

  Authors: Yu-Chung Huang, Peter Mu-Hsin Chang, I-Cheng Lee, Ching-Fen Yang, Cheng-Hwai Tzeng, Muh-Hwa Yang

  Gastrointestinal endoscopy. 03/2010; 72(2):460-3.

• Penis: a 'sanctuary' site of extramedullary leukemia relapse.

  Authors: Liang-Tsai Hsiao, Ching-Fen Yang, Cheng-Hwai Tzeng

  International journal of hematology. 07/2009;

• Prognostic factors of Chinese patients with primary pulmonary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: the single-institute experience in Taiwan.

  Authors: Yu-Hui Hu, Liang-Tsai Hsiao, Ching-Fen Yang, Tzeon-Jye Chiou, Jin-Hwang Liu, Jyh-Pyng Gau, Chueh-Chuan Yen, Teh-Ying Chou, Wen-Hu Hsu, Po-Min Chen, Cheng-Hwai Tzeng

  Annals of hematology. 02/2009;

  Primary pulmonary lymphoma (PPL) accounts for less than 1% of patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, with no report in Chinese patients. This study aims to analyze the clinical features and prognosisPrimary pulmonary lymphoma (PPL) accounts for less than 1% of patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, with no report in Chinese patients. This study aims to analyze the clinical features and prognosis of this population. Patients with biopsy-proven pulmonary lymphoma were reviewed and re-classified by a hema-pathologist. Between 1992 and 2005, a total of 22 patients were identified (16 men and six women), with a mean age of 70 years. The histological subtypes included marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues (MALT) in 12 patients (54%), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in nine (41%), and one case of lymphomatoid granulomatosis. Diseases mainly manifested as pulmonary nodules or masses in 73% of patients, with a higher rate of hilar/mediastinal lymphadenopathy in non-MALT patients (8% vs. 80%, P = 0.002). In eight patients (36% of 22), diagnoses were only conclusive until the biopsy via thoracotomy. Eighteen patients (82%) received chemotherapy. The 5-year rates of overall survival (OS) were 91% and 21% for MALT and non-MALT types of PPL, respectively. Patients who had received surgical resection tended to have a better 5-year OS rate (P = 0.077). The Cox-regression analysis showed that two factors-elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase level and hilar/mediastinal lymphadenopathy at diagnosis-were independently associated with a poor OS, with a hazard ratio of 10.370 and 5.171 (P = 0.01 and 0.033), respectively. In conclusion, the histological subtypes of Chinese PPL patients were similar to those in previous reports, with no increasing incidence of T-cell immunophenotype. The two prognostic factors provided additional information in managing these patients.

• Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T cell lymphoma: familial aggregation while different response to chemotherapy.

  Authors: Jyh-Pyng Gau, Ching-Fen Yang, Jin-Hwang Liu, Yuan-Bin Yu, Cheng-Hwai Tzeng, Po-Min Chen

  International journal of hematology. 12/2008;

  Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T cell lymphoma is a rare disease, characterized by a typical clinical presentation mimicking panniculitis, and is often associated with systemic symptoms includingSubcutaneous panniculitis-like T cell lymphoma is a rare disease, characterized by a typical clinical presentation mimicking panniculitis, and is often associated with systemic symptoms including hemophagocytic syndrome. The pathogenesis and etiology of this disease is not fully understood. Here we report two patients coming from the same family. They lived together. The disease afflicted a boy and his elder sister at different time with an interval period of 11 years. Both of them had hemophagocytic syndrome preceding the full-blown manifestations of the lymphoma. However, severity of the disease and the response to chemotherapy is quite different between the two siblings.

• Prognostic significance of beta-catenin and topoisomerase IIalpha in de novo acute myeloid leukemia.

  Authors: Chih-Cheng Chen, Jyh-Pyng Gau, Jie-Yu You, Kuan-Der Lee, Yuan-Bin Yu, Chang-Hsien Lu, Jen-Tsun Lin, Chieh Lan, Wan-Hsia Lo, Jacqueline Ming Liu, Ching-Fen Yang

  American journal of hematology. 12/2008;

  The Wnt/beta-catenin signaling is important for controlling self-renewal of hematopoietic stem cells and its constitutive activation has recently been documented in a significant proportion of acuteThe Wnt/beta-catenin signaling is important for controlling self-renewal of hematopoietic stem cells and its constitutive activation has recently been documented in a significant proportion of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases. Topoisomerase IIalpha (Topo IIalpha) is a marker of cell proliferation and a crucial target for anthracycline cytotoxicity, the mainstay of management employed in AML. We retrospectively investigated the prognostic roles of beta-catenin and topo IIalpha in a cohort of 59 patients with newly diagnosed AML by immunohistochemistry. Aberrant beta-catenin expression was demonstrated in 13 patients (22%), and it was more likely to occur in those with unfavorable karyotypes. Advanced age and poor performance status adversely influenced the achievement of complete remission, while neither aberrant beta-catenin expression nor enhanced topo IIalpha activity did. On multivariate survival analysis, four factors independently predicted a shortened overall survival: aberrant beta-catenin expression, high topo IIalpha activity, poor-risk cytogenetics, and presence of at least one comorbidity factor. Our results suggest that both beta-catenin and topo IIalpha independently predicted an adverse prognosis and might serve as new markers for risk stratification in AML patients. Am. J. Hematol., 2009. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

• Dramatic remission of anemia after thymectomy in a patient of idiopathic myelofibrosis with thymoma.

  Authors: Ying-Yih Shih, Liang-Tsai Hsiao, Ching-Fen Yang, Yu-Chung Wu, Tzeon-Jye Chiou

  International journal of hematology. 02/2008; 87(1):56-9.

  Anemia is one of the characteristics of idiopathic myelofibrosis (IMF), and malignant thymoma is usually associated with various hematologic disorders, including anemia, pancytopenia, andAnemia is one of the characteristics of idiopathic myelofibrosis (IMF), and malignant thymoma is usually associated with various hematologic disorders, including anemia, pancytopenia, and hypogammaglobulinemia. However, the relationship between IMF and malignant thymoma has not been published before. Here, we report a 48-year-old woman who was initially diagnosed of IMF with severe anemia and transfusion dependent. Five years later, malignant thymoma was found when she was examined for chronic cough. After performing extended thymectomy, her anemia dramatically recovered to normal and sustained for 2 years till last follow-up. Her splenomegaly and myelofibrosis were also improved. We hypothesized that her malignant thymoma induced the progression of IMF, especially in anemia.

• Complex karyotypes confer a poor survival in adult acute myeloid leukemia with unfavorable cytogenetic abnormalities.

  Authors: Chih-Cheng Chen, Ching-Fen Yang, Kuan-Der Lee, Jie-Yu You, Yuan-Bin Yu, Chao-Hung Ho, Cheng-Hwai Tzeng, Wing-Keung Chau, Hui-Chi Hsu, Jyh-Pyng Gau

  Cancer genetics and cytogenetics. 05/2007; 174(2):138-46.

  Cytogenetics represents the most valuable predictor for a poor outcome in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but it encompasses a heterogeneous patient population who might have diverseCytogenetics represents the most valuable predictor for a poor outcome in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but it encompasses a heterogeneous patient population who might have diverse pathogenesis and clinical courses. In particular, the significance of complex chromosome aberrations within this cohort has seldom been addressed before. We analyzed 48 AML patients with adverse-risk cytogenetics in this study. The complex karyotype (three or more numerical/structural cytogenetic changes; 29 patients) was found to occur more frequently among the elderly than a noncomplex adverse karyotype (19 patients; median age, 71 vs. 48; P = 0.005). The patients' performance status was the sole independent factor determining the complete remission rate among patients receiving standard induction chemotherapy. On survival analysis, two factors independently predicted a longer overall survival: noncomplex karyotypes [vs. complex karyotypes, hazard ratio (HR) 0.434, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.189-0.994, P = 0.048] and achievement of complete remission [(CR) vs. CR not reached, HR 0.170, 95% CI 0.051-0.572, P = 0.004)]. In conclusion, among AML patients with adverse cytogenetics, complex chromosomal aberrations occurred more frequently among the elderly and predicted a poor outcome. These patients should be considered as a unique entity and be separated from those with a noncomplex adverse cytogenetic change. Exploring the underlying mechanisms of leukemogenesis could improve the therapeutic outcome for this group of patients.

• Lacrimal gland extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of MALT-type.

  Authors: Shu-Ching Kao, Hui-Chuan Kau, Chieh-Chih Tsai, Shyh-Haw Tsay, Ching-Fen Yang, Juin-Sen Wu, Wen-Ming Hsu

  American journal of ophthalmology. 03/2007; 143(2):311-316.

  PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical features and outcome of extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type (MALT lymphoma) in the lacrimal gland. DESIGN:PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical features and outcome of extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type (MALT lymphoma) in the lacrimal gland. DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative, observational case series in an academic referral setting. METHODS: A consecutive series of 13 histologically verified MALT lymphoma in the lacrimal gland at presentation was studied. Clinical characteristics, treatment, and prognosis were analyzed. RESULTS: Eight males and five females with a median age of 64 years and a median follow-up time of 48 months were included. All patients had no prior lymphoma and initially presented as MALT lymphoma in the lacrimal gland. Extraorbital involvement at diagnosis was noted in six patients (46.2%). Two patients had autoimmune disease, and both had Stage IV disease at presentation. Treatment consisted of surgical resection in one patient, radiotherapy in four, chemotherapy in four, and combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy in four. Complete remissions were obtained in eight patients (61.5%). Patients with bilateral disease (61.5%) had a higher rate of advanced-stage disease and a poor outcome. Recurrence was noted in two patients. At the last follow-up, eight patients were free of disease, three were alive with disease, one died of sepsis as a complication of chemotherapy, and one died of lymphoma. CONCLUSIONS: MALT lymphoma in the lacrimal gland has a high rate of extraorbital involvement and synchronous bilateral lacrimal gland involvement at presentation. The prognosis is relatively poor, especially in patients with advanced disease and bilateral involvement. Extensive staging and long-term follow-up are warranted for these patients.

• A novel chromosomal abnormality involving 2q37 in myeloid malignancies.

  Authors: Chih-Cheng Chen, Kuan-Der Lee, Ching-Fen Yang, Jyh-Pyng Gau

  Annals of hematology. 06/2006; 85(5):333-4.

• Fatal early-onset epstein-barr virus-associated posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disease after successful adult dual-unit umbilical cord blood transplantation.

  Authors: Say-Bee Poh, Liang-Tsai Hsiao, Ching-Fen Yang, Tzeon-Jye Chiou, Po-Min Chen

  Biology of blood and marrow transplantation : journal of the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. 10/2005; 11(9):732-3.

• Severe bone marrow depression induced by an anticancer herb Cantharanthus roseus.

  Authors: Ming-Ling Wu, Jou-Fang Deng, Jaw-Ching Wu, Frank S Fan, Ching-Fen Yang

  Journal of toxicology. Clinical toxicology. 02/2004; 42(5):667-71.

  We report a 67-yr-old woman with hepatitis C-related liver cirrhosis and hepatoma who had developed severe bone marrow suppression after taking Cantharanthus roseus as an alternative anticancerWe report a 67-yr-old woman with hepatitis C-related liver cirrhosis and hepatoma who had developed severe bone marrow suppression after taking Cantharanthus roseus as an alternative anticancer treatment. The patient developed severe pancytopenia with initial presentations of vomiting, diarrhea, oral ulcer, and fever about 1 week after taking 5-days' course of Cantharanthus roseus. Bone marrow biopsy showed autolysis, which indicated massive necrosis of the hematopoietic cells. There was no malignant cell infiltration. The patient also had severe gastrointestinal disturbances, bacteremia, urinary tract infection, and impaired renal and liver function. Supportive care with broad-spectrum antibiotics, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, repeated blood transfusions, and albumin supplement was given. She recovered and was discharged after 48 days hospitalization. Coadministration of Cantharanthus roseus and cisapride was noted, and these two drugs are both substrates of cytochrome P450 3A4 enzymes (CYP 3A4). Because the vinca alkaloids are extensively metabolized by the liver cytochrome P450 enzymes, poor hepatic function and drug-herb interaction might predispose the patient to develop the bone marrow toxicity. This case report demonstrated possible effect of oral dose of vinca alkaloids and also hinted that all the substrates and inhibitors of CYP 3A4 have propensity to interfere with metabolism of vinca alkaloids.

• Aggressive undifferentiated carcinoma of unknown primary site complicated by lactic acidosis after bleeding: a case report.

  Authors: Wing-Keung Chau, Ching-Fen Yang, Yi Hong Chou, Chao-Hung Ho

  Japanese journal of clinical oncology. 07/2002; 32(6):210-4.

  Undifferentiated carcinoma of unknown primary site complicated by lactic acidosis has not been documented. We describe a young female with undifferentiated carcinoma of unknown primary siteUndifferentiated carcinoma of unknown primary site complicated by lactic acidosis has not been documented. We describe a young female with undifferentiated carcinoma of unknown primary site manifested by widespread lymph node and hepatic infiltration, hyperuricemia and very high levels of lactate dehydrogenase. She developed lactic acidosis suddenly after an episode of bleeding following nasal biopsy. The bleeding episode is likely to have caused subclinical hepatic hypoperfusion and hypoxemia, thereby aggravating lactate overproduction by tumor cells and clearance impairment due to diffuse hepatic infiltration to result in rapidly fatal acidosis before cytotoxic agents could be instituted. Although uncommon, when a critical event occurs in aggressive malignancies with massive hepatic involvement, the clinician should be alert for the development of lactic acidosis because the life-threatening metabolic complication is best avoided by prompt and effective cytoreduction therapy.

• Bone marrow samples from patients with aplastic anemia are not infected with parvovirus B19 and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

  Authors: Hui-Chi Hsu, Yuan-Ming Lee, Wei-Juin Su, Chang-Yi Huang, Ching-Fen Yang, Chi-Kuan Ho, Chau-Hung Ho, Sheng-Yuan Wang, Wu-Tse Liu

  American journal of clinical pathology. 02/2002; 117(1):36-40.

  The majority of patients with aplastic anemia (AA) have an idiopathic form of the disease. The aim of this study was to detect the presence of parvovirus B19 DNA and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB)The majority of patients with aplastic anemia (AA) have an idiopathic form of the disease. The aim of this study was to detect the presence of parvovirus B19 DNA and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) DNA by nested polymerase chain reaction (N-PCR) assays in the bone marrow biopsy samples from 30 patients with idiopathic AA. Serologic assays for parvovirus B19 were based on indirect antibody capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our results indicate that neither parvovirus B19 DNA nor MTB DNA could be demonstrated in any of the bone marrow samples by N-PCR. Moreover, IgM antibody against parvovirus B19 also was undetectable in the serum samples of 17 patients. Thus, our results suggest that parvovirus B19 and MTB are not associated with AA and, consequently, do not have a role in the pathogenesis of this disease.