This report describes a simple direct method to obtain chromosomes from hydatidiform moles. Of 24 moles, 20 have been successfully karyotyped by this method. Of the 20 cases, 14 were complete and six were partial. The karyotype of complete moles was invariably diploid. Three of the partial moles were triploid (69,XXX), but three showed diploid/tetraploid mosaicism.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Malignant tumours after renal transplantation.

The incidence of malignant tumours in 570 patients with kidney transplants was examined. It was found to be 20-30 times higher than in the average (normal) population. In accordance with the literature, mainly skin cancers were observed, but at variance with these data, the number of lymphoreticular malignancies was small. On the basis of their study, the authors emphasize the oncogenetic effect of immunosuppression. By comparing the conventional (AZA+PRED) and Cyclosporine (CYA+PRED) treatments, they point out that this risk should be taken into consideration even in Cyclosporine therapy which has otherwise a much more favourable effect.

Humans↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Disseminated Kaposi sarcoma in immunosuppressed patients.

UNLABELLED: Tumour incidence was examined in kidney-transplanted patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Eight hundred and fifty immunosuppressed patients (mean age: 34.5 years; mean follow-up time: 67 months; men/women = 3/2), were followed up. Two cases of disseminated visceral kaposi sarcoma (K.S.) are reported in detail. RESULTS: long-term immunosuppression significantly raises the risk of tumour development (30/850); one must reckon with the appearance of visceral K.S. (2/850), which is exceptionally rare in the general population. CONCLUSION: the classical lower extremity cutaneous manifestation is fairly benign, it appears later and responds to radiotherapy well. The visceral form appears early (in 3-6 months), it is aggressive, progressing quickly. Only early diagnosis followed by immediate reduction or discontinuation of immunosuppression, helps successful oncological treatment.

Adult↗