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Claudia Auw-Haedrich

Publications and source records attributed to Claudia Auw-Haedrich.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Histological and immunohistochemical characterisation of conjunctival graft vs host disease following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Conjunctival graft vs host disease (cnGvHD) is a complication of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, in most cases as part of systemic GvHD. Diagnostic biopsies are commonly collected from bulbar conjunctiva only. The aims of our study were to evaluate whether additional biopsies from the tarsal conjunctiva increase sensitivity upon histopathologic evaluation and to investigate the staining profile for common immunohistochemical markers in cnGvHD. We additionally propose an adaptive histological classification for cnGvHD analogous to Lerner's GvHD skin classification for predicting patient survival. METHODS: Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded conjunctival specimens from 23 post-mortem control eyes and 42 patients after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (HE), periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain and with antibodies against CD1a, CD4, CD8, CD25, CD45RO, CD68, Fas ligand, TIA-1, HLA-DRalpha by means of immunohistochemistry. Cell counting took place in ten representative fields at 64.4 microm (length) x 21.2 microm (width). Multifactorial analysis of variance was performed to assess any influence of cnGvHD on the staining pattern for the immunohistochemical markers. Survival times were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: All 42 specimens and none of the controls were diagnosed as cnGvHD. The bulbar specimens were staged according to the modified Lerner classification: grade (G) I: 0; G II: 17 (tarsal with G II, 8); G III: 12 (tarsal with G III: 1); G IV: 12 (tarsal with G<or=IV: 6); G V: 1. The number of pairs with either the tarsal or bulbar counterpart being more severely affected was almost equal (10 vs 9). A tendency towards shorter survival in advanced bulbar cnGvHD was demonstrated (G III-V vs G I-II, p =0.06). Staining for the immunohistochemical markers in cnGvHD differed significantly from that in controls (p<0.01). Proposed markers for cnGvHD (e = epithelium, s = stroma; mean cell counts +/- SD; cnGvHD vs controls) are: CD8 s (15.7 +/- 18.4 vs 6 +/- 5.6), CD25 s (2.6 +/- 2.8 vs 0.7 +/- 1.6), CD68 s (8 +/- 9 vs 3.9 +/- 3.5) at the bulbar site and CD1a e (1.2 +/- 1.6 vs 0.3 +/- 0.6) and TIA-1 e (2.2 +/- 2.2 vs 1.1 +/- 1.3) at the tarsal site. CONCLUSIONS: Additional tarsal biopsy does not seem to add relevant diagnostic sensitivity for cnGvHD when the modified Lerner classification is applied. The modified Lerner classification of the bulbar cnGvHD seems to be of prognostic value.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Expression of p63 in conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia and squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: p63 is a homologue of the tumour suppressor gene p53, which is expressed in human basal squamous epithelium. Some investigators maintain that p63 plays a role in the development of squamous epithelium and, despite its homology to p53, it is considered to act as an oncogene. This study investigated the expression of p63 in conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia of different grades, and conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma and its correlation to the proliferation marker MIB-1. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventeen conjunctival specimens excised with the suspicion of either conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or squamous cell carcinoma were diagnosed histologically as follows: 2 squamous cell carcinomas of the conjunctiva, 2 CIN grade I, 3 CIN grade II, 7 CIN grade III, 2 CIN with beginning invasion and 1 normal conjunctiva with no dysplasia. Sixteen microscopically-normal postmortem conjunctival specimens and normal conjunctiva, CIN and carcinoma specimens were stained immunohistochemically with antibodies against p63 and MIB-1. At least 500 cells per specimen were counted and the percentage of positively-stained cells of each antibody was calculated. RESULTS: A mean of 80% (57-89%) of the dysplastic cells from the CIN specimens stained positively with antibodies against p63, especially in the lower two-thirds of the epithelium, statistically significantly more compared with the normal specimens (9-55%, mean 36%, p<0.001). Nevertheless, we did not find a correlation between the percentage of p63-positive cells and the differentiation grade of the malignant specimens. MIB-1 positivity was shown by 0-1% of the cells in the normal postmortem controls, by 3-30% (mean 12%) of the cells in the basal and occasionally in the middle layer of the CIN specimens, and 16-61% (mean 23%) in the carcinoma specimens. CONCLUSION: In conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia and squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva, p63 is preferentially expressed in the immature dysplastic epithelial cells. Its staining does not correlate with MIB-1-expression, and therefore does not appear to be linked to cell proliferation.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Prognostic value of cell-cycle markers in ocular adnexal lymphoma: an assessment of 230 cases.

BACKGROUND: To determine the prognostic value of cell-cycle associated markers in ocular adnexal lymphoma (OAL). METHODS: Two hundred sixty-one consecutive cases of ocular adnexal lymphoproliferative lesions were subdivided into reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (RLH), atypical lymphoid hyperplasia (ALH) and OAL. The latter were sub-typed according to the new WHO Lymphoma Classification. All lesions were investigated applying standard immunohistochemical methods with antibodies specific for pRB, p53, p16, p21, BCL-6 and for multiple myeloma oncogene-1-protein (MUM1, also known as IRF4). The main endpoints included the development of a local recurrence, of systemic disease and of lymphoma-related death. The association of prognostic variables with endpoints was assessed by multiple logistic and Cox regression models, respectively. RESULTS: The ocular adnexal lymphoproliferative lesions were categorised as OAL ( n=230; 88%), RLH ( n=29; 11%), and ALH ( n=2; 1%). The major lymphoma subtypes included 136 extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (EMZL), 31 diffuse large cell B-cell lymphomas, 27 follicular lymphomas, 9 plasmacytomas, 9 lymphoplasmocytic lymphoma/immunocytomas and 8 mantle cell lymphomas. The median follow-up time was 44.5 months. Most OAL patients had Stage IE disease and were treated with radiotherapy. Thirty-seven (25%) Stage IE patients had tumour relapses: these were significantly associated with an increased BCL6 blast percentage. Sixty-two (42%) Stage IE patients developed systemic disease: they had "non-EMZL" with large growth fractions and increased blast percentages for BCL6. Fifty-seven (25%) OAL patients died because of their lymphoma; lymphoma-related death was significantly associated on multivariable analysis with advanced clinical stage, an age >60 years and large tumour growth fractions. CONCLUSION: Subtyping of OAL according to the new WHO Lymphoma Classification, the stage of disease and tumour cell growth fraction aided the prediction of (1) tumour relapse, (2) the development of systemic disease and (3) lymphoma-related death in OAL.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Estrogen receptor expression in meibomian glands and its correlation with age and dry-eye parameters.

PURPOSE: To investigate the correlation between estrogen receptor-positive basal cells of the meibomian glands of the lower lid with age, gender, and subjective and objective dry-eye parameters. METHODS: Sixteen lower lid specimens were collected from 7 female and 9 male patients (age range 22-88 years) during tumor surgery requiring whole-thickness excision. Prior to surgery the patients were asked about any dry-eye symptoms (score 0-4, where 0=no dry-eye symptoms). Tear break-up time was measured, and Schirmer I and II tests were performed. We obtained histological sections from the outer margins of the formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens and performed immunohistochemical staining for estrogen, progesterone and androgen receptors. At least 500 cells were counted per specimen, and the proportion of positively stained cells was calculated and correlated to the age and dry-eye parameters. RESULTS: All meibomian glands had positive nuclear staining with antibodies for estrogen receptors in their outer cell layers, i.e., the basal cell layer. The proportion of cells expressing estrogen receptors increased with age independent of gender (correlation coefficient=0.67, P<0.005). No correlation was found between estrogen receptor positivity and subjective dry-eye symptoms, tear break-up time, or Schirmer I and II test results. There was no difference in the proportion of cells expressing estrogen receptors between female and male patients (P=0.5). CONCLUSIONS: The amount of meibomian gland cells expressing estrogen receptors in the lower lid seems to increase with age independent of gender and seems not to affect the fat layer and stability of the tear film.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Optic disk drusen.

Optic disk drusen occur in 3.4 to 24 per 1,000 population and are bilateral in approximately 75%. Disturbance in the axonal metabolism in the presence of a small scleral canal--regardless of eyelength--is considered responsible for the development. The drusen increase in size, becoming more visible with age due to continuing calcium apposition, and they are associated with visual field defects in a considerable number of patients. Patients do not usually notice these defects, despite their progressive nature over the years, and this indicates an insidious course. A correct diagnosis of optic disk drusen is mandatory, although effective treatment is not yet available. It is most important to differentiate optic disk drusen from papilledema in order to avoid unnecessary neurological examinations, but also to avoid overlooking genuine neurologic disorders. Because optic disk drusen can cause severe visual field defects, patients require individual consultation regarding work issues and whether or not to drive. Optic disk drusen can be accompanied by vascular complications as well. In some cases these vascular changes--for example, choroidal neovascularization--are treatable. Patients with optic disk drusen should undergo regular visual field, IOP, and nerve fiber layer examinations. In patients with deteriorating visual field and borderline IOP, we recommend antiglaucomatous therapy.

Diagnosis, Differential↗