Apoptotic index as adjuvant in the diagnosis of Non Hodgkin lymphomas

• Author Details:   
• Chandhru Mari R
• MU Monisha
• J Johnsy Merla ^*

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Background: The aim of the study was to analyze the apoptotic index and evaluate its role in various subtypes of Non Hodgkin lymphomas classified by working formulations.

Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted in the department of pathology. The study included cases diagnosed with Non Hodgkin lymphoma over a three year period, retrieved from the departmental archives. The haematoxylin and eosin stained sections were reviewed. All cases were classified by working formulation into high grade, intermediate grade and low grade lymphomas and the apoptotic index were tabulated and statistically analyzed.

Result: Of the 21 cases of low grade lymphomas, 18 cases showed low apoptotic indices of 2.4% and below, while the rest of the cases showed apoptotic indices greater than 2.4%. There was a great variation in apoptotic indices of intermediate grade lymphomas. Of the 23 cases, 12 cases showed apoptotic indices greater than 2.4% while rest of the 11 cases showed apoptotic indices of less than 2.4% .Among the 13 cases of high grade lymphomas, 10 cases showed high apoptotic indices of greater than 2.4% while rest of the 3 cases showed lower apoptotic indices of less than 2.4%.

Conclusion: Though working formulation classification of Non Hodgkin lymphoma holds good for many cases it has its drawbacks. So by the use of these inexpensive and an effective prognostic indicators along with the working formulation classification it may throw some light on the how a particular subtypes of Non hodgkin lymphoma in a particular patient might behave.