The aim of this study to determine the numbers of CD34+ cells and total nucleated cell (TNC) in umbilical cord blood (UCB)
collected from pregnant mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and preeclampsia (PE), following statistical
analysis of both maternal and perinatal factors which affect UCB parameters. Most of studies explored the influence of
obstetric factors on the number of UCB cell collection and only a few looked at the effects on UCB haematopoietic stem
cell (UCB-HSC) of common disorders complicating pregnancy. A total of 112 UCB samples (32 PE, 42 GDM and 38 nondiseased) were collected. CD34+ cell and NC count were enumerated using FACS Calibur. The TNC and CD34+ cells were
significantly reduced in both PE and GDM groups as compared to the control group. The PE group shows significantly
lower birth weight and higher BP which led to a lower UCB volume and CD34+ count. Gestational age shows significant
correlation with nucleated cell count (NCC) and TNC. GDM group shows significantly lower systolic BP, NCC and TNC count,
including low placental weight and birth weight. Conclusively, some obstetrics factors have significant influences to the
numbers and quality of UCB-HSC in both PE and GDM groups, which could guide in the selection criteria for CB banking.
Solitary plasmacytoma (SP) is a tumor with evidence of clonal plasma cells and no other features of multiple myeloma
(MM). We report a case of SP which showed multiple recurrences of SP and then evolution into overt MM. A 56-year-old
man presented with the 5-month-history of right nasal obstruction and intermittent epistaxis. He had SP (extraosseous) of
right nasopharynx (3.5 × 2 × 2.5 cm), with no paraproteinaemia. He received radiotherapy (56 Gy), achieving complete
remission. Ten years later, he had recurrence of SP (osseous) in left tibia, presenting with pathological fracture. He
received radiotherapy (50 Gy), achieving partial response. Three years later, he had recurrence of SP (osseous) in right
tibia, presenting with right leg pain. He received radiotherapy (45 Gy). While receiving treatment, he had progressive
swelling in the area around right eye, double vision and headache. Imaging scans showed multiple plasmacytomas. There
were presence of monoclonal paraprotein, hypercalcemia and lytic bone lesions. He was diagnosed as MM (at the age
of 70 years) and treated with Bortezomib-based therapy. Currently, after one cycle of treatment, clinical improvement is
achieved. The importance of multi-disciplinary team approach for managing patients with plasmacytoma is highlighted
in order to achieve the holistic approach of management.