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Introduction: KIR receptors (killer cell Ig-like receptors) play a major role in the regulation of NK cell activity and hence their importance in development of many diseases (autoimmune diseases, cancers, transplantation). The aim of our study is KIR genotype analysis in patients with multiple myeloma and its impact on disease progression and response to treatment. Material and methods: the study was performed on 80 patients with multiple myeloma diagnosed in Center of Hematology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, between 2007-2011. As a control group were used 50 healthy blood donors. KIR genotyping was performed by molecular biology methods (SSP method). Results: the AA genotype has a higher frequency in the control group (42% vs. 33.75%), while BB genotype is more common among patients with multiple myeloma (10% vs. 4%) and it is associated with aggressive forms of disease. Conclusions: KIR genotype analysis may be considered as a prognostic factor in the outcome in multiple myeloma patients, among other genetic parameters already consecrated as del13q14, t(4,14) or t (11,14). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viral infections after stem cell transplant are less frequently reported compared to bacterial or fungal infections, but usually are more severe and associated with high mortality. This study analyzes the incidence and outcome of viral infections and correlation with immunosuppressive therapy in 13 patients receiving allogeneic stem cell transplantationin Bone Marrow Transplant Center, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest. All patients were monitorized with RT-PCR for CMV, EBV, ADV, VZV, HSV-1,HHV-6, HHV-8 and with Nested PCR for JCV, BKV. The viral diagnosis showed 7 out 13 cases reactivation of CMV, 3 cases of CMV disease, 1 case of EBV reactivation, 1 case of HHV-6 encephalitis, 2 cases of polyomavirus cystistis. The most severe clinical aspects have been associated with severe immunosupresion for GVHD. Early detection of viral infection and appropriate treatment are very important factors for outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]