Histochemical analysis (special stains) in the detection and identification of histologic and histopathologic changes in the liver tissue of neonates

Abstract

Author(s): Akaba Edakabasi, Akaba Kingsley, Ugbem Theophilus, Oshatuyi Olukayode

Background: Perinatal morbidity and mortality continue to be a major challenge in the developing world. The histochemical approach to diagnostic pathology is based on correlating the presence or absence of morphological changes with any biochemical lesion. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the relevance of special stains on the effective diagnosis of neonatal morbidity associated with liver damage, disease, anomalies or congenital conditions.

Methods: Forty-six (46) Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) blocks of autopsied neonatal liver tissues were retrieved from the Department of Pathology University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar. Fresh histology sections were made and stained with H&E and with the following histochemical staining techniques (special stains) Periodic Acid Schiff’s (PAS), Orcien, Reticulin, Perl’s Prussian blue and Masson Trichrome.

Results: Perl’s Prussian staining was positive in significant amount (26.09%) indicating iron deposition which could be due to congenital malarial or congenital haemolytic disorder. Orcein staining was also positive in 21.74% of the samples displaying features of congenital hepatitis. PAS was positively stained in all the sections demonstrating bile duct basement membrane damage in biliary diseases. Masson Tricrome was positive in 17.39%, indicating the degree of fibrosis in the liver. Reticulin staining was positive in all the sections indicating hepatic damage.

Conclusion: The application of histochemical techniques to laboratory investigations of tissue samples can yield considerable information. Histochemical analysis of the liver tissue can give insight into the liver function and can pinpoint and localize a wide variety of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and enzymic activities.

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