Biochemical parameters in neuroblastoma.

Apart from the biochemical parameters routinely used like Vanillyl Mandellic Acid for the patients with neuroblastoma the parameters like neuron specific enolase, ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase, gamma glutamyl transferase were also studied to assess the utility in diagnosing the patients with neuroblastoma. The study involved 40 healthy ambulatory subjects and 30 untreated cases of histologically proved neuroblastoma referred to the Tata Memorial Hospital for further management and treatment. The urinary Vanillyl Mandellic Acid levels and the serum levels of neuron specific enolase, ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase had increased significantly, p<0.001 whereas the gamma glutamyl transferase had decreased significantly p<0.001, as compared to the normal. Serum neuron specific enolase, ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase alongwith urinary Vanillyl Mandellic Acid could be of help in diagnosing the patients with neuroblastoma.