P16 and Ki67 Immunostains Decrease Intra- and Interobserver Variability in the Diagnosis and Grading of Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasia (AIN)
2008

Using p16 and Ki67 Stains to Improve Diagnosis of Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasia

Sample size: 60 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Walts Ann E., Lechago Juan, Hu Bing, Shwayder MaryBeth, Sandweiss Lynn, Bose Shikha

Primary Institution: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Hypothesis

Does the addition of p16 and Ki67 immunostaining reduce inter- and intraobserver variability in the diagnosis and grading of anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN)?

Conclusion

The addition of p16 and Ki67 immunostains is helpful in the diagnosis and grading of AIN.

Supporting Evidence

  • Addition of p16 and Ki67 immunostains improved agreement among pathologists.
  • Changes in diagnosis were noted after reviewing the immunostains.
  • Immunostains helped reduce false positive and false negative diagnoses.

Takeaway

Doctors used special stains to help them agree more on whether patients have a certain type of anal condition. This made their diagnoses more accurate.

Methodology

H&E stained slides of 60 anal biopsies were reviewed by three pathologists, followed by independent diagnoses from three additional pathologists using p16 and Ki67 immunostains.

Potential Biases

Potential for subjective interpretation of immunostains and variability in pathologist experience.

Limitations

HIV status of participants was not known, and the study involved a limited number of pathologists.

Participant Demographics

52 individuals (43 males and 9 females), ages ranging from 19 to 72 years.

Statistical Information

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1177/1178-1181

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