Effect of amniotic fluid on platelet thromboxane production

We have studied the effect of amniotic fluid on thromboxane A2 (TXA2) production as an initial step in an evaluation of the role of this metabolite as the mediator of the pulmonary hypertension that accompanies perinatal aspiration. Term amniotic fluid enhanced platelet thromboxane B2 (TXB2) production in the presence of the aggregating agents thrombin and arachidonic acid, activity being confined to the lipid fraction. Compared with a baseline production of 1.4 +/- 0.45 pmol TXB2/10(6) platelets in response to thrombin (1 U/ml), unfractionated amniotic fluid or its lipid fraction enhanced TXB2 production to 2.87 +/- 0.53 and 2.81 +/- 0.62 pmol, respectively (P less than 0.01). Values for the aqueous extract were no different from buffer control values (1.14 +/- 0.5). No enhancement of platelet TXB2 production was observed in amniotic fluid obtained at 15 to 17 weeks. Similar activity was observed with either adult or neonatal platelets. This thromboxane enhancing property of amniotic fluid appears to be distinct from its thrombin generating property. Following perinatal aspiration, in situ production of thrombin and proaggregatory TXA2 could recruit more platelets, enhance local TXA2 production, and be responsible for the platelet thrombi that have been documented at autopsy in the pulmonary microcirculation in infants with perinatal aspiration syndrome.     

Physical function assessment in patients with advanced cancer

Accepted physical therapy assessment techniques were compared with the Karnofsky Performance Status scores in a group of patients with advanced cancer. Assessment of patients' physical functioning by physical therapy evaluation techniques was highly correlated with the Karnofsky Performance Status score. The KPS has been demonstrated to be a reliable assessment tool and is a good indicator of those patients most likely to maintain independent physical function. Extensive physical therapy measures in this patient population appear to offer no advantage over the KPS as an evaluation tool for studies.     

丙戊酸钠对癫癎患儿血小板数量及功能影响研究

目的探讨丙戊酸钠(VPA)对癫癎患儿血小板数量及功能的影响.方法对38例服用不同剂量VPA的癫癎患儿分别于服药前、服药3个月和6个月时检测其血小板数量、血小板聚集率、血栓素B2(TXB2)和6-酮-前列腺素-F1α(6-Keto-PGF1α)的水平.结果服用VPA 3个月与服药前比较,血小板计数明显减少(t=2.824,P<0.01),且与VPA剂量呈负相关;胶原和二磷酸腺苷(ADP)诱导的血小板聚集率显著下降( t =2.153和2.263,P均<0.05),与VPA剂量呈负相关;TXB2显著下降(t =2.373,P<0.05),与VPA剂量不相关;6-Keto-PGF1α无明显变化.服药6个月与3个月比较,上述各指标差异无显著性.全身性发作组与部分性发作组比较,上述各指标无显著性差异.结论 VPA能影响癫癎患儿的血小板数量及功能,影响的程度与VPA剂量相关,与癫癎患儿的发作类型无关.     

Comparative efficacy of ceftazidime vs. carbenicillin and amikacin for treatment of neonatal septicemia

The efficacy and safety of ceftazidime were compared with those of carbenicillin and amikacin in 60 neonates with proved invasive bacterial infections. The two treatment groups of patients were comparable with regard to sex, gestational and chronologic ages, associated risk factors, clinical condition on enrollment, focus of infection and bacteriology. Escherichia coli was isolated from blood cultures of 31%, Pseudomonas aeruginosa from cultures of 25%, Klebsiella sp. from cultures of 13% and other Gram-negative enteric bacilli from cultures of 17% of the patients. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 20% (12 of 60), and coagulase-negative staphylococci from 8% (5 of 60) of the patients. All Gram-negative coliform bacilli were susceptible to ceftazidime whereas 10, 56 and 77% were resistant to amikacin, carbenicillin and ampicillin, respectively. Serum bactericidal activity against the offending pathogen was as much as 5-fold greater in ceftazidime-treated compared with conventionally treated patients. Seven patients with infections caused by organisms resistant to the study drugs were excluded from analysis. Case-fatality rates were 6.4% (2 of 31) and 21% (6 of 28) in the ceftazidime- and amikacin/carbenicillin-treated patients, respectively. Total failure rates, including deaths, were significantly higher in patients treated with amikacin/carbenicillin (8 of 28, 28.5%) compared with that of ceftazidime-treated patients (2 of 31, 6.4%). Thirteen percent (5 of 31) and 3% (1 of 28) of the ceftazidime- and amikacin/carbenicillin-treated patients, respectively, developed invasive Candida albicans superinfection while receiving treatment. In this study results of treatment with ceftazidime were superior to results of treatment with amikacin/carbenicillin for invasive bacterial infections of newborn infants.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

丙戊酸钠对癫痫患儿血小板数量及功能影响研究

目的　探讨丙戊酸钠 (VPA)对癫疒间 患儿血小板数量及功能的影响。方法　对 38例服用不同剂量VPA的癫疒间患儿分别于服药前、服药 3个月和 6个月时检测其血小板数量、血小板聚集率、血栓素B2 (TXB2 )和6 酮 前列腺素 F 1α(6 Keto PGF 1α)的水平。结果　服用VPA 3个月与服药前比较 ,血小板计数明显减少 (t =2 82 4 ,P <0 0 1) ,且与VPA剂量呈负相关 ;胶原和二磷酸腺苷 (ADP)诱导的血小板聚集率显著下降 (t =2 15 3和 2 2 6 3,P均 <0 0 5 ) ,与VPA剂量呈负相关 ;TXB2 显著下降 (t =2 373,P <0 0 5 ) ,与VPA剂量不相关 ;6 Keto PGF 1α无明显变化。服药 6个月与 3个月比较 ,上述各指标差异无显著性。全身性发作组与部分性发作组比较 ,上述各指标无显著性差异。结论　VPA能影响癫疒间 患儿的血小板数量及功能 ,影响的程度与VPA剂量相关 ,与癫疒间 患儿的发作类型无关。     

Comparative effects of theophylline and caffeine on respiratory function of prematurely bora infants

The aim of this study was to determine the relative effects of theophylline and caffeine on neonatal respiratory function. Fifty-three preterm infants (45 infants with a median gestational age of 28 weeks, range 24–34 weeks completed the protocol) were randomized to receive either theophylline (loading dose 4 mg/kg followed by 4 mg/kg/day) or caffeine (loading dose 10 mg/kg followed by 5 mg/kg/day). Compliance of the respiratory system (C_RS), strength of Hering Breuer reflex and the inspired oxygen concentration requirement were measured immediately prior to, 24 h and 7 days after commencing therapy. There was no statistically significant difference in the patient characteristics of the two groups, but only the theophylline group contained immature infants (i.e. < 26 weeks gestational age (n = 7)). At 24 h, there was a significant improvement in C_RS and reduction in supplementary oxygen requirements in the caffeine group (p < 0.01), in the theophylline group no such significant effects were seen. In the study population overall, after 7 days of treatment in both the theophylline and caffeine groups there was an improvement in C_RS (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 respectively) and a reduction in the inspired oxygen concentration (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 respectively). There was, however, a significant reduction in the strength of the Hering Breuer reflex only in the caffeine group (p < 0.05) and this was a decrease which related to the change in C_RS (p < 0.05). The only statistically significant difference in the magnitude of change in C_RS, reflex strength or supplementary oxygen requirements between the two groups was that the reduction in inspired oxygen requirement in the caffeine group was greater man that in the theophylline treated infants at 24 h (p < 0.05). We conclude theophylline and caffeine have similar effects on neonatal respiratory function, but our results suggest caffeine administration may be associated with an earlier onset of action.     

Late effects on renal glomerular and tubular function in childhood cancer survivors

BACKGROUND: Late nephrotoxicity among childhood cancer survivors is poorly documented. METHODS: We investigated 115 patients and 86 controls assessing serum cystatin C concentration (CysC), urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase activity (NAG), and microalbuminuria. Proteinuria was quantified and electrophoresis performed. Polymorphism of the angiotensin convertase enzyme (ACE) gene was determined by genomic PCR. RESULTS: CysC was elevated in Wilms tumor (WT) patients. Gross proteinuria was observed in 30 patients including three patients with progressive proteinuria who improved on ACE-inhibitor treatment. Neither patients with proteinuria nor the entire study population differed from controls with respect to ACE polymorphism. Pathologically elevated urinary NAG was noted in 38% of leukemia/lymphoma, 54% of solid tumor, 20% of WT survivors. A similar distribution of pathological microalbuminuria was found. CONCLUSIONS: Mild-to-moderate subclinical glomerular and tubular damage can be identified in many childhood cancer survivors. However, most patients experience some spontaneous recovery from acute nephrotoxicity.     

Defect of platelet function associated with chronic hypoglycaemia

Two patients are described with chronic hypoglycaemia; the first having glucose-6-phosphatase deficiency (type I glycogen storage disease), and the second fructose 1:6-diphosphatase deficiency. Both cases were associated with a bleeding diathesis, a defect of platelet aggregation, and a deficiency of platelet adenine nucleotides. The effect on the platelet abnormalities of a period of normoglycaemia was studied in both patients. Correction of the platelet abnormalities occurred rapidly after stabilization of the blood glucose within the normal range. Normal function persisted for the duration of the normoglycaemia, facilitating diagnostic liver biopsy and surgical procedures. A biochemical explanation for the nucleotide deficiency is suggested.     

Defect of platelet function associated with chronic hypoglycaemia.

Two patients are described with chronic hypoglycaemia; the first having glucose-6-phosphatase deficiency (type I glycogen storage disease), and the second fructose 1:6-diphosphatase deficiency. Both cases were associated with a bleeding diathesis, a defect of platelet aggregation, and a deficiency of platelet adenine nucleotides. The effect on the platelet abnormalities of a period of normoglycaemia was studied in both patients. Correction of the platelet abnormalities occurred rapidly after stabilization of the blood glucose within the normal range. Normal function persisted for the duration of the normoglycaemia, facilitating diagnostic liver biopsy and surgical procedures. A biochemical explanation for the nucleotide deficiency is suggested.     

Enhanced thrombin generation and depressed anticoagulant function in children with pneumonia

Aims: To clarify the status of the coagulation system in children with community‐acquired pneumonia. Methods: Coagulation activation markers (prothrombin fragment F1 + 2, thrombin–antithrombin complexes, D‐dimer), the natural anticoagulants (antithrombin, protein C and S) and tissue factor were measured in 28 consecutive children with pneumonia on admission to the hospital. Patients were divided into those with either bacterial‐type pneumonia (at least two of the following three criteria: plasma C‐reactive protein (CRP) >80 mg/L, white blood cell count >15 × 10⁹/L and alveolar infiltrates on the chest radiograph) or viral‐type pneumonia. Results: The majority of the patients (79%) showed elevation of at least one of the three coagulation activation markers. Plasma CRP concentration correlated with F1 + 2 (R = 0.44, p < 0.05) and D‐dimer (R = 0.71, p < 0.0001). Patients with bacterial‐type pneumonia (n = 17) had higher D‐dimer levels (p < 0.05) and lower levels of antithrombin (p = 0.005) and protein C (p = 0.08) than the patients with viral‐type pneumonia. Conclusions: Children with community‐acquired bacterial‐type pneumonia show distinctive changes in their coagulation system. The finding of coagulation system activation and depressed function of natural anticoagulants in uncomplicated pneumonia helps to understand the rapid and unpredictable changes observed in the coagulation status in patients with more severe forms of disease.     

Chronic effects of oral prostacyclin analogue on thromboxane A and prostacyclin metabolites in pulmonary hypertension

Abnormal biosynthesis of thromboxane and prostacyclin has been implicated in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension and secondary pulmonary hypertension associated with congenital heart disease, and could be involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary vascular disease. The chronic effects of an oral prostacyclin analogue, beraprost sodium, on thromboxane and prostacyclin biosynthesis and on pulmonary circulation were investigated in 15 children with pulmonary hypertension. The plasma concentrations of thromboxane B, and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1_α were measured, as was the urinary excretion of 11-dehydro-thromboxane B, and 2.3-dinor-6-keto-prostaglandin F1_α, which are stable metabolites of thromboxane A, and prostacyclin, respectively. In patients with pulmonary hypertension, the plasma concentration of thromboxane B. and the ratio of thromboxane B, to 6-keto-prostaglandin F1_α were greater than in healthy controls: 210 ± 49 versus 28 ± 4 pg/mL (P<6.05) and 32.6 ± 8.9 versus 5.7± 1.8 (p<0.01), respectively. After 3 months of administration of beraprost. the plasma concentration of thromboxane B, and the ratio of thromboxane B, to 6-keto-prostaglandin F were reduced significantly: 210 ± 49 to 98 ± 26 pg/mL (P < 0.01) and 32.6 ± 8.9 to 18.0 ± 6.7 (P < 0.05). respectively. In contrast, the plasma concentrations of 6-keto-prostaglandin F in patients were slightly but not significantly higher than in controls, and did not change significantly after administration of beraprost. The concentrations of 11-dehydro-thromboxane B, and 2.3-dinor-6-keto-prostaglandin F, in urine correlated significantly with thromboxane B, and 6-keto-prostaglandin F . respectively, in plasma. Beraprost improved the imbalance of thromboxane and prostacyclin biosynthesis and has a potential efficacy for preventing the progressive development of pathological changes in pulmonary vasculature.     

癫癎患儿免疫功能的改变及抗癫癎药对免疫功能的影响

目的　探讨原发性癫患儿外周血单个核细胞 (PBMC)分泌细胞因子和血清可溶性白细胞介素 2受体 (sIL 2R)水平的改变 ,以及各种不同抗癫药对上述指标的影响。方法　 97例原发性癫患者随机分为未治疗组、服用丙戊酸钠 (VPA)治疗组、服用卡马西平 (CBZ)治疗组和服用苯巴比妥(PB)治疗组 ,采用ELISA法测定PBMC分泌细胞因子及血清可溶性白细胞介素 2受体 (sIL 2R)水平的变化。结果　癫患者未用药组和 3个用药组IL 6、TNF α、sIL 2R水平均明显高于正常对照组 ,全身性癫发作和部分性癫发作两组之间无明显差异 ,3个用药组与未用药组相比 ,IL 6、TNF α、sIL 2R水平亦无明显差异 ,而CBZ组IL 2水平显著升高。结论　癫患儿体内免疫功能异常 ,CBZ可能参与了癫的免疫过程     

原发性遗尿症儿童感觉统合能力的对照研究

目的：探索儿童原发性夜间遗尿症（PNE）与感觉统合能力的关系。方法：采用儿童感觉统合能力发展量表,对70例PNE患儿进行感觉统合功能测试,并与74例正常儿童进行对照研究。结果：PNE组感觉统合失调发生率 (76% vs 35%)、重度感觉统合失调发生率(39% vs 18%) 明显高于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P<0.01）。PNE组儿童所有感觉统合功能因子得分均明显低于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P<0.01）。结论：PNE患儿普遍存在感觉统合失调,并且是多方面的,故对PNE患儿进行感觉统合功能测试,并针对性地对伴发的感觉统合失调问题进行训练很有必要。［中国当代儿科杂志,2010,12（5）：341-343］