Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders and allergen immunotherapy: Lights and shadows

Allergic diseases, such as IgE-mediated food allergy, asthma, and allergic rhinitis, are relevant health problems worldwide and show an increasing prevalence. Therapies for food allergies are food avoidance and the prompt administration of intramuscular epinephrine in anaphylaxis occurring after accidental exposure. However, allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is being investigated as a new potential tool for treating severe food allergies. Effective oral immunotherapy (OIT) and epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT) induce desensitization and restore immune tolerance to the causal allergen. While immediate side effects are well known, the long-term effects of food AIT are still underestimated. In this regard, eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs), mainly eosinophilic esophagitis, have been reported as putative complications of OIT for food allergy and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) for allergic asthma and rhinitis. Fortunately, these complications are usually reversible and the patient recovers after AIT discontinuation. This review summarizes current knowledge on the possible causative link between eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders and AIT, highlighting recent evidence and controversies.     

肌酸激酶同工酶与血浆内皮素检测结合脑电图检查判断热性惊厥患儿脑损伤的程度及预后

目的探讨热性惊厥(FC)患儿血清脑型肌酸激酶同工酶(CK-BB)和血浆内皮素(ET)水平的变化及其两者结合脑电图(EEG)检查与脑损伤的关系。方法将2005-08—2006-12在潍坊医学院儿科就诊的52例FC患儿作为FC组,健康儿童28例作为正常对照组,分别进行血清CK-BB和血浆ET的测定及EEG检查,CK-BB采用比色法测定,ET采用放射免疫法测定。结果FC患儿血液中CK-BB和ET水平明显高于正常对照组(P均<0.01);单纯热惊厥(SFC)组CK-BB和ET的浓度与正常对照组比较差异无显著性(P>0.05);复杂热惊厥(CFC)组与正常对照组和SFC组比较差异均具有显著性(P均<0.01)。CFC组血清CK-BB与血浆ET呈正相关(r=0.652,P<0.01)。FC患儿惊厥发作后第1天EEG异常率为80.77%,其中SFC组78.12%,CFC组85.00%,差异无显著性(P>0.05);第14天为32.69%,SFC组仅18.75%,CFC组则55.00%,差异具有显著性(P<0.01)。结论CK-BB和ET水平与脑损伤的程度密切相关,CK-BB和ET含量越高脑损伤程度越严重。热性惊厥后及时检测CK-BB和ET,并结合脑电图检查对判断脑损伤程度及预后有重要价值。     

新生儿缺氧缺血性脑病血NSE与ET变化及其与高压氧治疗相关性的研究

目的 探讨肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)和降钙素基因相关肽(CGRP)在新生儿缺氧缺血性脑病(HIE)中的变化及临床意义。方法 采用放射免疫分析法对38例HIE患儿和18例健康足月新生儿血浆TNF-α与CGRP水平进行了同期动态观察。结果 HIE患儿急性期TNF-α,CGRP水平分别为(1.12±0.42) ng/ml,(88.92±23.16) ng/ml;恢复期分别为(0.61±0.18) ng/ml,(68.39±19.32) ng/ml;对照组分别为(0.54±0.15) ng/ml,(66.2±14.54) ng/ml。急性期血浆TNF-α和CGRP水平较恢复期显著增高(P<0.01),并明显高于同期对照组水平(P<0.01),恢复期与正常对照组无显著差异,急性期不同程度HIE与对照组TNF-α,CGRP水平比较,重度HIE组TNF-α,CGRP分别为(1.28±0.41) ng/ml,(118.12±30.25) ng/ml;中度HIE组分别为(0.95±0.3) ng/ml,(86.49±24.36) ng/ml,轻度HIE组分别为(0.63±0.19) ng/ml,(68.31±18.38) ng/ml,重度组明显高于对照组、轻度组及中度组,中度组高于对照组和轻度组,轻度组与对照组无显著性差异。急性期患儿血浆TNF-α与CGRP呈直线正相关关系(r=0.513,P<0.05)。结论 TNF-α和CGRP参与了新生儿HIE的发病过程。急性期TNF-α的增高可能是促发HIE脑损伤的一个重要因素,而CGRP增高在HIE中对脑损伤可能具有一定的保护作用。     

新生儿缺氧缺血性脑病血NSE与ET变化及其与高压氧治疗相关性的研究

目的探讨新生儿缺氧缺血性脑病血清神经元特异性烯醇酶（ＮＳＥ）与血浆内皮素（ＥＴ）变化及高压氧治疗的作用。方法高压氧治疗以纯氧加压,压力０．０５～０．０７ ＭＰ加压 ２０ ｍｉｎ．稳压 ２０ ｍｉｎ,减压 ２０ ｍｉｎ,共历时 １ｈ,每天一次,疗程５～１０ ｄ。ＮＳＥ活性测定采用酶联免疫分析法;ＥＴ活性测定采用放射免疫分析法。结果中度ＨＩＥ患儿血清ＮＳＥ与血浆ＥＴ浓度分别为（１４．７２±４ ２６）μｇ／Ｌ（７６．１±１９．２）ｎｇ／Ｌ;重度ＨＩＥ患儿血清ＮＳＥ与血浆ＥＴ浓度分别为（１５．６４±５．８２）μｇ／Ｌ,（８２．５±２１．６）ｎｇ／Ｌ;中、重度ＨＩＥ患儿血清ＮＳＥ与血浆ＥＴ浓度显著高于对照组（分别为１２．４７± ３．４９ μｇ／Ｌ, ５６．３２± １６．７ｎｇ／Ｌ）。轻度 ＨＩＥ患儿血清 ＮＳＥ（ １３．５８± ４．５７） μｇ／Ｌ,血浆ＥＴ（６２．４± １８．５） ｎｇ／Ｌ与对照组比较无显著差异。中、重度 ＨＩＥ患儿高压氧治疗后,血清 ＮＳＥ,血浆 ＥＴ降低幅度分别为（ １．９２± ０．４６）μｇ／Ｌ,（ １２．７２± ４． ３７）ｎｇ／Ｌ,明显大于常规治疗组（ Ｐ＜ ０．０５）。结论血清 ＮＳＥ和血浆 ＥＴ是ＨＩＥ早期诊断与疗效判     

Procalcitonin does discriminate between sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome

Aims

To evaluate whether procalcitonin (PCT) and C reactive protein (CRP) are able to discriminate between sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in critically ill children.

Methods

Prospective, observational study in a paediatric intensive care unit. Kinetics of PCT and CRP were studied in patients undergoing open heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) (SIRS model; group I¹) and patients with confirmed bacterial sepsis (group II).

Results

In group I, PCT median concentration was 0.24 ng/ml (reference value <2.0 ng/ml). There was an increment of PCT concentrations which peaked immediately after CPB (median 0.58 ng/ml), then decreased to 0.47 ng/ml at 24 h; 0.33 ng/ml at 48 h, and 0.22 ng/ml at 72 h. CRP median concentrations remained high on POD1 (36.6 mg/l) and POD2 (13.0 mg/l). In group II, PCT concentrations were high at admission (median 9.15 ng/ml) and subsequently decreased in 11/14 patients who progressed favourably (median 0.31 ng/ml). CRP levels were high in only 11/14 patients at admission. CRP remained high in 13/14 patients at 24 h; in 12/14 at 48 h; and in 10/14 patients at 72 h. Median values were 95.0, 50.9, 86.0, and 20.3 mg/l, respectively. The area under the ROC curve was 0.99 for PCT and 0.54 for CRP. Cut off concentrations to differentiate SIRS from sepsis were >2 ng/ml for PCT and >79 mg/l for CRP.

Conclusion

PCT is able to differentiate between SIRS and sepsis while CRP is not. Moreover, unlike CRP, PCT concentrations varied with the evolution of sepsis.     

Body electrolytes in bronchopulmonary dysplasia and the effects of diuretic therapy

Body electrolytes and their regulatory hormones were studied in preterm infants who suffered from bronchopulmonary dysplasia under two groups: those who were not treated with diuretics (Group II), and those who were treated with diuretics (Group III). The values were compared with a group of matched healthy controls (Group I). Lower serum Na levels, a need of higher Na intake, and higher urinary Na concentrations and urinary specific gravity were found in Group II infants. FeNa was normal and the urinary flow rate was lower than the controls. These data suggest an inability of these infants to dilute urine. Group III infants who were treated with diuretics showed higher serum Na levels and lower urinary specific gravity than Group II infants. These values, as well as water and Na intake/output ratios, were all similar to the control values. Serum aldosterone level was highest in Group II but did not reach significance. Intracellular K concentration was not different between the groups indicating an optimum total body K balance. A significant negative correlation between serum Na and aldosterone levels was found in Group II infants, which was not noted in the controls. Significant correlations were also found between FeNa and plasma aldosterone level in the BPD groups, unlike the controls. The control group of infants showed significant positive correlation between Na balance and serum Na levels. Our results suggest that inability to dilute urine appropriately might be the reason for the BPD patients to retain body water. Water restriction and diuretic therapy therefore are reasonable therapeutic approaches in such cases.     

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目的探讨心脏疾患及合并充血性心力衰竭(CHF)患儿心衰时,血清甲状腺激素(TH)水平的变化规律及临床意义。方法对2003-09—2006-09山西省阳泉市第一人民医院收治的116例心脏疾病患儿分为2组,心脏病合并CHF组82例,心脏病未合并CHF组34例,以28例健康体检儿童为对照组,均做如下检测及分析:(1)检测CHF患儿血清TH水平,包括三碘甲状腺原氨酸(T3)、游离T3(FT3)、甲状腺素(T4)、游离T4(FT4)、反T3(rT3)及促甲状腺激素(TSH),三组间进行比较。(2)以血清TH水平与心功能进行相关分析。(3)动态观察CHF患儿的血清TH水平,探索其变化规律。结果(1)CHF组与N-CHF组及正常对照组比,血清T3、FT3及FT4均显著降低(P<0.01),rT3显著升高(P<0.01)。(2)随心功能的下降,T3、FT3、T4、FT4渐降低,rT3渐升高。TSH与心功能变化无相关性。(3)CHF组经治疗后血清TH多恢复(P<0.01),顽固性心衰组则无恢复(P>0.05)。结论(1)小儿CHF伴有血清TH的改变,以T3、FT3及FT4的降低,rT3的升高为主,其改变程度与心功能状态具有相关性。(2)随着心功能的改善,TH的改变多渐恢复,顽固性心衰患儿则无恢复,提示TH水平持续不恢复者预后较差。     

急性播散性脑脊髓炎的临床及实验室研究

目的探讨急性播散性脑脊髓炎（ADEM）病因、分类与分型、临床及实验室检查的特点,提高诊断与鉴别诊断能力。方法制定较严格的诊断标准,对符合标准的34例地DEM的临床表现及实验室检查进行分析。结果34例中感染后脑脊髓炎30例,接种后脑脊髓炎4例。临床呈脑型表现16例,脑脊髓型18例。脑脊液异常12／34例,IgG指数增加16／24例。EEG异常23／31例及BAEP（5／10例）、SEP（6／8例）和VEP（3／6例）异常。脑MRI是多发性病灶31倒（91．2％）,其中较时称性的17例;34例病变部位大脑白质27例,脑干11例,小脑7例,丘脑11例,基底节6例。脊髓MRI异常4／7例。结论对有前驱感染或接种史呈脑炎我脑脊髓炎表现者,脑脊液（CSF）检查排除细菌、病毒等感染,若MRI示脑白质多发性病灶改变应考虑ADEM。     

Clinical findings and unusual epidemiologic characteristics of human metapneumovirus infections in children in the region of Basel, Switzerland

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) worldwide causes respiratory tract infections with features similar to those of RSV infection. We describe features of hMPV infections in children and compare some of the characteristics with those of RSV infections. From October 2004 to February 2006, 75 patients, 34 hospitalized and 41 outpatients, were diagnosed with hMPV infections by multiplex PCR applied to nasopharyngeal specimens. While hMPV was found rarely in the early phase of the study, a significant increase occurred in the second winter of the study period. Patients with hMPV infections were older than those with RSV infection; clinical characteristics were similar as was the rate of serious disease among hospitalized patients (intensive care treatment: 18% versus 8%). In conclusion, hMPV leads to endemic and epidemic respiratory disease with features similar to those of RSV and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of upper and lower respiratory tract disease.     

新生鼠缺氧缺血性脑损伤S-100 NSE mRNA和蛋白水平变化

目的 研究缺氧缺血性脑损伤(HIBD)后血和脑脊液中S-100蛋白(S-100)、神经元特异性烯醇化酶(NSE)水平的变化及其与脑细胞死亡数的相关性,并探讨这些蛋白质水平变化的机制。方法 采用7 d龄SD大鼠HIBD模型,应用放射免疫方法动态观察HIBD血液和脑脊液中S-100,NSE水平的变化,用RT-PCR的技术和免疫组织化学的方法动态观察HIBD后不同时间点脑组织中S-100,NSE mRNA和蛋白水平表达的变化。结果 HI后血液中24 h,48 h S-100分别为(1.205±0.183) μg/L和(1.235±0.097) μg/L,NSE分别为(3.97±0.228) ηg/ml和(3.76±0.234) ηg/ml,对照组S-100和NSE分别为(0.645±0.05) μg/L和(3.15±0.164) ηg/ml。脑脊液中24 h,48 h S-100分别为(1.28±0.031) μg/L,(1.32±0.097) μg/L,NSE分别为(7.15±0.717) ηg/ml,(4.29±0.144) ηg/ml,对照组S-100和NSE分别为(0.68±0.059) μg/L和(3.42±0.322) ηg/ml。血液和脑脊液中S-100,NSE在24～48 h与各自对照组比较都有明显增加(P<0.01),同时其水平的变化和脑细胞死亡数呈正相关。NSE mRNA转录高峰出现在缺氧缺血后24 h,而S-100 mRNA高峰在48 h。HIBD后不同时间点脑组织S-100蛋白的表达阳性面积的变化是随时间变化逐渐增加(12～96 h)。NSE表达的阳性面积随HIBD时间延长呈进行性减少(P<0.01)。结论 S-100,NSE能作为缺氧缺血性脑损伤的标志物,在缺氧缺血后24～48 h为取标本合适时间。血液和脑脊液中S-100水平的升高,不单纯是脑组织损伤时漏出所致,还与转录和翻译水平的增加有关;而血和脑脊液NSE水平的升高主要是由脑组织损伤漏出。     

Prolactin response to exercise,metoclopramide and other provocative agents in children

Metoclopramide (MCP), a derivative of procainamide was compared with exercise, arginine, insulin and thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) as a prolactin (PRL) releaser in children. The peak response of plasma PRL after oral administration of MCP was greater than that after strenuous exercise and after i.v. administration of pharmacodynamic agents. Normal PRL and TSH responses were observed after TRH administration in all subjects. Variable PRL responses were seen after exercise and after i.v. administration of arginine and insulin, despite significant growth hormone (GH) release following the administration of these agents. MCP produced no increase in plasma TSH. Metoclopramide may be useful for dynamic testing of PRL release in children. It can be taken orally and is free of side-effects.     

Persistent fetal circulation: An evolving clinical and radiographic concept of pulmonary hypertension of the newborn

The roentgenographic presentations of 11 newborn infants with hypoxemia secondary to pulmonary vasospasm and subsequent right-to-left shunting of blood through the foramen ovale and/or ductus arteriosus (persistent fetal circulation) are described (P. F. C. Syndrome). One infant had radiographically normal lungs, while ten had pulmonary parenchymal abnormalities including hyaline membrane disease [4], meconium aspiration syndrome [4], or an ill defined pattern of retained lung fluid [2]. The roentgenographic appearance of the lungs, however, was discordant with the severe hypoxemia observed in most. Heart size was variable but some degree of cardiomegaly was commonly present. Tolazoline, a potent vasodilator, was useful diagnostically and may have resulted in increased survival. An expanded clinical and roentgenographic concept of the PFC syndrome is suggested.Presented in part at The Annual Meeting of the Society for Pediatric Radiology, Atlanta, Georgia, September, 1975, and at the 13th Meeting of the European Society of Pediatric Radiology, Stockholm, Sweden, May 21, 1976     

Response to sirolimus in capillary lymphatic venous malformations and associated syndromes: Impact on symptomatology,quality of life,and radiographic response

Background

Capillary lymphatic venous malformations (CLVM) and associated syndromes, including Klippel–Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) and congenital lipomatous overgrowth, vascular malformation, epidermal nevi, skeletal, and spinal syndrome (CLOVES), are underrecognized disorders associated with high morbidity from chronic pain, recurrent infections, bleeding, and clotting complications. The rarity of these disorders and heterogeneity of clinical presentations make large-scale randomized clinical drug trials challenging. Identification of PIK3CA (phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha [gene]) mutations in CLVM has made targeted medications, such as sirolimus, attractive treatment options. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of sirolimus therapy in CLVM.

Procedure

A combined prospective and retrospective cohort of pediatric and young adult patients with CLVM treated with sirolimus was evaluated for disease response, including symptom improvement, quality of life (QOL), and radiologic response. Sirolimus dosing regimens and toxicities were also assessed.

Results

Twenty-nine patients with CLVM, including KTS and CLOVES, were included. Ninety-three percent of patients reported improved QOL, and 86% had improvement in at least one symptom. Most significantly, improvement was noted in 100% of patients with bleeding and 89% with thrombotic complications with corresponding decreases in mean D-dimer (p = .008) and increases in mean fibrinogen (p = .016). No patients had progressive disease on sirolimus. Most common side effects included neutropenia, lymphopenia, infection, and aphthous ulcers/stomatitis. No toxicities were life-threatening, and none required long-term discontinuation of sirolimus.

Conclusion

Sirolimus appears to be effective at reducing complications and improving QOL in patients with CLVM and associated syndromes. In this patient cohort, sirolimus was well tolerated and resulted in few treatment-related toxicities.     

Gap between awareness and practices regarding maternal and child health among women in an urban slum community

Objective  To investigate the knowledge of ever-married women regarding maternal and child health and to assess existing gap between awareness and practice levels of lactating mothers. Methods  Community based cross sectional study with 283 ever-married women in the reproductive age. Results  Low levels of awareness and practice of TT immunization (74.2% awareness, 58.1% practice), five-cleans (31.9% awareness and 14.4% practice), trained birth attendant (69.6% awareness 39.1% practice), and post-natal care (75.4% awareness and 51.0% practice) among lactating mothers. Knowledge regarding optimal infant and young child feeding practices was very poor: initiation of breast-feeding within six hours (17.4%), colostrum feeding (34.8%), exclusive breastfeeding (5.8%) and significant gaps between knowledge and practice were observed. Highly significant difference (P<0.001) between proportions of women aware of ICDS (59.4%) and of beneficiaries (21.7%). High levels of awareness regarding reproductive health parameters except for contraception: desire for two children (81.6%), legal ages at marriages for girls (84.5%), desired birth interval of three or more years (71.7%). Conclusion  Wide gaps exist between awareness and practices related with MCH due to non-adoption of knowledge into actual practice, except some selected components lacking in both knowledge as well as practice. Need for bridging the existing gaps avoiding socio-cultural barriers and misconceptions prevailing in the community and by promoting and protecting healthy MCH care practices.