Morbidity and physical development of children's homes residents

The data on morbidity and physical development of 647 children of preschool age from six children's homes of general type are provided. It was found that with age the number of children who come under I and II groups of health is decreasing and those who come under III and IV groups of health are increasing in number. The indices of physical development of these children are below the regional standards. On the average the physical development of these children is delayed approximately by one year. Health-promoting activities for children raised in children's preschool homes should include the follow-up by specialists, the optimization of general and motor regimen, proper nutrition.     

Acquired C1-esterase inhibitor deficiency: Three case reports and commentary on the syndrome

Acquired C1-esterase inhibitor deficiency is a rare syndrome which usually presents with episodes of angioedema. Most patients have an underlying lymphoproliferative disorder. It is important to gastroenterologists, haematologists, immunologists and dermatologists, as these are the more likely specialties to which the patient will present. Recognition of the syndrome is important not only for diagnostic purposes but for investigating and treating any associated underlying lymphoproliferative disorders. In some instances the angioedema may precede the lymphoma by many years. Optimal patient management requires that both angioedema and the underlying lymphoma be recognized and treated.     

A prospective study of symptomatic bacteremia following platelet transfusion and of its management

BACKGROUND: The danger of bacteremia due to contaminated platelets is not well known. There are also no established guidelines for the management of febrile reactions after platelet transfusion. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: To determine the risk of symptomatic bacteremia after platelet transfusion, 3584 platelet transfusions given to 161 patients after bone marrow transplantation were prospectively studied. Platelet bags were routinely refrigerated for 24 hours after transfusion. Septic work-up was initiated for a temperature rise of more than 2 degrees C above the pretransfusion value within 24 hours of platelet transfusion or a temperature rise of more than 1 degree C that was associated with chills and rigor. Diagnosis of bacteremia after platelet transfusion was made only when the pairs of isolates from the blood and the platelet bags were identical with respect to their biochemical profile, antibiotic sensitivity, serotyping, or ribotyping. RESULTS: Thirty-seven febrile reactions, as defined above, occurred. Bacteremia subsequent to platelet transfusion was diagnosed in 10 cases. There was a 27-percent chance (95% CI, 15–43%) that these febrile reactions represented bacteremia that resulted from platelet transfusion. For a subgroup of 19 patients with a temperature rise of more than 2 degrees C, the risk of bacteremia was 42 percent (95% CI, 23–64%). Septic shock occurred in 4 of the 10 bacteremic patients. A rapid diagnosis was possible because the involved bacteria were demonstrated by direct Gram stain of the samples taken from the platelet bags of all 10 patients. CONCLUSION: Significant febrile reactions after platelet transfusion are highly likely to be indicative of bacteremia. Routine retention of platelet bags for subsequent microbiologic study was useful in the investigation of these febrile reactions. Empiric antibiotic therapy is indicated.     

Comparative ecologic study of microbial biocenosis of the lettuce rhizosphere under various conditions of cultivation

The qualitative and quantitative composition of microorganisms occurring in the rhizosphere of lettuce plants grown in a Svet hot-house on the Balcanin substrate using humates, canned and silvered water was investigated. Microbiological experiments were carried out during a 300-day study within which 5 plant vegetations took place. In the course of a long-term use of the substrate. Gram-negative bacteria became inhibited, streptomycetes abundant and Penicillium and Trichoderma perdominant. The granulometric composition of the substrate and different photoperiods influenced rhizosphere microorganisms without changing substrate microorganisms. It can be concluded that humates and canned water help maintain microbiological activity of the plant rhizosphere which allows a longer-term use of the Balcanin substrate for plant cultivation in the Svet hot-house.