Failure of inactivated influenza A vaccine to protect healthy children aged 6−24 months

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of inactivated influenza vaccine in healthy infants and children younger than 24 months has not been confirmed. The aim of the present study was to determine the prophylactic effect of inactivated influenza vaccine against influenza A in healthy children aged 6-24 months. METHODS: Healthy infants and young children (6-24 months old) were immunized by subcutaneous injection of inactivated influenza vaccine before influenza seasons. Age matched children were randomly assigned as the control. These children were followed up from January to April in each year (2000, 2001 and 2002). The attack rates of influenza A infection was compared and statistically assessed. RESULTS: The attack rate of influenza A virus infection in the vaccine group and the control group were 14.8% (n = 27) vs 12.5% (n = 32) in 2000 (P = 0.526); 2.8% (n = 72) vs 7.2% (n = 69) in 2001 (P = 0.203); and 3.4% (n = 52) vs 8.9% (n = 56) in 2002 (P = 0.205). The attack rates of influenza A between the two groups were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Inactivated influenza vaccine did not reduce the attack rate of influenza A infection in 6-24 month old children.     

Uptake of99mTc-tetrofosmin,99mTc-MIBI and201TI in malignant thymoma

99mTc-tetrofosmin, Thallium-201-chloride (201Tl) and 99mTc-MIBI imagings were performed in a patient with malignant thymoma. Tracer uptake in the primary tumor was demonstrated. The tumor-to-background ratios of planar and SPECT imagings were 1.60 and 1.98 for 99mTc-tetrofosmin, 1.12 and 2.09 for 201Tl, and 1.19 and 1.80 for 99mTc-MIBI, respectively. In another patient 99mTc-tetrofosmin and 201Tl imagings were performed. Not only the primary tumor but also the direct invasions and metastatic lesions (bone metastases) were clearly detected. The tumor-to-background ratios of planar and SPECT imagings were 2.31 and 2.78 for 99mTc-tetrofosmin and 2.45 and 3.58 for 201Tl, respectively. In 99mTc-tetrofosmin scintigraphy we acquired delayed images, and the tumor-to-background ratios of planar and SPECT delayed images were 1.20 and 1.86, the retention ratios were -1.11 and -0.92 and the retention indices were -48.1 and -33.1, respectively. Our preliminary results suggest that 99mTc-tetrofosmin is useful in detecting not only the primary tumor but also metastatic lesions from malignant thymoma.     

A case of recurrent cholangitis after bile duct injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Value of scintigraphy with Tc-99m GSA and hepatobiliary scintigraphy for indication of lobectomy

A 39-year-old woman with acute cholecystitis and gallstones underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. She suffered from recurrent episodes of cholangitis due to injury of the major bile ducts during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Hepatobiliary scintigraphy with Tc-99m Sn-N-pyridoxyl-5-methyltryptophan was performed. Although normal bile excretion was found from the left hepatic duct to the percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) tube, excretion from the right hepatic lobe was prolonged. Scintigraphy with Tc-99m diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-galactosyl human serum albumin demonstrated atrophy of the right hepatic lobe and enlargement of the left hepatic lobe. Cholangiography via the PTBD tube revealed complete obstruction of the left hepatico-jejunal anastomosis and could not enhance the right intrahepatic bile duct. A right hepatic lobectomy was performed because of the atrophy, glissonitis and the absence of an appropriate bile duct for reconstruction. Postoperatively she was active and exhibited no evidence of recurrent cholangitis.     

Efficacy of Epinastine Hydrochloride for Antigen-Provoked Nasal Symptoms in Subjects with Orchard Grass Pollinosis

BackgroundAmong the gramineae species, orchard grass is a typical causative pollen that provokes seasonal rhinitis. The purpose of this study was to examine the protective efficacy of epinastine hydrochloride for signs and symptoms caused by repeated nasal provocation with discs containing orchard grass pollen.MethodsA single-dose, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover clinical study was conducted in subjects with orchard grass pollinosis. The pollen challenge was conducted with the use of provocation discs containing orchard grass pollen.ResultsEpinastine hydrochloride suppressed nasal symptoms caused by nasal provocation tests using orchard grass pollen discs. Among the nasal symptoms, the number of sneezing was significantly inhibited 30 minutes and 60 minutes after the administration of epinastine hydrochloride, as compared with placebo. There were no adverse reactions to the study drugs.ConclusionsOur results suggest that nasal provocation tests with discs containing orchard grass pollen is a useful method for evaluating the onset of action of antiallergic drugs. As compared with placebo, epinastine hydrochloride decreased early-phase sneezing and the total nasal symptom score after repeated nasal provocations with orchard grass pollen discs.     

Acute Pancreatitis and Cholecystitis Associated with Postpartum HELLP Syndrome: A Case and Review

We report a case of preeclampsia associated with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome and concomitant nonbiliary acute pancreatitis and cholecystitis in the first postpartum day. A thorough investigation ruled out known etiologies of both pancreatitis and cholecystitis. Following conservative treatment, the patient's HELLP syndrome, pancreatitis, and cholecystitis resolved on the third postpartum day. Preeclampsia is associated with microvascular abnormalities that may involve the splanchnic circulation. These abnormalities may cause not only HELLP syndrome but also pancreatitis and cholecystitis. Recognizing that ischemia can damage not only the liver but also the pancreas and gallbladder, could result in improvements in the diagnosis and management of pancreatitis in patients with preeclampsia.     

Comparison of manual and digital microvascular density counting of RECK expression in glioma

A microvascular density (MVD) counting method for reversion‐inducing cysteine‐rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) expression, using a digital image analysis tool, has advantages over manual counting by microscope. Thirty glioma cases with RECK staining were photographed at a magnification of 200× high power field and the photographs in RGB images were analyzed, and stained vessels were captured and were counted automatically. MVD with RECK expression using a digital image analysis tool showed comparable results to those of the manual method. RECK intensity expression could show linear correlation with grades of glioma by the digital method, which was superior compared to the manual method. The present method is recommended to researchers undertaking MVD study for glioma.