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Biomedical subjects

A Paerregaard

Publications and source records attributed to A Paerregaard.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) response to enteral intake in children during anti-cancer treatment.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal dysfunction is frequent in cancer and during anti-cancer treatment. Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) is secreted in a nutrition-dependent manner from the intestinal enteroendocrine L-cells. It accelerates crypt cell proliferation and nutrient absorption, inhibits enterocyte apoptosis and decreases mucosal permeability. Lack of GLP-2 may increase the risk of malabsorption and intestinal bacterial translocation. The aim of this study is to evaluate meal stimulated secretion of GLP-2 in children with cancer undergoing anti-cancer treatment. METHODS: Plasma-GLP-2 analysis after an overnight fast and 1 hour after intake of a mixed test meal. Data on gastrointestinal toxicity, blood neutrophile counts and food records were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Forty-four meal stimulation tests were performed in 25 children (median age, 6.0 years; range, 2.5-19) during anti-cancer treatment. Median GI toxicity score was 5 (range, 0-15), and mean energy intake was 62.4% of recommended values. P-GLP-2 values increased from mean (SD) 38 (18) to 63 (51) pmol/l (P < 0.0001). Twelve of the meal stimulation tests (28%) resulted in a p-GLP-2 increase >2 fold, which is assumed to be the lower limit of normal values. The increase was strongly dependent on the energy intake (r = 0.62, P < 0.0001), while toxicity score and neutrophile count had no significant influence (multiple regression). CONCLUSION: In children treated with anti-cancer therapy, GLP-2 secretion seems to be normal if the enteral energy intake is sufficient. Insufficient GLP-2 secretion could influence the gastrointestinal problems seen in the children with a low enteral energy intake.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Case study of the distribution of mucosa-associated Bifidobacterium species, Lactobacillus species, and other lactic acid bacteria in the human colon.

The distribution of mucosa-associated bacteria, bifidobacteria and lactobacilli and closely related lactic acid bacteria, in biopsy samples from the ascending, transverse, and descending parts of the colon from four individuals was investigated by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Bifidobacterial genus-specific, Lactobacillus group-specific, and universal bacterial primers were used in a nested PCR approach to amplify a fragment of the 16S rRNA gene. DGGE profiles of the bifidobacterial community were relatively simple, with one or two amplicons detected at most sampling sites in the colon. DGGE profiles obtained with Lactobacillus group-specific primers were complex and varied with host and sampling site in the colon. The overall bacterial community varied with host but not sampling site.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Treatment of Helicobacter pylori in children with recurrent abdominal pain.

BACKGROUND: The role of Helicobacter pylori remains unclear in children with recurrent abdominal pain (RAP). In this study children with RAP were included in a double blind treatment study to elucidate whether symptoms disappear in children with a H. pylori infection and RAP, if the bacteria are eradicated. METHODS: Thirty-seven H. pylori-infected children aged 4.9-14.5 years (median 9.8 years) with RAP were included. H. pylori was identified by histology and culture. The children were treated with amoxicillin and metronidazole for 14 days. A re-endoscopy including biopsies for histology and culture was done at least one month after the end of treatment. Simple questions for symptoms were asked and blood for serology was repeated 3 and 6 months after the end of treatment. During the observation period the results of the re-endoscopy and the serology 3 and 6 months after the re-endoscopy were blinded for 23 patients and opened to 14 of the patients according to the choice of the families. RESULTS: The eradication rates were 81% (30/37) in the total group and 74% (17/23) in the blinded group. The IgG antibodies to H. pylori decreased significantly 3 (p =.03) as well as 6 months after end of treatment (p <.001) in children with successful eradication. The number of children with RAP decreased after examination and treatment and the well-being improved after 6 months in almost 95% of the children. However, no correlation was seen between eradication of H. pylori and disappearance of RAP, neither after 3 nor after 6 months' observation in the total group of patients (p =.94 and p =.90) or in the blinded group (p =.42 and p =.65). CONCLUSIONS: These results do not provide evidence for a causal relationship between RAP and H. pylori.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed2000

[Treatment of severe acute disseminated encephalomyelitis with intravenous immunoglobulin].

A three year-old boy with severe acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) responding dramatically to treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) 1 g/kg/day is described. Initial treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone 2 mg/kg/day had failed. This and two earlier case reports indicate that IVIG might be efficient in the treatment of ADEM, and we believe that its use should be considered, at least in cases of severe ADEM with insufficient treatment effect of steroids. A synergistic effect of treatment with steroids and IVIG in ADEM is possible.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2000

[Meckel's diverticulum. From embryology to therapy].

Meckel's diverticulum (MD), an remnant of the omphalomesenteric duct, is the most common congenital abnormality of the small bowel. The aim of this paper is to give a review of MD, from embryology to diagnosis, complications and treatment.

Humans↗
PubMed2000

Regression of HIV-associated progressive encephalopathy of childhood during HAART.

HIV-associated progressive encephalopathy of childhood is characterized by impaired brain growth, decline in cognitive and neurobehavioral performances, and progressive motoric dysfunction The diagnosis is based on neurological examination, neuropsychological assessment and cerebral CT or MR imaging. While the importance of early use of antiretroviral combination therapy has been emphasized, limited data exist as to the effect of protease inhibitors in children with HIV-associated encephalopathy. We describe the effect of 3-drug antiretroviral combination therapy, including the protease inhibitor nelfinavir, in a 7-y-old girl with vertically acquired HIV infection and late onset progressive encephalopathy.

AIDS Dementia Complex↗
PubMed1999

[Occurrence of tuberculosis among children in the area of Copenhagen 1984-1993].

This study was undertaken to describe the epidemiology, clinical manifestations and prognosis of childhood tuberculosis in Copenhagen, with special attention to differences between Danish children and children of foreign origin. Medical records for all children with tuberculosis cared for in the hospitals of the Copenhagen area 1984-1993 were reviewed. Sixty-six patients were identified. Sixteen of 20 Danish patients (80%) and 67% of foreign children had respiratory tuberculosis. Tuberculosis located in cervical lymph nodes was found only in children of foreign origin. Five patients had meningitis. The high incidence among foreign children reflects the incidence in their home countries, but poorer living conditions among ethnic minorities in Denmark may facilitate transmission of tuberculosis. Severe manifestations of tuberculosis still occur, even in a low incidence country.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[Acute transverse myelitis caused by enterovirus].

Enteroviruses comprise a group of commonly encountered small RNA viruses with genetic similarities. We report a case of transverse myelitis associated with an enterovirus infection. By use of PCR, enterovirus-specific RNA sequences were detected in the cerebrospinal fluid and in swabs from the throat and the rectum at the time of admission. Routine cultures and serology gave no other explanation for the clinical condition. The patient was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and steroids and improved gradually. She was fully recovered 18 months after onset of disease.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1999

Screening of probiotic activities of forty-seven strains of Lactobacillus spp. by in vitro techniques and evaluation of the colonization ability of five selected strains in humans.

The probiotic potential of 47 selected strains of Lactobacillus spp. was investigated. The strains were examined for resistance to pH 2.5 and 0.3% oxgall, adhesion to Caco-2 cells, and antimicrobial activities against enteric pathogenic bacteria in model systems. From the results obtained in vitro, five strains, Lactobacillus rhamnosus 19070-2, L. reuteri DSM 12246, L. rhamnosus LGG, L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis CHCC 2329, and L. casei subsp. alactus CHCC 3137, were selected for in vivo studies. The daily consumption by 12 healthy volunteers of two doses of 10(10) freeze-dried bacteria of the selected strains for 18 days was followed by a washout period of 17 days. Fecal samples were taken at days 0 and 18 and during the washout period at days 5 and 11. Lactobacillus isolates were initially identified by API 50CHL and internal transcribed spacer PCR, and their identities were confirmed by restriction enzyme analysis in combination with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Among the tested strains, L. rhamnosus 19070-2, L. reuteri DSM 12246, and L. rhamnosus LGG were identified most frequently in fecal samples; they were found in 10, 8, and 7 of the 12 samples tested during the intervention period, respectively, whereas reisolations were less frequent in the washout period. The bacteria were reisolated in concentrations from 10(5) to 10(8) cells/g of feces. Survival and reisolation of the bacteria in vivo appeared to be linked to pH tolerance, adhesion, and antimicrobial properties in vitro.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1998

Treatment with ciprofloxacin in children with typhoid fever.

We investigated the use, treatment results and safety of ciprofloxacin in the treatment of childhood typhoid and paratyphoid infections in an industrialized country. The study was retrospective, and the material consisted of children admitted to Hvidovre or Glostrup University Hospitals from 1991 to 1995, and treated with ciprofloxacin for a culture proven diagnosis of typhoid fever. 21 children were included, 18 had positive cultures for Salmonella typhi and 3 had positive cultures for S. paratyphi A. All isolates were fully susceptible to ciprofloxacin. The median duration of treatment was 10 d, median oral dose was 24 mg/kg/d and the median intravenous dose was 15 mg/kg/d. Within 4 d after start of treatment all subjects had a normal body temperature. No subjects had clinical or microbiological relapse and all stool cultures after end of treatment were negative. Adverse events were rare, but in 2 children a transient limb/ataxia or a period of confusion were recorded. Both children recovered within a few days without sequelae. We conclude that ciprofloxacin was effective and well tolerated for treatment of typhoid fever in children. The few adverse events that were recorded left no permanent sequelae, and were likely to be caused by the disease itself.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Childhood tuberculosis in a Scandinavian metropolitan area 1984-93.

This study was undertaken to describe the epidemiology, clinical manifestations and prognosis of childhood tuberculosis in Copenhagen, with special attention to differences between Danish children and children of foreign origin. From 1984-93, 66 children, aged 0-14 years, in the Copenhagen area were notified for tuberculosis. More than two-thirds of the children of foreign origin, including 5 patients from Greenland, who were transferred to Denmark for treatment. A close adult contact with contagious tuberculosis was identified in only a few patients born to foreign parents, but more than one-third had travelled to their homeland within 1 y prior to diagnosis. 48 patients (73%) were reported to have only respiratory tuberculosis. Tuberculosis located in cervical lymph glands was the most frequent nonrespiratory manifestation, but was found only in children of foreign origin. Five patients had meningitis. The high incidence among foreign children reflects the incidence in their home countries, but poorer and more crowded living conditions among ethnic minorities in Denmark may also facilitate transmission of tuberculosis. Severe manifestations of tuberculosis still occur, even in a low incidence country.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

The prevalence and related symptomatology of Helicobacter pylori in children with recurrent abdominal pain.

The aim of the study was to assess and compare the IgG seroprevalence of H. pylori in children with recurrent abdominal pain with healthy children and to investigate the related symptoms. IgG antibodies against low-molecular weight H. pylori antigens were assessed in 438 children with recurrent abdominal pain and in 91 healthy controls. Sera with an ELISA unit-value above the cut-off level were confirmed by Western immunoblot. Only seropositive children with recurrent abdominal pain were examined by an oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy. Symptomatology was recorded according to the localization of the abdominal pain, presence of pyrosis, nocturnal pain, relation of pain to meals and bowel irregularities. The seroprevalence was 21% (95% CI: 17-25%) in the children with recurrent abdominal pain and 10% (95% CI: 5-18%) in the healthy controls (p = 0.30). In seropositive children with RAP H. pylori was found in 46/66 by culture and histology. The presence of H. pylori was significantly associated with active or inactive chronic gastritis. The presence of H. pylori was associated with both parents being born in a country with a high prevalence and a low social class. Helicobacter pylori-positive children had more often pain related to meals than the H. pylori-negative children. No differences among the two groups were seen according to the levels of haemoglobin, leucocytes, thrombocytes, weight and height. In conclusion, the seroprevalence of H. pylori is comparable in children with recurrent abdominal pain and healthy children. No specific symptomatology was seen in H. pylori-positive children with RAP.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed1997

[Long-term prognosis in febrile convulsions with and without prophylaxis].

This is a long-term follow-up of occurrence of epilepsy, neurological, motor, intellectual, cognitive, and scholastic achievements in a cohort of children with febrile convulsions (n = 289), randomized in early childhood to either intermittent prophylaxis (diazepam at fever) or no prophylaxis (diazepam at seizures). At follow-up the two groups were of almost identical age (14.0 vs. 14.1 years), body weight (58.2 vs. 57.2 kg), height (168.2 vs. 167.7 cm) and head circumference (55.9 vs. 56.2 cm). The neurological examination, fine and gross motor development on Stott motor test, intellectual performance on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children verbal IQ (105 vs. 105), performance IQ (114 vs. 111) and full scale IQ (110 vs. 108). cognitive abilities on an neuropsychological test battery, including short and long term, auditory and visual memory, visuomotor tempo, computer reaction time, reading test, scholastic achievements and the occurrence of subsequent epilepsy were also very similar. Children with simple and complex febrile convulsions had the same benign outcome. The long term prognosis in terms of subsequent epilepsy, neurological, motor, intellectual, cognitive, and scholastic ability was not influenced by the type of treatment applied in early childhood. Preventing new febrile convulsions appears no better in the long run than abbreviating them.

Anticonvulsants↗