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Biomedical subjects

C Barbera

Publications and source records attributed to C Barbera.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1983

HLA-DR3 and DR7 in coeliac disease: immunogenetic and clinical aspects.

The association of HLA-A,B,C, DR polymorphisms and of Bf and GLO with coeliac disease was analysed in 100 Italian children. Primary involvement of HLA-DR3 and DR7 is apparent, while specificities of nearby loci are probably associated secondarily, because of linkage disequilibrium. Direct assessment of D/DR genotype through family studies and mixed lymphocyte cultures led to the recognition of two high risk genotypes DR3/3 and DR3/7, and of two lower risk genotypes DR3/X and DR7/X. The different weight of the HLA-dependent genetic factors is to some extent correlated with the clinical and immunological parameters, suggesting that the low-risk genotypes induce a milder expression of coeliac disease. Furthermore, other genetic factors, such as sex, appear to contribute to the penetrance of the disease, especially in the case of DR3/X and DR7/X.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1981

Serum immunoglobulins in homozygous beta-thalassemia.

IgG, IgA and IgM levels were studied in 187 homozygous beta-thalassemic patients and compared with age-matched normal control subjects. The not yet transfused and the polytransfused nonsplenectomized patients showed a significant increase of all Ig classes. The polytransfused splenectomized patients showed a significant increase only of IgG and IgA. The splenectomized patients, when compared to the nonsplenectomized ones, showed a significant increase of IgG, of IgA in the elder ones and a significant reduction of IgM. High ASLO and ASFLO titers were found especially in the splenectomized patients. The high Ig levels in younger not yet transfused patients, with little iron storage and normal hepatic enzyme values, demonstrate that transfusion therapy and liver damage do not play a main role in hypergammaglobulinemia. The absence of antimitochondrial, anticonnective tissue and homogeneous antinuclear antibodies seems to exclude a deficient suppressor mechanism. The hemocatheteric "overworking' of RES may reduce the antigen clearance with a consequent increase of antibody response. Splenectomy, by removing a consistent part of RES, enhances the phenomenon.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

Two HLA-D and DR alleles are associated with coeliac disease.

A group of 45 children affected with Coeliac Disease (CD) was typed for HLA-A, B, C, D, and DR specificities. The most significant associations were found with two alleles of the D series, with both cellular and serological typing. It is suggested that the susceptibility to CD is determined by two different genes within the HLA region, the first in common with organ-specific autoimmune diseases and associated with DW3, the second possibly specific for CD and associated with Dw7.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1978

Incidence and significance of different types of connective tissue antibodies in adult and pediatric gastroenterological disorders.

The incidence of connective tissue antibodies was assessed in 3,000 adults and in 388 pediatric patients with gastroenterological disorders. Following a previous classification, connective tissue antibodies were distinguished in 5 different types, R1 and R2 reacting with reticulin components, KC with Kupffer cells, AC and Rs with intra- and extracellular mesenchymal antigens. R1 predominated in children and was observed only in patients with malabsorption; the great majority of them had celiac disease and an abnormal small bowel mucosa. Ac was rarely seen in children and occurred in several unrelated gastrointestinal diseases of the adult; its incidence, however, was significantly higher in disorders with idiopathic and secondary malabsorption. R2, KC and Rs were seen only occasionally in unrelated gastroenterological disorders without malabsorption. R1, therefore, seems to be strongly suggestive of a malabsorption syndrome with abnormal small bowel mucosa and AC is a nonspecific reaction occuring predominantly in primary and secondary malabsorption; the other connective tissue antibodies have no clinical significance in gastroenterological disorders.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Isolated liver transplantation in an infant with ultrashort gut.

Intestinal function in children with very short bowel syndrome and related intestinal failure may improve after isolated liver transplantation. An infant with an ultrashort gut, ileo-cecal valve, and whole colon received total parenteral nutrition from the first days of life. Enteral feeding failed because of the progressive dilatation of the jejunal portion and motility disorders. He developed early severe cholestatic liver disease (aspartate transferase 186, alanine transferase 103 U/L, serum bilirubin 8.4 mg/dL) and subsequent liver failure. At 8 months of age, he benefited from isolated liver transplantation (left segment graft from living donor). His early posttransplant evolution was characterized by recovery of oral alimentation, improvement of digestive and absorption functions, but he did not achieve TPN-independence. At 20 months, 50% to 60% of his energy needs were covered by parenteral nutrition and he has satisfactory growth indices (3rd percentile for weight and height), reduced stool volume, and frequency. Isolated liver transplantation allowed, in this particular case, time for further intestinal adaptation thereby avoiding the need for intestinal transplantation early in life.

Digestion↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Liver transplant in children. II].

The family physician has a central role in preparing patients for transplantation and in the follow up. In the preoperative period adequate nutritional, vitamin intake and vaccinations are the mainstay of medical therapy. Pretransplant evaluation in a Liver Transplantation Centre is an essential part of the procedure, permitting an assessment of candidate's suitability and their position on the emergency list. During or immediately after the operation immunosuppression starts, according to personalized schedules and protocols. Among various complications, rejection must be promptly identified and treated. Resumption of a normal life style is the best indicator of a successful transplantation.

Adolescent↗