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D Labadarios

Publications and source records attributed to D Labadarios.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

A population-based seroprevalence study in South Africa as a tool in the polio eradication initiative.

A seroprevalence study for poliomyelitis was carried out on a sample of sera from a serum bank used for a vitamin A study. Vaccination coverage was satisfactory (80% or more) in five of nine provinces, although a prevalence of antibody to polio of 80% or more was found in all provinces. Serologic immunity (i.e., the prevalence of neutralizing antibodies) exceeded vaccination coverage, suggesting secondary spread of vaccine virus. However, whether or not water was supplied through a piped system was not associated with secondary spread of vaccine virus to nonvaccinated children. Seroprevalence studies are a valuable adjunct to acute flaccid paralysis surveillance, which is the standard surveillance instrument for the poliomyelitis eradication initiative. The use of available and suitable serum banks for seroprevalence investigations is a relatively cheap monitoring option that can yield very valuable information for the eradication initiative.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed1997

Iron, folate and vitamin B12 status of an elderly South African population.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of anaemia and the haemopoietic nutrient status of older mixed ancestry (coloured) South Africans. DESIGN: A cross-sectional analytic study. SUBJECTS: A random sample of 200 non-institutionalized subjects aged > or = 65 y of age, resident in urban Cape Town, was drawn using a two-stage cluster design. METHODS: Trained fieldworkers interviewed subjects to obtain demographic and lifestyle data. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Fasting blood samples were drawn for the determination of haematological parameters, serum vitamin B12, serum folate, RBC folate and a full blood count. RESULTS: The prevalence of anaemia was 13.9. Eight of the 26 cases of anaemia (31) were associated with suboptimal haemopoietic nutrient status; 2(25) and 3(38) cases of these 8 anaemic subjects had suboptimal vitamin B12 and folate status, respectively. Iron deficiency anaemia accounted for 5(63) of the subjects with nutrition-related anaemia. Ten men and two women (6.5 of subjects) had raised serum ferritin concentrations, half of whom had abnormal biochemical parameters indicative of alcohol abuse. CONCLUSIONS: Older coloured South Africans, particularly women, should be encouraged to eat diets with a high nutrient density and to consume adequate amounts of foods high in iron, folate and vitamin B12. Further investigation regarding the high prevalence of hyperferritinaemia found in the men in this population is indicated.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

A rapid method of monitoring the acute phase response in a rat model.

The acute phase response (APR) is accompanied by major changes in micronutrient status. It is important to be able to quantitate the degree of APR, which can then be related to the accompanying alterations in micronutrient levels. A rapid and convenient means of achieving this, viz. the use of an animal model in which APR can be induced, would facilitate such an investigation. The aim of the present study was to establish, by means of a rat model, a rapid procedure to identify APR which is less time-consuming and less expensive than the more traditional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and radio-immunoassay. Blood was drawn immediately prior to, and at 24, 48, 72 and 96-hour intervals post-inducement of the acute phase. The serum was deproteinised and treated with a dye, Auramine O, which specifically binds the acute phase protein alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AAG), the latter remaining in solution after deproteinisation. The product formed is a fluorescent addition compound. With fluorescence spectrophotometry, levels of AAG were determined and the extent of APR monitored. A progressive and reproducible increase in AAG was observed, the highest fluorescence intensity recorded after 48 hours; this indicated a mean value (N = 5) of 9.4 mg/ml from zero at baseline. With a spiking approach, a mean AAG recovery of 96% was obtained. The validated methodology, less expensive and less time-consuming than existing procedures, which rapidly detects AAG in rat serum, provides a simple technique for monitoring the APR process in these animals.

Acute-Phase Reaction↗
PubMed1996

Vitamin D status of older South Africans.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the vitamin D status of older coloured' South Africans who had not sustained a fracture. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analytic study. METHODS: A random sample of 200 non-institutionalised subjects in Cape Town aged > or = 65 years was drawn using a two-stage cluster design. Trained fieldworkers interviewed subjects to obtain demographic, dietary and lifestyle data, to draw fasting blood samples for the analysis of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and other biochemical parameters, and to take anthropometric measurements. RESULTS: Seventeen per cent of the subjects (95% CI: 11.4-22.6%) had serum 25(OH)D levels in the deficient range for the elderly (< 10 ng/ml); 7.5% (95% CI: 3.6-11.4%) had concentrations in the moderately severe range of deficiency (< 8 ng/ml). Sixty-three per cent of the subjects had raised serum alkaline phosphatase concentrations. Regression modelling showed neither a sex difference in 25(OH)D levels nor a sex-age interaction; however, a negative association with age was found (r = -0.18; P < 0.05). Mean oral vitamin D intake was low (3.6 (SD = 2.7) micrograms and 2.8 (SD = 1.7) micrograms for men and women, respectively), but no association between dietary vitamin D intake and serum 25(OH)D was found. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of suboptimal vitamin D status was high. However, the interpretation of the data, with regard to bone health, is limited by the cross-sectional design of the study. Further investigation is required to determine the potential benefits of intervention in this age group.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1995

The nutritional status and treatment of patients with hyperemesis gravidarum.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status of patients with hyperemesis gravidarum and the effect of a treatment regimen administered during hospitalization. STUDY DESIGN: This was a descriptive, controlled study of 20 patients with hyperemesis gravidarum whose nutritional status was assessed and compared with that of 20 pregnant, nonvomiting matched controls. Blood nutrient status was reassessed after 10 days of treatment with an intravenous saline solution containing a multivitamin preparation and again at day 20. RESULTS: Mean dietary intake of most nutrients fell below 50% of the recommended dietary allowances and differed significantly (p < 0.01) from that of controls. More than 60% of the patients had suboptimal biochemical status of thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6, vitamin A, and retinol-binding protein. Vitamin C, calcium, albumin, hematocrit, and hemoglobin values were significantly higher in those patients where the duration of vomiting had been longer, suggesting the presence of dehydration. Treatment was associated with cessation of vomiting and improvement in blood nutrient status. Pregnancy outcome was favorable in all patients. CONCLUSION: The hyperemetic pregnant patient is at nutritional risk; prompt initiation of corrective therapy is recommended.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Failure to thrive and its relationship to serum vitamin A levels and diet.

Serum vitamin A and retinol-binding protein (RBP) levels were determined in a group of 34 children between 1 and 4 years of age with failure to thrive and in 34 age- and sex-matched controls. Both groups of children were also assessed in respect of anthropometry and diet. Vitamin A levels in patients (0-32.2 micrograms/100 ml; median 16.9 micrograms/100 ml) did not differ significantly from controls (6.4-47.2 micrograms/100 ml; median 16.1 micrograms/100ml). Fourteen patients (42%) and 4 controls (12%) had vitamin A levels below 10 micrograms/100 ml. RBP levels in patients (0.45-3.50 mg/100 ml; median 2.17 mg/100 ml) also did not differ significantly from those in controls (1.21-3.66 mg/100 ml; median 2.06 mg/100 ml). No clinical features of vitamin A deficiency were detected. Weight and height for age, weight for height, mid-upper arm circumference and head circumference differed significantly between patients and controls (P < 0.0001 in each instance). Although within the recommendations for intake, patients had a significantly lower intake of the essential fatty acid C 18:2 (N = 6) (linoleic acid) and vitamin A. In view of the current proposed relationship between vitamin A status and infectious diseases, the prevalence of biochemical vitamin A deficiency in children in the Cape Town community studied may contribute to the morbidity and mortality associated with infectious diseases in the area to a greater degree than has been suspected.

Body Height↗