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Biomedical subjects

G Lis

Publications and source records attributed to G Lis.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Montelukast in treatment mild chronic asthma].

UNLABELLED: The efficacy of montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, in treatment of mild asthma was evaluated. METHODS: Thirty children aged 6 to 14 years with mild persistent asthma (asthma history more than 12 months and > or = 15% FEV1 improvement after inhaled beta 2-agonist in the past, good control of asthma with inhaled cromolyn or budesonide in the last three months) were enrolled. The study included three periods (2 week's each): washout, placebo, and montelukast. Asthma symptoms score (range 0-5) and PEF were estimated twice daily by children. Spirometric parameters FEV1 and MEF50 were measured during three consecutive visits: on the day of study inclusion, on the last day of the placebo and montelukast period. RESULTS: The mean value of asthma symptoms score was significantly lower during the montelukast period in comparison with placebo (p = 0.038). The mean PEF values were significantly higher during the montelukast vs. placebo period (p = 0.0091). Moreover, in the montelukast period, the mean PEF values in the second week were significantly higher than those in the first week (p = 0.003). The mean FEV1 predictive value in the last day of the montelukast period was higher, though not significantly, than on the day of study inclusion and on the last day of the placebo period. A similar change in mean MEF50 values was observed. CONCLUSION: In children aged 6-14 years with mild persistent asthma, montelukast treatment significantly diminishes asthma symptoms and increases mean PEF values comparing to placebo.

Acetates↗

[Molecular studies in a population of children with bronchial asthma. I. Polymorphism in the promotor region of gene CD14].

UNLABELLED: Allergic asthma is associated with the recruitment of the inflammatory cells into the bronchial mucosa. Surface expression of CD14, a marker of activation and differentiation of macrophages/monocytes, was suggested to protect against Th-2 response. OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinical effects of genetic polymorphism of CD14 promoter in asthmatic children. METHODS: In ISAAC survey, 50 children with asthma were identified (wheezing in the last year, serum IgE level > 150 kIU/l, positive bronchial challenge test with aerolized hypertonic saline) and 73 children without the above signs. Age range of surveyed children was 13-14 years. Genotypic pattern of CD14 promoter -159 C to T transition was assessed by RFLP method. RESULTS: There was no difference in the allelic (0.36 vs. 0.38 for -159T) or genotype frequencies (0.12 vs. 0.15 for -159TT) of CD14 polymorphism between allergic asthmatics and controls. Moreover, there was no relationship between CD14 genotype and serum IgE level or bronchial hyper-responsiveness. CONCLUSION: Our results do not confirm the association of CD14 polymorphism (promoter -159 C to T transition) with asthma in Polish children.

Adolescent↗

[Sensitization to common airborne allergens in school children with bronchial asthma].

The main purpose of the paper was to assess the prevalence of atopy in the population of preadolescent children in Krakow on the basis of allergic skin testing to airborne allergens and to look into the relationship between atopy and chronic asthma-like respiratory symptoms. The field study was carried out in 1998 among 311 children being the subgroup of the cohort of 1044 children included in the 3-year follow-up in Krakow. The health assessment accounted for the standardised interviews and skin prick testing to 11 common airborne allergens. In the total, the positive allergic reaction at least to only one allergen was found in 32.5% children, and it was more prevalent in boys than in girls (40.4% vs 28.1%). Allergy only to indoor allergens was present in 9.7% children, allergy only to outdoor allergens in 9.7%, and allergy both to outdoor and indoor allergens was confirmed in 13% persons. Most frequently, allergy was established to house mites: Dermatophagoides pter. (16.2%), Dermatophagoides farinae (12.0%) and to cat dander (11.4%). Asthma-like symptoms occurred in 11.0% of children and asthma diagnosed by physician in 7.8% of the sample under the study. The results of this study proved that the prevalence of asthma was about twice so high in boys than in girls. The risk of asthma-like symptoms and/or asthma diagnosed by physician increased significantly with the number of positive allergic tests to airborne allergens (OR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.11-1.52) and atopy in mother (OR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.03-3.37).

Air Pollutants↗

Alveolar macrophages of children suffering from recurrent infections of respiratory tract are less efficient in eliminating apoptotic neutrophils.

During bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, neutrophils (PMN) are recruited to the lung by various mechanisms, including production of interleukin-8 (IL-8) by alveolar macrophages (AM). After fulfilling their defense function, PMN become apoptotic and have to be disposed of by AM to prevent local damage to the lung tissue by oxygen species and proteolytic enzymes. We measured the levels of IL-8 in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and the ability of AM to engulf senescent PMN in a groups of children with and without recurrent infections of the respiratory tract. The IL-8 level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The phagocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils was evaluated microscopically by the presence of myeloperoxidase positive material in AM before and after 1 h of incubation with senescent PMN. The data show that children suffering from recurrent infections have increased IL-8 in BAL and that their AM have a lower ability to engulf apoptotic PMN in vitro. Furthermore, the proportion of annexin V-binding cells was higher in BAL of children with recurrent infections of the respiratory tract than in normal controls.

Adolescent↗

Response-dose ratio as an index of bronchial responsiveness to hypertonic saline challenge in an epidemiological survey of asthma in Polish children.

This epidemiological survey was done to evaluate the bronchial responsiveness (BHR) to a 4.5% hypertonic saline (HS) challenge in 13-14 year-old schoolchildren. BHR was measured by the response-dose ratio in which the response was estimated by the decline of FEV1 index of BHR (IxFEV1). Validity of the HS challenge test as a screening test for confirmation of reported asthma symptoms and the diagnosis of asthma was assessed. With a cutoff of 90th percentile of IxFEV1 in controls, the test sensitivity and specificity for asthma symptoms in the last 12 months was 44% and 90%, respectively. For the diagnosis of asthma the test sensitivity was 67% and specificity 90%. The mean log transform of IxFEV1 was significantly higher in children with more than three episodes of wheezing in the last 12 months and a diagnosis of asthma than in controls. Moreover, in the group with more than three episodes of asthma in the last 12 months the mean IxFEV1 was higher in girls than in boys. There was no gender difference in other groups of asthmatic children and controls. In Polish schoolchildren the prevalence of BHR to HS was 12.5% when adjusted to the prevalence of wheezing in the last 12 months. By multiple linear regression analysis, factors associated with BHR were serum levels of total IgE in children and of maternal IgE, as well as children's peripheral blood eosinophil counts. Also, the size of skin reaction to mite and dog allergens correlated with BHR.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Prevalence of childhood asthma, rhinitis and eczema in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe.

There is evidence that the prevalence of allergies and asthma differs between populations in western and eastern Europe. This study investigated the prevalence of wheezing, rhinitis and eczema among schoolchildren in urban and rural areas of Scandinavia and the formerly socialist countries of Eastern Europe. A total of 79,000 children from two age groups (13-14 yrs and 6-7 yrs) in 18 study centres responded to a questionnaire within the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Children (ISAAC). The 12 month period prevalence of symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and atopic eczema was calculated. The prevalence of wheezing among the 13-14 yr old children was 11.2-19.7% in Finland and Sweden, 7.6-8.5% in Estonia, Latvia and Poland and 2.6-5.9% in Albania, Romania, Russia, Georgia and Uzbekistan (except Samarkand). The prevalence of itching eyes and flexural dermatitis varied in a similar manner between the three regions. The regional differences were less pronounced among the 6-7 yr old children in the seven participating centres. The highest prevalence of rhinitis was recorded in April-July in Scandinavia and during the winter months in the other countries. The prevalence of atopy-related disorders was higher in Scandinavia than in Estonia, Latvia and Poland, which in turn had a higher prevalence than five other countries of eastern Europe with a culture less similar to western Europe. This supports the hypothesis that "Western life style" is associated with a high prevalence of childhood allergy.

Adolescent↗

[Mast cells in eosinophilic and neutrophilic nasal polyps. Cytological and histological examinations].

In 10 patients with nasal polyps mast cells were counted in smears and in polyp tissues. In smears from neutrophilic polyps (n = 4) no mast cells were found, in eosynophilic polyps (n = 6) mast cells were found on an average of 7.5%. Histological examinations showed that an average number of mast cells in the connective tissue was similar in both types of polyps. In the epithelial layer of neutrophilic polyps the number of mast cells was slightly greater than in eosynophilic polyps. In an atopic patient the number was 12 times greater than in the other cases. No dependence was found between the number of mast cells in smears and in the tissue.

Adult↗

[Evaluation of hyperresponsiveness to the exercise challenge test in school children].

Bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) to the exercise challenge test was measured in 161 pupils randomly chosen from the epidemiologic survey of 2967 schoolchildren (13 to 14 yr of age). In the study group there were 73 pupils who were identified as "ever wheezers" by the ISAAC questionnaires, and 88 ones as the control group. BHR was measured as the percentage drops in FEV, FEF50, FEF25-75 from the baseline (% delta FEV1, % delta FEV50%, % delta FEF25-75%). The % delta FEV1 was significantly higher in the "ever wheezers" comparing to the control group, and this parameter was also significantly higher for the "wheezers in the last 12 mo" in comparison to "ever wheezers", who had no symptoms in the last year. The "ever wheezers" group had higher % delta FEF50%, % delta FEF25-75% but the value was not significant when compared to the control group. In the epidemiologic survey, the sensitivity and specificity for the exercise challenge test as a screening test (level %FEV1 > 11%) to identify "wheezers in the last 12mo" were 39% and 81%, respectively, and to identify the "diagnosed asthma" group were 40% and 76%. The BHR was modified by atopy (measured with the allergic skin tests) and the diagnosis of asthma.

Adolescent↗

[The effect of air pollution on the prevalence of asthma in schoolchildren from Krakow].

The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between asthma, wheezing prevalence and the rate of air pollution in Kraków. In the survey of 6696 schoolchildren aged 12-14 year, ISAAC questionnaires were performed. According to the distribution of the mean annual concentration of dust particles (PM10) and sulfur dioxide, four classes of these compounds were established. In the similar way, the lead concentration in garden soil and lettuce was categorized into three classes, which were surrogates of the automobile exhaust. Children's passive smoking was established by questionnaire. The study revealed a significant association and a positive correlation between the prevalence of asthma diagnosis and the soil and lettuce lead concentrations. Wheezing history (past and current) was significantly correlated with soil lead classes and the classes of dust particles (PM10). Maternal smoking was significantly associated with the asthma diagnosis and past or current wheezing. A significant relationship was found between paternal smoking and wheezing during and/or post exercise.

Adolescent↗

[Prevalence of allergic diseases in schoolchildren in Krakow and Poznan (based on a standardized ISAAC questionnaire)].

The study population included children aged 6-7 and 13-14 years from primary schools in Kraków (2302 and 2967 children respectively) and Poznań (3132 and 4069 children respectively). The prevalence was assessed using ISAAC questionnaire. In younger age group the number of children with diagnosed asthma and presenting asthma symptoms was significantly higher in Kraków than in Poznań. In older age group higher percentage was observed in Kraków in relation to wheeze ever and nocturnal cough during last year. Pupils from Kraków had symptoms of allergic rhinitis and were diagnosed as allergic rhinitis more frequently than from Poznań. Symptoms suggestive for skin allergy were more often observed in Kraków, but the differences were significant in relation to symptoms during last year in both age groups and in relation to symptoms ever in older age group. Our study revealed discrepancy between the prevalence of symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis and the prevalence of established diagnosis.

Adolescent↗

[Bronchial asthma: do boys or girls have the highest incidence?].

The aim of the study was to assess the gender related prevalence of asthma and asthma symptoms in schoolchildren. The survey was performed using standardized ISAAC questionnaire in two age groups: 6-7 yr. (n = 2281; girls 49.7%) and 13-14 yr. (n = 4849; girls 49.8%). It was revealed that in older group the prevalence of ever diagnosed asthma was lower in girls than in boys (2.0% versus 3.3%; odds ratio [OR] = 0.58; p = 0.004). But the prevalence of symptoms: wheeze ever (OR = 1.16; p = 0.056), current wheeze (last 12 mo) (OR = 1.26; p = 0.029), current exercise wheeze (OR = 1.40; p = 0.0008), current night cough (OR = 1.67; p = 0.0001) were higher in girls than in boys. However, in younger group of schoolchildren the prevalence of ever diagnosed asthma and asthma symptoms were higher in boys (5.1% male versus 3.5% female). The girls in comparison to boys revealed lower risk of ever asthma diagnosis (OR = 0.66; p = 0.056) and symptoms: wheeze ever (OR = 0.63; p = 0.0001), current wheeze (OR = 0.69; p = 0.003), current exercise wheeze (OR = 0.59; p = 0.008) and current night cough (OR = 0.70; p = 0.0003).

Adolescent↗

[Diagnostic value of selected eosinophil activity parameters in children with hay fever].

Seventy three children aged 5-15 years were involved in the survey. Thirteen children suffered from seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), fourty four children suffered from seasonal allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma (SAR-A), sixteen patients with no allergic symptoms were treated as a control group (CG). All the patients were examined twice: in July--during the highest pollen season and in December--period free of pollen. During each examination samples were collected to measure the following parameters: blood eosinophilia, serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and eosinophil percentage in the nasal mucosal smears (nasal eosinophilia). In statistical analysis values of all parameters in pollen and free of pollen seasons were compared the groups of patients as well as within the groups. In winter values of: blood eosinophilia, ECP and nasal eosinophilia were statistically higher in SAR-A group in comparison to SAR group and CG, simultaneously there was no statistical difference in blood eosinophilia and ECP between SAR group and CG. In the pollen season the highest values of all parameters were observed in SAR-A group. SAR group values were higher in comparison to control group. The difference between groups was significant. Both groups of allergic patients (SAR, SAR-A) revealed statistically higher values of all measured parameters in pollen season in comparison to winter. In CG only level of ECP was significantly higher in July than in December.

Adolescent↗

[Pollen allergy. I. Pathophysiology and clinic].

Pollen allergy constitutes about 1/3 of allergic disorders in people. Clinical manifestation of the disease depends on the natural allergen exposure. Main clinical symptoms are dealing with conjunctivitis, allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma. Permanent increase in number of pollen sensitive patients observed during last years, depends on atopic genetic background, as well as natural allergen exposure and other environmental factors. Better understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the disease and opportunity to monitor the degree of allergen exposure seems to play the vital role in current treatment and prophylaxis. The allergic reaction takes place in two phases--the first one--early response (EAR) depends on IgE receptors binding which results in mast cell and basophils activation, in the second one--the late response (LAR), adhesive molecules, eosinophils, lymphocytes and their products, as well as neuropeptides are engaged. Also homeostasis of respiratory tract mucous membrane plays an important role at this stage.

Basophils↗

[Pollen allergy. II. Diagnosis and treatment].

Pollen allergy--one of the most frequent allergies in people is diagnosed by combined data, derived from patient's history together with in vitro and in vivo examinations. Basic in vivo examinations consist of skin prick tests with chosen allergens, functional tests of upper and lower respiratory tract, specific as well as non-specific nasal and bronchial challenge tests. The major role among in vitro examinations is played by those tests, which confirm atopic background of the disease (total and specific IgE). Other tests, like those for T-cell function and tests for effector cells activation, have secondary importance. Patients who are asymptomatic but endangered by the possibility of symptoms occurrence, are treated by primary prevention. Complex therapeutical approach consists of causal treatment (identification of allergens, specific immunotherapy), secondary prevention and symptomatic pharmacology.

Bronchial Provocation Tests↗

Congenital stridor.

Fifty-two infants and children with stridor were examined. The median age was 5 months and the boy/girl ratio was 2:1. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy was performed when other diagnostic methods had failed to establish the origin of stridor. The most common cause of stridor was laryngomalacia, which was found in 34 children (65%). The most common form of laryngomalacia was due to large, floppy arytenoid cartilages; this was observed twice as often as other forms of laryngomalacia and boys suffered from this abnormality more than twice as often as girls. Children with laryngomalacia had significant weight (24%) and height (8%) deficits in comparison with the normal healthy population (P < 0.001). In all but four patients with laryngomalacia, blood gases were within normal limits. In 18 children (35%) stridor was not caused by laryngomalacia. This group showed significant etiologic heterogeneity. However, identification of the cause of stridor in these patients is important because specific treatment can be offered and prognosis depends on the type and cause of the anatomical and functional abnormality present.

Bronchoscopy↗

[Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis--personal experience].

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis is a rare entity with obscure etiology. A review of literature concerning clinical appearance, diagnostics and management of this condition is presented. Own material embraces a group of 7 children who have chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis. Mean follow-up was 2.5 years. On the basis of results achieved the authors believe this condition is of good prognosis and should be differentiated with chronic osteomyelitis and neoplastic changes.

Child↗

[Values of the flow-volume curve in healthy children from Cracow].

Basing on results of spirometric tests performed in 180 healthy children from Cracow (age range 8-16 years) the following parameters of the flow-volume curve were calculated: FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF, FEF25-75%, FEF50%, FEF75%. Due to statistically significant differences in the above mentioned indices related to sx, normograms were calculated for boys and girls. It was found that the exponential function characterises the best relation between volume and height, and the multinomial function flow values and height.

Adolescent↗