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L Larrad

Publications and source records attributed to L Larrad.

31 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Lymphocyte T subset counts in children with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.

The aim of this study was to determine blood lymphocyte T subset counts in children with elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. We studied 107 children, ages 2.0 to 15.9 years, from 79 families who were referred to our Lipid Research Clinic because total cholesterol serum levels higher than 200 mg/dl had been detected in at least one child. At the time of diagnosis we analyzed serum lipoprotein profile and blood lymphocyte T subsets (CD3, CD4 and CD8). Children were classified according to LDL-C levels into three groups: (1) normal, if levels were between the 5th and 75th percentiles (50 and 125 mg/dl, respectively); (2) at moderate risk, if levels were between the 75th and 95th percentiles (125 and 150 mg/dl, respectively); and (3) at high risk, if levels were above the 95th percentile (150 mg/dl). In children aged 2.0 to 6.9 years, all lymphocyte T subset counts were higher in the high risk group than in the normal group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). In children aged 11.0 to 15.9 years, the CD4 subset count was also significantly higher in the high risk group in the other two groups (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). These results are in agreement with pathologic findings in the atheromatous plaque.

Adolescent↗

Variation in T helper cell/T cytotoxic-suppressor cell index during cardiac operations.

After surgical procedures, humoral and cell-mediated immunity responses decrease. Both anesthesia and surgical trauma play an important role in this effect. Cardiac operations induce a greater decrease in immunologic response than other surgical operations. On the other hand, identification of functional lymphocyte subclasses by means of appropriate monoclonal antibodies appears to provide an accurate measurement of cellular immune competence. Employing these methods, we found a significant decrease of T helper cell/T cytotoxic-suppressor cell ratio in the periperal blood of 20 patients undergoing cardiac operations. This decrease during the period of anesthesia (before surgical incision) is due as much to a decrease of T helper cell percentage as to an increase of T cytotoxic cell percentage. However, during the surgical trauma period (surgical incision to the end of the operation) it is due to a greater increase of T cytotoxic-suppressor cell percentage without significant changes in the percentage of T helper cells.

Adult↗

[The effect of preoperative parenteral nutrition on the capacity of the immune response in malnourished patients (preoperative parenteral nutrition and immunity)].

The objective of this study is to evaluate the response of the subpopulations of lymphocytes and IGs to the administration of total parenteral nutrition for 7 days in 26 patients suffering from malnutrition, 12 of whom had digestive neoplasia and 14 non-neoplastic gastrointestinal disorders. Following the total parenteral nutrition, a significant increase in the percentage of T-helper lymphocytes was noted, and an improvement in the OKT4/OKT8 quotient, as well as in the IgA and the C4 fraction of the complement. The existence of neoplastic conditions did not have a significant effect on the variations in the parameters studied. The presence of lipids in the parenteral nutrition diet did not affect the subpopulations of lymphocytes.

Antigen-Antibody Reactions↗

Cockroach hypersensitivity in asthmatic patients.

Hypersensitivity to cockroach antigen has been recognized as an important cause of perennial allergic rhinitis and asthma. To assess the frequency of cockroach hypersensitivity in our country, 150 asthmatic atopic subjects were studied using skin testing and in vitro assays for cockroach-specific IgE antibodies (Oriental and German cockroaches). Twenty-two of 61 patients who had a positive history of cockroach exposure had positive skin tests, and only 3 of 89 patients who had no history of exposure had positive skin reactions. Of 25 patients with positive skin tests, 23 showed specific IgE antibodies against oriental and German cockroaches using RAST and EIA techniques. In summary, approximately 15% of asthmatic atopics in Madrid area are sensitive to cockroaches (positive skin test + specific IgE antibodies). These results indicate that cockroach hypersensitivity should be considered in every patient with perennial asthma.

Adolescent↗

A study of IgG blocking antibodies in patients affected with respiratory allergy.

The levels of blocking antibodies were studied in 200 patients affected with bronchial asthma and/or allergic extrinsic rhinitis with sensitization to grass pollen and dust mites shown by cutaneous and RAST tests. IgG blocking antibodies were studied using ELISA, in relation to: Immunotherapy treatment duration. The degree of clinical improvement obtained. The conditions, before and after immunotherapy treatment. The conditions, 12-24 months after having completed 3 years of immunotherapy. The results indicate that: A high level of blocking antibodies is reached in the group of patients between 4-7 months of immunotherapy treatment. These patients also reached the stage of the maintenance dosage. There exists a significant and specific response of blocking antibodies in patients treated with specific immunotherapy. There exists a close correlation between symptomatology and the level of blocking antibodies, although this correlation is not perfect. The hyposensitization preparations used did not succeed in maintaining permanently high levels of blocking antibodies once the treatment was completed. ELISA is a good alternative to other more frequently used techniques in measuring blocking antibodies, and it can be used in following patients during the course of immunotherapy.

Asthma↗