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Biomedical subjects

Lata Kumar

Publications and source records attributed to Lata Kumar.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Epidemiology of sporadic bloody diarrhea in rural Western Kenya.

We conducted laboratory-based surveillance and a case-control study to characterize the epidemiology of bloody diarrhea in rural Western Kenya. From May 1997 through April 2001, we collected stool from 451 persons with bloody diarrhea presenting to four rural clinics. Cultures of 231 (51%) specimens yielded 247 bacterial pathogens: 198 Shigella (97 S. flexneri, 41 S. dysenteriae type 1, 39 S. dysenteriae type non-1, 13 S. boydii, 8 S. sonnei), 33 Campylobacter, 15 non-typhoidal Salmonella, and 1 Vibrio cholerae O1. More than 90% of the isolates (excluding Campylobacter) were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and tetracycline, and more than 80% were resistant to ampicillin. Most (74%) ill persons received medication to which their isolate was resistant. Drinking Lake Victoria water and sharing latrines between multiple households increased risk of bloody diarrhea. Washing hands after defecating was protective. Providing safe drinking water and more latrines, and promoting hand washing could reduce the burden of illness from bloody diarrhea while limiting injudicious antimicrobial use.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Severe Henoch-Schönlein nephritis: resolution with azathioprine and steroids.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of long-term azathioprine and steroids for treatment of severe nephritis in children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP). METHODS: Analysis of case records of children with HSP followed up for a mean duration of 4.7 years (range 6 months-6.5 years) was performed. All underwent clinical status evaluation followed by percutaneous kidney biopsies. Renal histological changes were graded according to the International Study of Kidney Disease in Childhood (ISKDC) classification. Nine children with severe nephritis (grades III and IV) received steroids (mean duration 12.1 months) and long-term azathioprine (mean duration 14.7 months), while two children received steroids alone. RESULTS: All nine children in the former category showed sustained clinical and biochemical remission, while the two children in the latter category did not. CONCLUSION: Severe nephritis seen in association with HSP can be effectively treated with a combination of azathioprine and steroids.

Azathioprine↗
PubMed2002

Cystic fibrosis in North Indian children.

Cystic fibrosis is the most common life threatening, inherited disease of the Caucasians. Ever since the gene for this disease was delineated in 1989, there are about 900 mutations discovered so far. This disease is being reported with increasing frequency from North India now. We present our experience with the diagnosis and management of cystic fibrosis in children seen at Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh.

Combined Modality Therapy↗
PubMed2002

Respiratory allergy.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma are common respiratory allergic disorders which are increasing globally more in developed countries. Although much has been written about childhood asthma and guidelines published by various international and national fora, not much information is available on AR. This is most common in children, is a significant risk factor for developing asthma, is a common comorbidity with asthma and affects quality of life. This paper highlights the risk factors for developing respiratory allergy asthma and AR, linkages between them and the management issues, particularly in relation to the allergic or allergological aspects as they have important bearing on management of children suffering from respiratory allergy. Specific immunotherapy (SIT) is re-emerging as useful therapy which alone has the potential to modify the natural history of disease and prevent the 'allergic march'. Timely diagnosis, correct management including timely referrals can ensure good quality life for those suffering from respiratory allergies.

Child↗
PubMed2002

Prevention of atopic disorders.

Prevention of sensitization, onset of disease and disease exacerbations is a very important aspect of holistic approach towards allergic disorders. The prevalence of allergic or atopic disorders has increased significantly in children over the last three decades. There are significant variations in prevalence between countries and also within many countries. Environmental factors obviously play a major role. Environmental allergens are responsible for sensitisation, disease and exacerbations of disease symptoms. Preventive strategies at each level are important: Primary prevention is to stop the process of sensitisation and secondary prevention to prevent re-exposures or prolonged exposure in those who have become sensitized while tertiary prevention is to reduce or minimise morbidity. Various allergen avoidance measures are discussed, with reference to India so that physicians can incorporate these in the management not only of atopic patients but also as preventive strategy in high risk families.

Child↗
PubMed2002

Proximal muscle weakness--an unusual presentation of celiac disease.

The identification of the etiology of metabolic bone disease that leads to myopathy is important as this type of muscle weakness often responds fully to treatment. We present the case history of an 11-year-old girl with celiac disease who had rickets masquerading as muscle weakness and bone pains.

Biopsy↗
PubMed1999

Induction of systemic and mucosal immune response in mice immunised with porins of Salmonella typhi.

Porins, purified from Salmonella typhi strain 0901 provided 90% protection to BALB/c mice against a lethal dose (300 x LD50) of S. typhi Ty2 when given intraperitoneally. To measure the porin-induced cellular immune responses, macrophages and lymphocytes were isolated from spleen and lamina propria (LP) of porin immunised-challenge mice and of infected and control mice; T-cell phenotypes, lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production were studied. The secretory IgA (sIgA) antibody level in the intestinal fluid was also measured to study mucosal immune response. After immunisation, the splenic lymphocytes exhibited a significant increase in total T-cell count and CD4+/CD8+ ratio, while the LP lymphocytes (LPL) exhibited an increase in CD4+/CD8+ ratio only. They also exhibited a significant increase in porin-specific proliferative response and cytokine levels (IL-1, IL-2, IFN-gamma and IL-4). After immunisation, sIgA antibody was also found to be increased. These results suggest that porins given intraperitoneally induce cellular and humoral immune responses both at systemic and mucosal levels.

Animals↗