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Biomedical subjects

M Duse

Publications and source records attributed to M Duse.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Screening for delayed-hypersensitivity in Italian children: multicentric study by multitest skin testing.

The Multitest skin test allows the simultaneous intradermal application of seven standardized recall antigens in a reproducible manner. Response reading is based on a scoring system that distinguishes between normal and diminished delayed hypersensitivity (DH). To determine incidence and size of DH responses for each antigen in relation to age and sex in healthy Italian children, a multicentric study was performed on a representative paediatric population of 491 subjects (285 males and 296 females) aged from 4 months to 16 years. In both sexes DH reactivity as measured by score and number of positive responses increased significantly with age. The incidence of anergy was 8.8% for the whole population and decreased significantly with age in both sexes. Incidence of positive responses was highest for tetanus and diphteria toxoids, intermediate for Candida, Proteus and Streptococcus, and lowest for tuberculin and Trichophyton antigens. There was no significant difference between sexes in the incidence of positive response to each antigen.

Adolescent

[Clinico-functional evaluation of flunisolide + salbutamol combination (VAL 679/A) vs salbutamol in pediatric patients].

To establish the effectiveness of flunisolide + salbutamol vs salbutamol alone administered by metered aerosol in the phlogistic obstructive diseases, 18 children were evaluated. The treatments were evaluated on the basis of ventilatory function parameters and of tolerance. The results proved positive for all drugs, though the combination flunisolide + salbutamol produced a greater ventilatory and clinical effect.

Administration, Topical

Close linkage of probe p212 (DXS178) to X-linked agammaglobulinemia.

Segregation analysis was performed in three families affected in X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) with five polymorphic DNA probes linked to the disease locus. In agreement with previous studies, no recombination was observed with either pXG12 (DXS94) or S21 (DXS17). Segregation analysis was also performed with a marker, p212 (DXS178), which has been shown to be closely linked to pXG12 in normal families. No cross-over with XLA was observed in these three families and in five additional families previously analyzed with DXS17 and DXS94 (z = 5.92 at theta = 0). These data provide evidence against genetic heterogeneity in XLA and indicate the value of probe p212 for carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis of XLA. We were able to estimate the carrier status of six females (out of six) in the three previously unreported families.

Agammaglobulinemia

[Sensitization against Parietaria pollen in a group of 1143 patients in the Brescian area].

1143 patients were selected among atopic outpatients followed up at our Institution (Clinical Immunology-University of Brescia) on the basis of documented sensitization to one or more inhalant allergens. All patients had been investigated by skin prick tests employing a large panel of allergens. Specific sensitization had been confirmed by clinical history and when necessary by RAST. The patients were investigated retrospectively for the prevalence of sensitization to Paretaria. 880 patients were sensitized to one or more pollens and among these 427 (48.5) to Parietaria. Among pollen monosensitized patients (with no concomitant allergy to other inhalants), 222 were sensitized to Graminacee and 125 to Parietaria. In these groups there was no difference in prevalence of asthma. Our study thereby shows that the prevalence of sensitization to Parietaria in Brescia is higher than described in other cities in North Italy. Our findings are supported by pollen concentration in atmosphere as determined by Burkard pollen trap.

Adult

IgG2 deficiency and intractable epilepsy of childhood.

Twelve children with intractable childhood epilepsy (ICE) were treated with high-dose intravenous immunoglobulins every 21 days for 6 months after immunologic and neurologic evaluations had been carried out. 50% (6/12) were found to have a deficiency of serum IgG2 and all but 1 of these responded to treatment with marked reduction in the daily number of seizures assessed both clinically and electroencephalographically. The response to treatment was, in fact, significantly higher in the children with IgG2 deficiency than in the others. IgG4 deficiency, observed in 5 children, did not affect treatment response. It is suggested that IgG2 deficiency may predispose to some form of viral encephalitis which may trigger an immune mechanism leading to the ICE.

Child

Recurrent infections with IgG2 deficiency.

An 11 year old girl with retarded growth, recurrent infections, bronchiectasis, and normal serum immunoglobulin concentrations had a combined deficit of the IgG2 subclass and IgG and IgM specific antibodies. Immunoglobulin replacement was followed by clinical improvement. The importance of determining both IgG subclasses and antibody activity in patients with recurrent infections and normal serum immunoglobulin values is emphasised.

Child

Serum IgG levels and complement activity in hypogammaglobulinaemic patients under substitution therapy.

Haemolytic activity of the classical and alternative pathways of complement as well as serum levels of C1q, Factor B, Factor H, C3, C4, C3d,g and IgG were determined in 15 hypogammaglobulinaemic patients on immunoglobulin replacement therapy. Alternative pathway activity (AP) and C1q were defective in the presence of low IgG levels and normalized on achievement of normal IgG levels; for both variables the correlation with serum IgG was highly significant. Classical pathway activity (CP), C3, C4 and Factor H serum levels were normal independently of IgG levels; Factor B and C3d, g serum levels were elevated in hypogammaglobulinaemic patients regardless of IgG levels. The present report supports the hypothesis that IgG serum levels influence complement function.

Adolescent

Chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenia treated with immunoglobulin.

Twenty five children with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura followed from 6-96 months in 7 Italian paediatric departments were treated with high dose immunoglobulin according to a multicentre protocol. Positive responses were observed in 20 of 25 patients (80%) and negative responses in 5 of 25 (20%). On previous steroid treatment 7 of 10 positive responders were steroid resistant and 13 of 15 were steroid dependent. Within four weeks of beginning treatment 16 of 20 patients (80%) relapsed, while 4 of 20 (20%) maintained normal platelet values after 4-12 months' follow up. Statistical analysis of the platelet count on day five of treatment enabled us to divide positive responders into three groups: good, intermediate, and poor. The possible mode of action and clinical application of high dose immunoglobulin are discussed.

Adolescent