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Biomedical subjects

M Helbert

Publications and source records attributed to M Helbert.

28 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1989

Clinical experience with zidovudine for patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome and acquired immune deficiency syndrome-related complex.

We have treated 113 patients with zidovudine since its licensure, 80 with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and 33 with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related complex. This paper reports on the efficacy and toxicity observed in these patients. Improved well-being, reduced frequency and severity of opportunist infections were notable in the first year of follow-up. More rapid improvement in pulmonary physiological tests during recovery from Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia was also observed in treated patients. Patients with lower initial platelet counts showed early increases in platelet counts. There was a consistent fall in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) p24 antigen during treatment, although not always to undetectable levels. CD4 cell counts showed a rise in the first months of treatment but these were not sustained, despite continuing clinical benefit. Neuropsychological and clinical evidence of benefit in HIV encephalopathy are described. We have analysed the factors influencing marrow toxicity and have found that low CD4 count and the intercurrent use of ganciclovir and dapsone increase myelotoxicity. We describe the clinical and biochemical features of the myopathy associated with long-term use of zidovudine and summarise our findings on dose-reduction associated meningo-encephalitis.

AIDS-Related Complex↗
PubMed1988

Acute meningo-encephalitis on dose reduction of zidovudine.

In a study of treatment by zidovudine in 106 patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or AIDS-related complex, an acute meningo-encephalitic illness developed in 4 of 21 patients within 17 days after the dose of zidovudine had had to be reduced because of myelotoxicity. 3 of the 4 patients had previous clinical evidence of HIV encephalopathy. AIDS-related opportunist infection of the central nervous system was excluded. This acute meningo-encephalitic illness probably results from an increase in HIV replication following dose reduction.

AIDS-Related Complex↗
PubMed1988

Peripheral blood dendritic cells in persons with AIDS and AIDS related complex: loss of high intensity class II antigen expression and function.

The antigen-specific immune response in HIV sero-positive individuals is depressed or absent. This may be due in part to abnormal co-operation between T lymphocytes and antigen presenting cells (APC). We have isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy heterosexuals and patients with persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (PGL) and AIDS, cells of low density (LDC) with dendritic morphology. These cells are known to be potent APC. The expression of two cell surface antigens on these cells, namely 63D3 (a monocyte related antigen) and Class II antigens was examined. LDC from controls and patients with benign, non-progressive PGL (type A) were found to show biphasic expression of Class II antigens. By contrast, the high intensity Class II expression seen on a small proportion of 63D3 negative cells from controls and patients with PGL type A was absent in patients with PGL type B (showing subtle signs of progressive immunodeficiency) and AIDS. The loss of this population of dendritic cells was reflected in the absence of stimulator activity in autologous and heterologous mixed lymphocyte reactions. Thus, it is possible that the loss of these dendritic cells may contribute to the profound immunological abnormalities seen in AIDS.

AIDS-Related Complex↗
PubMed1987

Diffuse reflectance technique for infrared analysis of urinary calculi.

We investigated the application of diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy to analysis of urinary calculi and compared its operation with that of older sampling techniques (pellet, mull, and attenuated total reflectance). The new method requires shorter sample preparation time and less sample (30 micrograms). Quantitative measurements are easier. Because of the additivity of the Kubelka-Munk functions, a quasi-exhaustive collection of infrared spectra of mixtures of possible components of stones can be compiled, facilitating a computerized intrepretation of infrared spectra of urinary calculi.

Computers↗
PubMed1987

Computer-aided infrared analysis of urinary calculi.

We have created a library of 497 digitized infrared spectra of 58 components of urinary calculi and of their usual binary and ternary mixtures. We tested the operation of the "Birsy" search program (Bruker Analytische Messtechnik) with this library for the interpretation of infrared spectra of 50 urinary calculi, selected from both classical and difficult cases. This program correctly identifies the two first components 98% of the time and the third (minor) component 70% of the time. Using this program, those without training or experience in infrared analysis can routinely use the infrared method of analysis of urinary calculi.

Humans↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The effect of AZT on dendritic cell number and provirus load in the peripheral blood of AIDS patients: a preliminary study.

In this pilot study, the numbers of dendritic cells (DC) in peripheral blood of AIDS patients and the level of infection with HIV1 were determined before and after AZT treatment. Mononuclear cells were cultured overnight and DC were identified by their lack of labelling with antibodies specific for T, B and natural killer (NK) cells and monocytes and by their high level of staining with antibodies for MHC class II molecules. Although the numbers of DC identified by this method were lower than those identified morphologically in earlier studies (Macatonia et al., 1990), the numbers in three untreated AIDS patients were below the range seen in normals. There was also a marked rise in DC number in patients given AZT therapy. In two patients, there was a significant provirus load in the DCs which was decreased two to three weeks after the commencement of AZT therapy. The studies suggest that DC numbers and their infection levels may be markers of disease in HIV infection.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗