BACKGROUND: Few biological changes due to long-term exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) have been identified. This study examined the relationship between exposure to ETS and serum levels of acute phase proteins among children. METHODS: The concentrations of the third component of complement (C3c), haptoglobin (Hp), alpha 1 acid glycoprotein (alpha 1AG), and ceruloplasmin (Cp) were determined in serum samples obtained from 480 school-children. Exposure to ETS was assessed from responses to questionnaires. RESULTS: Serum levels of C3c, Hp, and alpha 1AG were significantly higher among boys living in households in which there were smokers other than their parents than among boys with no smokers in their family or those in households were only the father smoked. Levels of C3c, Hp, and alpha 1AG in relation to the level of ETS exposure were significantly increased among boys exposed to ETS of 11 or more cigarettes per day. Among girls, increased alpha 1AG levels were associated with exposure to high levels of ETS, but no differences were found in any of the other proteins. Cp levels were not affected by exposure to ETS among either boys or girls. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the serum levels of C3c, Hp, and alpha 1AG among schoolchildren may reflect different levels of exposure to ETS. Boys seemed to be more susceptible to ETS exposure than girls.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The role of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) in the relationship between air pollution and asthma among children.

To evaluate the role of adhesion molecules and chemokines in the relationship between air pollution and asthma, the authors determined the following in 230 children who lived in 4 communities in Japan that had different levels of air pollution: serum concentrations of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1); soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1); regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES); and total immunoglobulin E (IgE). Children with asthma or who exhibited wheezing (n = 115) and nonasthmatic children (n = 115) were studied. Serum concentrations of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and RANTES were increased significantly in asthmatic children, compared with nonasthmatic children. Nonasthmatic children with serum IgE levels that were greater than or equal to 250 IU/ml had significantly lower concentrations of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 than the other children. The geometric means of sICAM-1 increased as air pollution increased. The results of this study suggest that adhesion molecules or chemokines are associated with asthma and that ICAM-1 may play an important role in the relationship between air pollution and the occurrence of asthma.

Air Pollutants↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Serum immunoglobulin E and hyaluronate levels in children living along major roads.

To assess the effects of automobile exhaust on human health, we determined serum concentrations of total immunoglobulin E and hyaluronate in 185 schoolchildren who lived in a district that contained major roads. Serum immunoglobulin E levels were elevated in children who had asthma or wheezing, but levels did not differ with respect to distance of their homes from the major roads. Serum hyaluronate levels were higher in children who lived less than 50 m from the roadside, compared with children who resided a greater distance from roads. The difference, however, was significant only in a subgroup of children in whom immunoglobulin E levels exceeded 250 IU/ml. Our results suggest that serum hyaluronate levels in children reflect the effects of traffic-related air pollution. Children with high immunoglobulin E levels appeared to be particularly susceptible to the effects of automobile exhaust.

Air Pollutants↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Serum complement levels in children in communities with different levels of air pollution in Japan.

To investigate the effects of air pollution on human health, we determined serum concentrations of complement components C3c and C4 in 1037 children who lived in 4 communities with different levels of air pollution in Japan. Serum levels of C3c and C4 were higher in children who lived in Osaka, which had a high level of air pollution, than in children who lived in areas of low air pollution. In boys, both C3c and C4 levels were increased significantly as concentrations of air pollution increased in the communities. In girls, however, the relationship was not significant. Serum levels of C3c and C4 did not differ with respect to asthma or wheezing. These findings suggest that serum C3c and C4 levels in children reflect the effects of exposure to air pollutants in urban districts. Boys appeared to be more susceptible to the effects of air pollution than girls.

Air Pollutants↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Successful treatment of two brothers with congenital afibrinogenemia for splenic rupture using heat- and solvent detergent-treated fibrinogen concentrates.

PURPOSE: This report describes life-threatening spontaneous splenic rupture in two brothers with congenital afibrinogenemia. PATIENTS: Two brothers, aged 11 and 14 years, had intra-abdominal bleeding due to splenic rupture confirmed by ECHO ultrasonography and computed tomography scans. RESULTS: Splenectomy was performed after administration of heat- and solvent-detergent treated fibrinogen concentrates. CONCLUSIONS: Hemostatic treatment for splenic rupture using heat- and solvent detergent-treated fibrinogen concentrates was effective. Careful attention must be paid to the risk of splenic rupture during the growth spurt in physically active children with this rare coagulation disorder.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A case of hepatocellular carcinoma with the sign of Leser-Trelat: a possible role of a cutaneous marker for internal malignancy.

A rare case of hepatocellular carcinoma who developed the complication of the sign of Leser-Trelat is reported. The patient, a 57-year-old male, visited our hospital with complaints of generalized malaise and anorexia. A diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma was made based on elevated alpha-fetoprotein measurement, ultrasonography, and hepatic arteriography findings. Chest x-ray film suggested pulmonary metastases of hepatocellular carcinoma. Thereafter, complications of the seborrheic keratosis developed in the trunk and the skin lesion was diagnosed as the sign of Leser-Trelat associated with hepatocellular carcinoma. The patient died of pneumonia 9 months after development of the sign of Leser-Trelat.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Transient hypoplastic anemia caused by primary human parvovirus B19 infection in a previously untreated patient with hemophilia transfused with a plasma-derived, monoclonal antibody-purified factor VIII concentrate.

BACKGROUND: Modern plasma-derived clotting factor concentrates are produced using various virus-inactivation protocols and are assumed to be safer than they were previously with regard to the risk for transmitting viral infections such as human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. The risks from viruses that are relatively resistant to the current inactivation procedures remain uncertain. PATIENT: A 7-year-old with mild hemophilia A who had not been previously infused with any blood products was treated with a plasma-derived, monoclonal antibody-purified factor VIII concentrate to cover orthopedic surgery after traumatic fracture of his left arm. RESULTS: A typical primary human parvovirus (HPV)-B19 infection was observed associated with transient hypoplastic anemia. Retrospective studies including serologic examination and polymerase chain reaction analysis confirmed that the HPV-B19 infection was transmitted by the factor VIII concentrate. CONCLUSIONS: Clotting factor concentrates for the treatment of hemophilia retain a risk for HPV-B19 contamination. HPV-B19 viral infection might induce hypoplastic anemia in these patients, particularly during enhanced hemopoiesis after acute blood loss.

Anemia, Aplastic↗