Biomedical subjects

P Sohmer

Publications and source records attributed to P Sohmer.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1992

Reliability of polymerase chain reaction in the detection of human immunodeficiency virus infection in children.

During a 3-year period we followed 128 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody-positive children ages 6 days to 11 years clinically and with an HIV diagnostic panel consisting of antibody (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and confirmed by indirect fluorescence assay or Western blot), p24 antigen detection, HIV isolation from peripheral blood culture and molecular detection of HIV nucleic acids by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR procedure included 30 cycles of amplification using two separate gag primer pairs (SK38/39 and SK101/145), followed by detection with probes to areas amplified (SK19 and SK102). Results of PCR were available within 48 hours and were sensitive (97%) and specific (100%). PCR should be obtained on all children exposed perinatally, and aggressive management should be undertaken for those found to be positive.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Platelet counts during rapid massive transfusion.

The effect of rapid massive transfusion upon platelet counts has been studied retrospectively in 24 patients treated for severe trauma. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that a platelet dilution model with an exponential form described the quantitative relationship between the pre- and posttransfusion platelet counts and the volumes of blood products administered. Intravenous salt solutions had very little effect upon the platelet count even when large volumes were infused. Red blood cell transfusions decreased the platelet count to an extent two and one-half times greater than that of colloid infusions. The differences in the magnitudes of the dilution effects are attributable to the different physiologic volumes of distribution of the various classes of infusates. If only red blood cells (RBC) and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) are transfused, two useful equations obtain. First, the current platelet count (Pt) can be predicted knowing the initial platelet count (Po) and the number (#) of units of RBC and FFP administered: Pt = Po (0.634) e-0.046 [#RBC + #FFP/8]. Second, the point during massive transfusion when platelet transfusions will be necessary can be predicted knowing the initial platelet count.

Colloids↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Extended survival of neocytes produced by a new system.

Red cells (RBCs) prepared by a new system using centrifugation to produce neocyte enrichment were studied in two laboratories. The system used a blood bag with a geometric configuration such that younger, less dense cells could be separated from older, denser cells. Phthalate ester density gradient curves determined that neocyte enrichment was 81.3 percent in one laboratory and 82 percent in the other. RBC viability was studied by 51Cr autologous transfusion in normal volunteer donors. A randomized, paired design was used in which each donor was transfused once each with neocytes and with RBCs of all ages. The mean control half-life was 34.8 +/- 5.4 days in one laboratory and 34.0 +/- 3.6 days in the other. The mean half-life of the neocyte-enriched RBCs was 45.2 +/- 8.2 days in one laboratory and 45.1 +/- 4.4 days in the other. This represented a more than 30 percent increase in half-life for the neocyte-enriched RBCs, a significant difference. This new system, a two-bag set that costs +15, allows the simple, efficient separation of neocyte-enriched RBCs that would have a longer half-life and could reduce the transfusion requirement in patients receiving chronic transfusion therapy.

Blood Transfusion↗