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Biomedical subjects

S Blanche

Publications and source records attributed to S Blanche.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

[Severe respiratory syncytial virus infections. Study of 87 infants hospitalized in an epidemic].

During a winter epidemic, 87 infants were admitted to Necker-Enfants-Malades hospital with a severe respiratory syncitial virus (RSV) infection. These infants fell into two groups: 37 infants without any medical history and 50 showing an underlying pathology (immune deficiencies, heart disease, CNS disorders, digestive malformations, allergic manifestations). Of the 37 infants with no medical history, most were below the age of 6 months and the RSV infection was manifested clinically by bronchiolitis or bronchitis. Most of the infants in the other group were more than 6 months of age and presented mostly with pneumonia or bronchiolitis. A respiratory distress syndrome was observed in 17 of the 87 infants, and virtually all of them were younger than 6 months. No significant difference was observed between the two groups with regards to the incidence of respiratory distress. Pulmonary infections complicating the course of the illness, most often due to commensal flora bacteria of the upper respiratory tract, were observed in 19 infants but with no greater frequency in the group at risk. Direct detection of viral antigens in nasopharyngal secretions not only enabled rapid diagnosis in all the infants but also allowed antiviral therapy to be started rapidly. Antiviral treatment by ribavirine, administered over a period of 5 days in 20 mg/ml doses by aerosol was instituted in 10 patients whose course might have become serious. In 8 of these patients, disappearance of the virus from secretions and recovery occurred. Two patients in the group at risk died despite treatment, with one case being considered a true therapeutical failure since the virus was still present in nasopharyngeal secretions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Child, Hospitalized↗

Successful HLA nonidentical bone marrow transplantation in three patients with the leukocyte adhesion deficiency.

Three consecutive patients with the severe phenotype of leukocyte adhesion deficiency characterized by a defective expression of LFA-1, Mac-1 (CR3), and p150.95 on leukocytes have received HLA partially incompatible bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The degree of HLA incompatibility between related donors and recipients was 2 HLA antigens in one and one full haplotype in the two others. Graft-v-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis consisted in T-cell depletion of the bone marrow inoculum and a 60-day course of cyclosporin A. A first attempt led to autologous recovery in one patient. The second transplant in this patient and the first transplant in the two others led to stable partial engraftment of lymphocytes and phagocytic cells, as shown by expression of adhesion molecules (LFA-1, Mac-1) on leukocytes and by HLA typing and restriction fragment-length polymorphism studies using minisatellite probes. Although the level of mixed chimerism was lower in one patient (7% to 30% donor cells) and greater than 50% in the two others, recovery of lymphocyte and phagocytic cell functions was sufficient enough to allow the patient to lead a normal life, infection free in the three cases. These patients, now 57, 32, and 19 months post-transplant, are in good condition without any therapy. These results lead us to propose that the LFA-1 molecule plays a role in HLA-incompatible graft rejection, probably by mediating adhesion of cytotoxic T and non-T lymphocytes to their targets.

Antibody Formation↗

[The accelerated phase of Chediak-Higashi syndrome].

We have retrospectively analysed the clinical and biological features as well as the outcome of 18 accelerated phases having occurred in 11 patients with the Chediak-Higashi syndrome. This complication is very frequent and is characterized by a multi-visceral lymphohistiocytic infiltration with hemophagocytosis leading to pancytopenia, a bleeding disorder secondary to low fibrinogen level, hypertriglyceridemia and hemodilution. The accelerated phase of the Chediak-Higashi syndrome is identical to the manifestations of familial erythrophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and of the viral-associated hemophagocytic syndrome. The outcome was invariably fatal before the use of etoposide (VP 16) in association with steroids and intrathecal methotrexate. Complete remission with this management regimen was observed in 7/7 cases. However, remissions were only transient. HLA identical bone marrow transplantation appeared to be the only therapeutic strategy capable of curing the disease (3/3 patients). Non transplanted patients relapsed and died as well as one patient who received a HLA non identical bone marrow transplantation. Due to the frequency and the severity of the accelerated phase of the Chediak-Higashi syndrome, HLA identical bone marrow transplantation should be proposed as early as possible after the onset of the accelerated phase.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

[Materno-fetal infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)].

Transmission of the HIV from mother to fetus is now virtually the only means by which children can be contaminated. Thirty to 40% of infants born to HIV-seropositive mothers are infected. Nearly half of infected neonates develop AIDS within the first two or three years of life. Early diagnosis of HIV infection rests on recovery of the virus. Early administration of azidothymidine may reduce the severity of this infection that is occurring increasingly in France, where 30,000 to 40,000 women are HIV-seropositive.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Detection of HIV1 DNA in infants and children by means of the polymerase chain reaction.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was used to investigate the possibility of HIV1 DNA detection in uncultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells from newborn infants and children of HIV-infected mothers. HIV1 DNA sequences were detected in mononuclear cells of six of fourteen symptom-free newborn infants of seropositive mothers. Only one of these infants had detectable HIV antigenaemia. In addition, HIV1 DNA was identified in the mononuclear cells of five of ten children (2-5 years old) of infected mothers who had become seronegative 12-15 months after birth; among these, four children had only mild clinical features related to HIV infection, while the other had none. HIV1 DNA was shown in all of eight seropositive children with HIV infection and none of fifteen normal seronegative controls. The PCR assay thus provides an early and direct identification of HIV infection in newborn infants and seronegative children born to infected mothers.

Child↗

Zidovudine therapy in children with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Eight children with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), aged four months to 12 years, were treated with zidovudine (azidothymidine) 100 mg/m2 intravenously every six hours for 14 days, followed by oral zidovudine at the same dose for a total of six months. Of the eight, six were infected at birth and two were contaminated by blood transfusion at ages eight and nine years, respectively; seven of the eight showed specific neurologic impairment consisting of encephalopathy (six children) and myelopathy (one child). In two children, a dramatic improvement of clinical status occurred, including neurologic progress in one; in three, the improvement was dissociate or transient and in the other three, no modification was observed. A marked increase of total lymphocyte and CD4(+) cell counts occurred in four children but was transient without modification of in vitro antigen-induced lymphocyte proliferation; p24 human immunodeficiency virus serum antigens were detected in seven of eight children, then transiently disappeared in all children during intravenous therapy but reappeared progressively during the oral regimen in all but one. Progressive modification of human immunodeficiency virus serology was noted in five children, mainly characterized by the finding of anti-core antibodies. The hematologic toxicity of zidovudine was comparable with that observed in adults. These preliminary results support the need for further studies in order to delineate the optimal regimen of zidovudine in children with AIDS.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

[Infection of the newborn infant by the human immunodeficiency virus].

HIV infection of the newborn is now known to result mostly from mother-to-foetus transmission. The risk of transmission is at least 40 p. 100. However, the circumstances of passage are little known, and there is no maternal virological parameter capable of evaluating individual risks. The disease is more severe in children than in adults. Rare are the children who remain asymptomatic for more than 15 months; one out of three of them develop severe acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and die within the first 2 or 3 years of life. A specific encephalopathy is observed in about 30 p. 100 of the infected children. Kaposi's sarcoma is exceptional. Since there is no contagion between children, those who are in fairly good clinical condition should have a family and school life as normal as possible.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Treatment of severe Epstein-Barr virus-induced polyclonal B-lymphocyte proliferation by anti-B-cell monoclonal antibodies. Two cases after HLA-mismatched bone marrow transplantation.

We treated two children who developed Epstein-Barr virus-induced polyclonal B-cell proliferation after HLA-mismatched bone marrow transplantation for congenital immunodeficiency with two monoclonal anti-B-cell antibodies. Lymphoproliferative syndrome occurred between 50 and 60 days after bone marrow infusion, and was diagnosed by the presence of spontaneously growing B cells containing Epstein-Barr-nuclear antigen in the blood and bone marrow. The mouse monoclonal anti-B-cell antibodies used were a CD21-specific antibody recognizing the CR2 receptor on B cells (BL13, IgG1) and a CD24-specific antibody binding B cells at all steps of differentiation (ALB9 IgG1). Both antibodies were given intravenously (0.2 mg/kg/body weight.d for 10 days). All clinical and biological manifestations resolved within 3 weeks of treatment. Recurrence was not seen at 18- and 15-month follow-ups. T-cell function developed normally; B-cell function remained partially deficient in one patient 21 months after bone marrow transplantation. These results suggest that monoclonal anti-B-cell antibodies could be useful in controlling severe polyclonal lymphoproliferative syndrome in profoundly immunodeficient patients after bone marrow transplantation.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Value of bronchoalveolar lavage in the management of severe acute pneumonia and interstitial pneumonitis in the immunocompromised child.

The diagnostic value of 73 bronchoalveolar lavages was assessed in 67 immunocompromised children (aged 3 months to 16 years) with pulmonary infiltrates. Thirty one children had primary and 19 secondary immune deficiency, 14 acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and three AIDS related complex. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed during fibreoptic bronchoscopy, under local anaesthesia in all but two. One or more infective agents was found in eight of 11 patients with severe acute pneumonia and in 26 of 62 patients with interstitial pneumonitis. In interstitial pneumonitis, the most frequently encountered agents were Pneumocystis carinii (12), cytomegalovirus (8), and Aspergillus fumigatus (3). The yield was related to the severity of interstitial pneumonitis. The mean cellular count and cytological profile in lavage returns from patients with varying infective agents or underlying pathological conditions showed no significant difference, except in those children with AIDS and AIDS related complex who had appreciable lymphocytosis (mean percentage of lymphocytes 28 (SD 17]. In children with AIDS and chronic interstitial pneumonitis lymphocytosis without pneumocystis infection was observed in eight of nine bronchoalveolar lavage returns and was suggestive of pulmonary lymphoid hyperplasia. Finally, bronchoalveolar lavage produced a specific diagnosis from the microbiological or cytological findings in 44 instances (60%). Transient exacerbation of tachypnoea was observed in the most severely ill children but there was no case of respiratory decompensation attributable to the bronchoscopy. Bronchoalveolar lavage is a safe and rapid examination for the investigation of pulmonary infiltrates in immunocompromised children. It should be performed as a first line investigation and should reduce the use of open lung biopsy techniques.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

[ORL localizations of Rosai-Dorfman disease. Apropos of 4 cases].

Four cases of Rosai and Dorfman's disease are presented. This adenomegalic sinusal histiocytosis is usually a benign affection even though the appearance and degree of glandular enlargement can suggest malignant disease. A literature review showed 215 cases reported up to the present.

Adolescent↗

Prevention of graft failure by an anti-HLFA-1 monoclonal antibody in HLA-mismatched bone-marrow transplantation.

Seven patients with immunodeficiencies (Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, combined immunodeficiency, and osteopetrosis) were given a mouse monoclonal antibody against the alpha subunit of human leucocyte functional antigen (HLFA-1; CD18) to facilitate the engraftment of mismatched haploidentical related-donor bone marrow. Other conditioning included busulphan, cyclophosphamide, and antilymphocyte globulin. To prevent graft-versus-host disease the bone-marrow T cells were depleted with sheep erythrocyte rosetting and cyclosporin therapy was given. HLFA-1 antibody injections were well tolerated without side-effects except slight, transient fever (38-40 degrees) after the first injection. Engraftment was rapid in all seven patients. The regenerating leucocytes were of donor origin in all cases, and two patients have a mixed chimera. Two patients died from infections. The others are alive and well 60-395 days after transplantation. In a historical control group given the same treatment without anti-HLFA-1 infusion, only one of seven transplants partially engrafted; only two patients remain alive with autologous reconstitution but with uncorrected immunodeficiency.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Longitudinal study of 18 children with perinatal LAV/HTLV III infection: attempt at prognostic evaluation.

We performed a longitudinal study (mean follow-up 19.5 months, range 3 to 42 months) in 18 consecutive children with clinical symptoms of LAV/HTLV III infection. Twelve patients were born to mothers infected with LAV/HTLV III, and six were infected by blood products administered during the first weeks of life. Immunologic studies included lymphocyte markers, in vitro responses to mitogens and antigens with corresponding skin tests, and antibody response with isoagglutinins, post-vaccination antibodies, and Candida. A serologic profile of antibody to GP110, P18, and P25 LAV/HTLV III antigens by radioimmunoprecipitation assay was also performed. The antigen-induced proliferative responses were normal in 10 patients who had a stable course, but were profoundly impaired in eight others who died or had poor condition with opportunistic infections. These in vitro measurements were well correlated with antigen skin tests. An abnormal antibody response to antigens, a low level of isoagglutinins, and a peculiar profile of LAV/HTLV III antibodies were also frequently observed in these eight patients. These measurements appear to be of prognostic value because they were noticed soon after onset of clinical symptoms.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

[LAV infections and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in infants].

The clinical and immunologic abnormalities of 7 infants with Lymphadenopathy Associated Virus (LAV) infection are reported. Indicative immune changes, positive anti-LAV serologic test and/or virus isolation led to the diagnosis. In a case with a particularly severe form of the disease, whose mother died from AIDS, serologic tests and virus isolation were negative. Beside a case associated with blood transfusion, the familial and ethnic context helped the diagnosis. Clinical and biochemical features were close to those in adult AIDS, including hepatosplenomegaly, polyadenopathy, a decreased absolute number of OKT4(+) lymphocytes and hypergammaglobulinemia. The importance of cellular and sometimes also humoral immune deficiency was highly variable. For 4 patients, the severity of the immune deficiency allowed the diagnosis of AIDS. Occurrence of such an infection in the first months of life suggests a fetomaternal viral transmission; however, a postnatal contamination cannot be ruled out. Long-term prognosis is difficult to assess. It depends, among other factors, on the importance of the immune deficiency.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

[AIDS in children. Histopathologic study of 12 cases].

The anatomo-clinical investigation of a series of 12 cases of AIDS in infants, over two years in Hôpital des Enfants Malades (Paris) allows the following observations to be made: the frequency of materno-foetal contaminations (8/12); the relative shortness of the incubation period (3-6 months); the variable degree of the atrophy of the lymphoid tissues; the absence of vascular proliferation; the interest of demonstrating viral proteins associated with LAV virus (p 18) in imprecisely identifiable cells of lymphoid tissue; the severity of the thymic alterations, which are characterized less by a lymphocyte depletion than by a loss of the maturation of the epithelial tissue, which still preserves its hormone secretory properties.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗