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Biomedical subjects

S Swain

Publications and source records attributed to S Swain.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Prenatal diagnosis and management of nonimmune hydrops fetalis.

We examined the incidence, aetiological factors and outcome in 40 cases of nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIH) and suggest a rational approach to management. The incidence of NIH was 1 in 830 deliveries during the last 10-year period. In spite of extensive antenatal and postnatal investigation no cause could be established in 14 (35%) cases. A probable aetiological factor was found in 65% of cases. These included viral infection (7), cardiovascular (6), twin-to-twin transfusion (3), chromosomal abnormality (3), other malformation syndromes (4), renal dysplasia (1), laryngeal atresia (1) and severe fetomaternal haemorrhage (1). Five of the 40 fetuses survived, 2 treated antenatally for tachyarrhythmia, 2 had spontaneous resolution and the fifth fetus had repeated intrauterine transfusions because of human parvovirus B19-induced anaemia. After diagnosis of nonimmune hydrops fetalis, early referral to a tertiary centre is to be encouraged for investigation and provision of intensive perinatal care. Investigation allows parents to be counselled appropriately that the mortality is no longer 100% and a steadily growing number may be amenable to some form of fetal therapy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Human parvovirus B19 infection associated with hydrops fetalis.

Human parvovirus B19 infection has been associated with fetal anaemia, hydrops and in some cases fetal demise. We report our experience with nonimmune hydrops fetalis due to human parvovirus B19 infection in 17 pregnancies which were identified sonographically over a period of 10 years. The only baby who survived received repeated intrauterine transfusions and was normal neurodevelopmentally at 2 years follow-up. Two other fetuses who also received intrauterine transfusion did not survive. All pregnancies complicated with nonimmune hydrops should be investigated by fetal blood sampling looking for the evidence of parvovirus infection. Intrauterine transfusion should be reserved for hydropic fetuses with a low haematocrit. A greater understanding of the natural history of human parvovirus infection is needed prior to deciding the optimum mode of therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

From naive to effector--alterations with aging.

We have used a T-cell receptor transgenic mouse model to study the role of antigen in the changes that occur as T cells age. We find that the characteristic shift in the CD4 population to a predominance of memory phenotype T cells which accompanies aging in non-transgenic mice does not occur, suggesting that this shift is a result of antigenic stimulation. Thus at least one component of aging must be antigen dependent. When responses of naive CD4 T cells from aged and young mice are directly compared in vitro, the former are relatively deficient in their ability to produce IL-2 and IL-3, they express altered levels of P-glycoprotein and they proliferate less well in the absence of exogenous cytokines. When the ability of both naive populations to generate effectors is compared, the number of effectors generated from aged naive cells is much reduced and the effectors generated express lower levels of IL-2R alpha and produce reduced levels of cytokines. Importantly, addition of IL-2 restores proliferation of aged naive T cells, restores efficient effector generation and results in effectors seemingly indistinguishable from those derived from young CD4 cells. Similar phenotypic and functional changes seen with aging are also found in T-cell populations from IL-2 and IL-2R alpha knockout mice. Thus the loss of optimal IL-2 production may participate in the aging process and may represent the main antigen-independent defect in the CD4 T-cell population.

Aging↗
PubMed1997

Impact of mode of delivery on maternal mortality in eclampsia.

Determinants of maternal mortality and causes of death pertaining to mode of delivery have been discussed. There were 23 deaths (case fatality rate of 7.2%) and maximum deaths occurred in intrapartum eclampsia (12 ie, 52.17%). Caesarean section was performed in 92 cases (28.7%) of which 4 women died (4.3%). Maternal mortality in cases who delivered vaginally was 7.1% (16 out of 225) and 3 cases died undelivered. Authors feel that at the referral centres early caesarean section in eclampsia may help in reducing maternal mortality.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Immunoglobulin G and complement C3 levels in pregnancy induced hypertension.

The immunoglobulin G (IgG) and complement C3 (C3) were measured in the maternal as well cord blood sera of 30 cases of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) as well as 9 controls with normotensive pregnancy. A depression of IgG as well as C3 level was observed in the maternal as well as cord sera of the mothers with PIH. These findings suggest decreased immunological status of both mother and her offspring in PIH, irrespective of the gestation and intrauterine growth status.

Complement C3↗