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Biomedical subjects

A G Wesley

Publications and source records attributed to A G Wesley.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Levamisole therapy in children at risk from severe measles.

A placebo-controlled trial of Levamisole in 47 black children with measles is reported. The children were of satisfactory nutrition but at risk from severe disease as judged by a lymphopenia of less than 2000 X 10(-9)/m3 (less than 2000/mm3) early in the exanthem. A placebo or Levamisole (2.5 mg/kg/dose) were given orally weekly for six weeks. Death or persistence of radiological pneumonia at six weeks occurred in 74% of the Levamisole and 92% of the placebo group. No side effects of the drug were noted. The immune responses that were monitored for six weeks were total lymphocyte and lymphocyte subpopulation counts, PHA stimulated lymphocyte transformation, leucocyte migration inhibition, measles antibody titres and serum levels of immunoglobulins and complement components. In none of these was a significant difference found between the two groups. While there was a trend clinically towards complete recovery in the group that received Levamisole, statistically it was not significant, and therefore Levamisole cannot be recommended for treatment of measles.

Antibodies, Viral↗

Hypokalaemic muscle paresis in children.

Seven children with muscle paralysis due to hypokalaemia are reported. In four the weakness was of asymmetrical and patchy distribution invoking an initial diagnosis of poliomyelitis, while the other three children had symmetrical pareses, a more widely recognized presentation. Involvement of bulbar muscles occurred in three, one of whom also had intercostal weakness. Head lag was present in all. The cause of hypokalaemia was malnutrition and/or diarrhoea, but in only one case was the diarrhoea severe enough to prompt the mother to seek medical advice.

Child↗

Continuous positive pressure ventilation in children with bronchopneumonia.

The application of a small end-expiratory pressure of 5 cmH2O to the assisted ventilation of nineteen children (mean age 19 months) with bronchopneumonia was compared with intermittent positive pressure ventilation. Within 1 h of introducing continuous positive pressure ventilation the alveolar-to-arterial oxygen gradient was reduced in most patients, with an increase in functional residual capacity and a decrease in total pulmonary blood shunt. Physiological dead space was also reduced, a feature not observed in other studies, and the significance of this finding is discussed. The use of continuous positive pressure ventilation in broncho-pulmonary infection was shown to be effective even at small pressures, and can be recommended especially for patients requiring long-term ventilation.

Age Factors↗

Severe measles-associated pneumonia treated with assisted ventilation.

Measles-associated pneumonia, which was severe enough to require mechanical ventilation, caused a mortality of 64%. The main indications for special respiratory care were severe infection and hypoxaemia. Complications of the disease occurred in 78% of the patients. The commonest were anaemia, enteritis and cardiac failure, and they contributed to the grave prognosis. Viral pneumonia was present in most of the patients who died; superinfection was rare. The characteristics of measles virus was present in 30% and of adenovirus in no less that 40%.

Adenovirus Infections, Human↗

Immunological studies in children with chronic pulmonary infection.

Twenty-three children with chronic pulmonary symptoms following acute lower respiratory tract infection were investigated with a view to establishing their immune status. Cell-mediated immunity was depressed in the majority. Serial testing over some months showed improvement in some and fluctuation or non-recovery in others. The leucocyte function, gamma-globulin and immunoglobulin levels were normal.

Child, Preschool↗

Indications for intubation in laryngotracheobronchitis in black children.

Fifty-eight children with laryngotracheobronchitis (LTB) were studied. Many were malnourished, or in the post-measles state, or had some lower respiratory tract or cardiac involvement. In these patients, factors helpful in assessing the need for relief of airway obstruction by tracheal intubation have been evaluated. A set of indications for intubation, which includes clinical and arterial blood gas features of LTB is suggested. Cognisance of complications of disease, where present, has also been taken. If cyanosis or muscular hypotonia or unawareness is present, intubation is urgently needed. When two of the following occur together, the need for intubation has arisen: (a) pulse rate greater than 170/min and respiratory rate greater than 55/min; (b) paCO2 greater than 37 mmHg; (c) paO2 less than 50 mmHg; and (d) a complication (cardiac failure or severe lower respiratory tract infection).

Black or African American↗

Humoral immune response in children with measles.

Twenty-eight Black children with complicated measles were investigated for their capacity to produce antibodies when stimulated with TAB antigen. Their measles antibody titres were also measured. Antibody production to TAB was defective, especially the "H" antibody. Production of measles antibody was sometimes delayed in its appearance but subsequently reached normal levels.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗