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Biomedical subjects

A Morell

Publications and source records attributed to A Morell.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1982

Build-up maintenance of IgG serum concentrations with intravenous immunoglobulin in patients with primary humoral immunodeficiency.

6 patients with antibody deficiency disease had intravenous immunoglobulin substitution and their serum IgG levels were monitored for at least 6 months. After three IgG infusions of 6-12 g each at intervals of 3 or 4 weeks, the IgG serum concentrations were between 300 and 500 mg/dl in 3 patients. In the 3 other patients, higher serum levels were obtained after considerably more IgG infusions given at intervals of 8 days or less. Maintenance of subnormal levels was achieved by replacement of approximately 10 mg/kg body weight/day. In 1 patient, the serum IgG was kept at about 1,000 mg/dl by replacement of 54 mg/kg/day, i.e. by infusions of 9 g every 3-4 days.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1982

Correlations between enzymatic and immunologic properties of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. I. Ectoenzymes of normal and immunodeficient peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

The activity of plasma membrane marker enzymes which are involved in purine metabolism (5'-nucleotidase, alkaline 5'-nucleotide phosphodiesterase), in active ion transport (Na-K-Mg-adenosine triphosphatase, ouabain-sensitive Na-K-adenosine triphosphatase), in aminoacid transport (gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase), and in basic physiologic functions (alkaline phosphomonoesterase) were assayed in mononuclear cells isolated from peripheral blood of normal donors and of patients with primary immunodeficiency. Irrespective of the clinical classification of the immunodeficiency, the cells of patients were characterized by significantly diminished 5'-nucleotidase and to a certain extent by lower alkaline phosphomonoesterase activities. Average activity levels of other enzymes were similar in cells of patients and controls, but scattering was more pronounced in the first group. Determination of substrate affinity revealed different kinetic properties of 5'-nucleotidase in cells from patients and normal donors; however, the extent of inhibition by beta-glycerophosphate or alpha, beta-adenosine-methylene diphosphate was comparable for both types of cells. The presence of inhibitory compounds in patients' serum was excluded by mixing experiments. When activities of the various plasma-membrane-associated enzymes were compared with each other, significant correlations emerged in normal lymphocytes. Most of these correlations were absent in cell membranes of immunodeficient patients. The findings indicate that the plasma membrane of lymphocytes from patients with immunodeficiency may be characterized by an altered distribution of enzymatic constituents.

5'-Nucleotidase↗
PubMed1981

[Immunoglobulin substitution in the treatment of neonatal septicemia].

The therapeutic effect of a polyvalent immunoglobulin preparation for intravenous use was tested in 82 newborns with bacterial infections. 35 of the children had neonatal sepsis, whereas in the other 47 bacteremia was not detectable. Treatment consisted either of antibiotics only or of antibiotics combined wih immunoglobulin SRK on an alternating basis for the first six days. Immunoglobulin substitution was tolerated without complications. In the group of infants with neonatal sepsis, two of 20 (10%) who were substituted with immunoglobulin and four of 15 (26%) who received no immunoglobulin died. Likewise, in the group of patients without detectable bacteremia, two of 21 on immunoglobulin substitution (10%) and four of the 26 who were not substituted (15%) died. The low mortality observed in the present study was attributed to efforts at early diagnosis and conventional early treatment on the one hand, and to immunoglobulin substitution on the other. To detect possible late sequelae of immunoglobulin therapy, particularly in hypogammaglobulinemic premature newborns, clinical and immunological investigations were performed in the septic patient group at the age of one to four years. There were no indications that administration of immunoglobulins during the neonatal period might have had an adverse effect on psychomotor and somatic development or on the immunological maturation of the infants.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1981

[Classification of acute leukemias by surface markers and correlation with the morphological diagnosis. Results of 111 cases].

111 patients with acute leukemia, including 29 children, were classified according to the surface markers and cytochemistry of their blasts. The acute leukemias were separated into two majors groups (lymphoid and non-lymphoid) depending on the presence or absence of specific lymphoid markers. On the basis of these criteria a correlation of 94% with the hematological diagnosis was obtained. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) was divisible into three sub-groups: 11 cases expressing T-cell specific markers were classified as T-ALL and 33 cases expressing the common ALL antigen (CALLA) as c-ALL. 18 of the latter expressed an additional marker, DSA (Daudi surface antigen), splitting c-ALL cases in two subgroups. Cytochemistry of the cases lacking specific surface markers (n = 67) served to diagnose 41 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases and 8 monoblastic leukemias. The remaining 18 cases could not be classified. The presence of absence of HLD-DR (Ia) antigens served to subdivide AML into two major subgroups. The prognostic significance of these new diagnostic splits is under active study.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1981

High-dose intravenous gammaglobulin for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in childhood.

Seven children with chronic or intermittent and six with acute idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) were treated with large intravenous doses of polyvalent, intact immunoglobulin (Ig). In all patients the platelet count rose sharply within 5 days, but the initial response and the subsequent course varied from patient to patient. Among children with chronic ITP the initial response was more marked in splenectomised than in non-splenectomised patients. Among those with acute ITP the two who remained Ig dependent had a smaller initial response than the four patients who required no maintenance treatment. During the 90-110 days of observation five of six patients with chronic ITP could be maintained with Ig alone. No untoward effects of Ig therapy were observed.

Child↗
PubMed1981

Low- and high-risk non-T and non-B and T-cell acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) in childhood: different duration of remission and survival.

In a prospective, nonrandomized trial clinical (initial WBC and chest film) and immunological (surface immunoglobulin and rosetting with pretreated sheep red blood cells) criteria were used to stratify 69 children with previously untreated acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL). Forty of 61 evaluable patients had low-risk ALL (initial WBC less than or equal to 20,000/mm3, no mediastinal mass) and were treated less intensively. Twenty-one of 61 patients had high-risk ALL (initial WBC greater than 20,000/mm3 and/or mediastinal mass) and were treated more intensively. Of the high-risk patients 15 had non-T non-B and 6 T ALL. Sixty of 61 patients went into complete remission. After a median observation period of 27 months, 32 of 40 low-risk, 7 of 14 high-risk non-T non-B, and none of 6 high-risk T ALL patients were in continuous first remission. Thirty-six of 40 low-risk, 9 of 15 high-risk non-T non-B, and none of 6 T ALL patients were alive. Despite more intensive treatment, the duration of remission and the survival were significantly shorter in the high-risk than in the low-risk patients. Among the high-risk ALL, non-T non-B ALL did better than T ALL.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1981

[Aging of the immunosystem and its significance for tumor genesis (author's transl)].

Age-related decline in immune function starts at the time of sexual maturity with the involution of the thymic cortex. Except for the marked atrophy of the thymus, there are little changes in younger and middle years. Immune aging becomes more prominent at the end of the sixth decade of life particularly by a progressive decrease of thymus-dependent immunity: functional deterioration of T lymphocytes subpopulations results in qualitative and quantitative changes of the cellular and the humoral immune response. According to the with modifications still acceptable concept of "immunological surveillance", immune deficiency favours the appearance of certain malignances. There are indications that age-related disturbancies in the network of immunological interactions may--in combination with the influence of carcinogens and other factors--contribute to the genesis and the spreading of tumors.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

Determination of IgG subclasses and Gm allotypes in culture supernatants of pokeweed mitogen-stimulated human blood lymphocytes.

Concentrations of the 4 IgG subclasses, of IgM, and of IgA were determined in culture supernatants of pokeweed mitogen-stimulated mononuclear cells isolated from human peripheral blood. Time-course studies showed cumulative secretion of IgM, IgA, and the subclasses IgG1, IgG2, and IgG3 but not of IgG4. In supernatants of 7-day cultures of unseparated mononuclear cells, IgG1 was predominant, followed by IgG2 and IgG3. Removal of most monocytes from the mononuclear cells resulted in an overall decrease of immunoglobulin production but had no influence on the relative IgG subclass distribution. In supernatants of T cell-enriched cultures, the synthesized IgG was deficient in IgG1. Likewise, in supernatants of B cell-enriched cultures, IgG2 exceeded IgG1 concentration. Elimination of the T gamma cells suggested some influence of this subset on IgG2 production. Gm allotypes determined in supernatants corresponded to those in serum of the blood donors.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

Infectious mononucleosis: sequential immunologic, cytochemical, and cytokinetic studies on single lymphoid cells in peripheral blood.

Sequential immunologic, cytochemical, and cytokinetic studies were done on single lymphoid cells in the peripheral blood of 6 children with infectious mononucleosis (IM) and 1 child with toxoplasmosis 1-2 wk after onset of symptomatology. The absolute number of AET-SRBC rosetting (E+) cells was increased in all patients; the absolute number of cells with surface IgM (slgM+) was increased in 3 of 7 patients. On the average, 46% of all lymphoid cells were E+la+slgM-, 35% E+la-slgM-, and 5% E-la+slgM+. Of the E+la+slgM- cells, only 7% were shown to have a dot-like esterase reaction pattern. Of the E+la-slgM-cells, 17% were esterase positive. The mean labeling index of the former was 18.2%, the mean labeling index of the latter 4.4%. No proliferating slgM+ cells were observed in the 6 children with IM. The esterase reactions and the labeling indices of suppressor-cytotoxic and inducer-helper T cells were similar to those of E+la+slgM- and E+la-slgM- cells, respectively. These results suggest that the vast majority of the atypical cells in IM corresponds to activated suppressor cells, while a minority appears to be proliferating helper cells.

Child↗
PubMed1980

[Structure and biological properties of immunoglobulins and gamma-globulin preparations. II. Properties of gamma-globulin preparations].

Various gammaglobulin preparations have been analyzed with regard to content of IgG aggregates and percentage distribution of the four IgG subclasses. Their elimination from the plasma compartment was also studied in turnover experiments. Chief attention was focused on gamma-globulin preparations for intravenous use. The various preparations clearly differed in their subclass composition and metabolic behaviour. At present these results allow no conclusions concerning the efficacy of the various preparations in severe bacterial infections, since controlled clinical trials are still lacking. They should, however, be borne in mind when selecting a gammaglobulin preparation for a planned clinical trial.

Humans↗
PubMed1980

In vivo behaviour of gamma globulin preparations.

Metabolic properties of standard gamma globulin (St-GG) and of several gamma globulin (GG) preparations for intravenous use were analyzed in radioactive tracer studies. The in vivo behaviour of St-GG was investigated in 16 probands and found to be comparable to that of normal IgG. The kinetics of the resorption of St-GG from intramuscular deposits, its elimination from the intravascular compartment and from the body were studied in 2 probands. Metabolic properties of GG preparations for intravenous use were compared with those of St-GG in 3-4 probands after simultaneous injection of 125I- and 131I-labelled tracer doses. Important differences in the half-times of intravascular survival, in the rates of catabolism and in the distribution in the body were noticed for most of the preparations for intravenous use except for an improved acid-treated (pH 4) GG, the in vivo behaviour of which was similar to that of St-GG.

Adult↗
PubMed1980

Serum beta 2-microglobulin, serum creatinine and bone marrow plasma cells in benign and malignant monoclonal gammopathy.

Serum beta 2-microglobulin concentrations were determined in samples of 65 patients with benign or malignant monoclonal gammopathy. In the group of patients suffering from multiple myeloma or Waldenström's macroglobulinemia the mean beta 2-microglobulin level was significantly higher than in the group with benign monoclonal gammopathy. Values above 3 mg/l were highly indicative of malignant disease and observed in 50% of the myeloma patients. Serum creatinine levels were significantly correlated to beta 2-microglobulin levels. However, mean creatinine concentrations did not significantly differ between the two groups of patients. Plasma cells and lymphoplasmocellular elements containing cytoplasmic immunoglobulin were counted in bone marrow samples of all patients. The counts, expressed in percent of nucleated bone marrow cells, allowed a good discrimination between the benign and the malignant group of patients. Bone marrow from patients with multiple myeloma or macroglobulinemia contained more, from patients with benign monoclonal gammopathy less than 17% plasma cells. No significant correlation was noticed between the extent of this plasmocytic bone marrow infiltration and serum beta 2-microglobulin or creatinine levels.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

[Sequential immunologic, cytochemical and autoradiographic studies on lymphoid cells in the blood of healthy adults].

Simultaneous characterization on a single slide of computer-mapped lymphoid blood cells by sequential analysis of 3 parameters (surface immunoglobulins, AET-SRBC-rosetting, unspecific acid alpha-naphthyl-acetate-esterase) served to distinguish 8 subpopulations. By previous in vitro incubation with 3HdT, the proliferative activity of the latter could also be assessed.

Autoradiography↗
PubMed1979

[Angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy. 3 cases with polyclonal gammopathy].

Three patients with an atypical lymphoproliferative disorder disorder and polyclonal gammopathy have been reviewed retrospectively. The clinical and histological findings are compatible with the recently described entity of angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy. Two patients died within 6 months after the first symptoms of the disease. Circulating immuncomplexes were demonstrated in the serum of 2 patients. In one patient with a nearly fourfold increase of IgG, persistent hyponatremia was found.

Aged↗
PubMed1979

[BCG sepsis as a fatal complication of BCG vaccination].

Fatal septicemia with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) following BCG vaccination is always caused by an underlying defect of immunologic mechanisms. At the Children's Hospital, University of Berne, two cases of BCG septicemia were recently observed. The clinical picture, course, and pathogenesis of the illness are discussed. The harmless complications of BCG vaccination are summarized, and a review of the literature on fatal disseminated BCG infection stresses the different type of immunologic mechanism defect and clinical course. Therapy with antituberculous drugs is ineffective. Other therapeutic measures are mentioned. Immunologic tests must be performed rapidly when fatal disseminated BCG infection is suspected, in order to organize genetic counselling as soon as possible. The question whether newborns should still be vaccinated in spite of the numerous complications is discussed and answered in the affirmative.

Antigen-Antibody Reactions↗