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Biomedical subjects

C M Gwynn

Publications and source records attributed to C M Gwynn.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

IgE and IgG4 subclass in atopic families.

Raised levels of IgG4 were present in twelve (35%) of thirty-four asthmatic children and raised levels of IgE in twenty-three (68%). Eighteen of 104 first degree relatives also had raised levels of IgG4, thirteen had no history of atopic disease and nine failed to give positive skin reactions to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus or to mixed grass pollens. Fifteen relatives had raised IgE, five without symptoms. No relationship was noted between either raised levels of IgE or IgG4 and infant feeding. Although these immunoglobulin patterns were not consistently associated with symptoms they did tend to be associated in atopic families and it is suggested that the same polygenic factors may govern the IgE and IgG4 levels.

Adolescent

HLA haplotypes and hayfever: a possible protective role.

The HLA haplotype frequencies of European asthmatic children and their immediate families were studied, and a disassociation between haplotype A1-B8 and skin sensitivity to grass pollens was found, suggesting that within this allergic population, possession of the haplotype A1-B8 conferred possible protection against grass pollinosis. There was no association between A1-B8 and clinical asthma or between it and skin sensitivity to the house dust mite.

Dust

Role of IgG4 subclass in childhood allergy.

In 38 asthmatic patients (34 children and 4 adults) raised serum concentrations of IgE and the IgG4 subclass were found to correlate with the clinical picture. 5 children with eczema, asthma, and hayfever had grossly increased concentrations of both immunoglobulins, as did 4 adults who had had atopic eczema as children. Raised concentrations of just one of the immunoglobulin classes (i.e., IgE or IgG4) did not seem to be associated with atopic eczema. 75% of the asthmatic children in whom serum-IgG4 was raised had not shown a satisfactory response to disodium cromoglycate and required steroids to control their asthma; but 82% of patients in whom only IgE was raised responded satisfactorily to disodium cromoglycate.

Adolescent

A clinical comparison of aerosol and powder administration of beclomethasone dipropionate in asthma.

A clinical comparison of conventional aerosol administration of beclomethasone dipropionate and insufflation as a powder using the "Rotahaler" device in four doses of 100 microgram each was made in thirty-seven cases. Each treatment was given for 4 weeks, the order being randomized. Symptom records, twice daily peak flow readings and records of bronchodilator and steroid dosage showed the powder to be as effective as the aerosol. In the physician's opinion the powder was preferable to the aerosol in some cases.

Adolescent

Complement changes during exercise-induced asthma.

Two groups of asthmatic children, one with and one without a history of post-exercise wheezing, and one non-asthmatic adult, were exercised on a treadmill, and their complement levels were measured before and after exercise. The first group of patients had the most obvious fall in FEV 1 and all showed a slight rise in haemolytic complement following exercise. Two of the patients of the second group also had a rise in haemolytic complement. The C4 titre did not change in any of the asthmatic children who did not wheeze after exercise, but there were changes, albeit inconsistent, in the titres of C4 in four of the six patients who exhibited post-exercise wheezing. C3 breakdown products were not detected in any of the sera, following exercise. The role of complement in exercise-induced bronchospasm is not clear, but there does appear to be a greater lability of the complement system in patients who are susceptible to this form of provocation.

Asthma

Long-term results with beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol in children with bronchial asthma: why does it sometimes fail?

1. Beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol has been shown to be a highly effective treatment for asthma in childhood, with virtual absence of side effects at this age. 2. When treatment is unsuccessful, this is usually due to failure to take it correctly and regularly. 3. A good response is usually associated with an improvement in ventilatory function and a marked increase in growth velocity.

Adolescent