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Biomedical subjects

E Riva

Publications and source records attributed to E Riva.

At least 271 records · Page 15Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and erythropoietin therapy in children with human immunodeficiency virus infection.

To determine whether granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and erythropoietin are effective in the therapy of neutropenia and anaemia related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and to anti-retroviral agents, we recruited 11 HIV-infected children (mean age 4 years 10 months). All the children were given granulocyte-colony stimulating factor at a dosage of 5 micrograms/kg twice or three times a week while erythropoietin was administered additionally to three patients at a dosage of 50 U/kg twice a week. Both agents were administered subcutaneously for at least 4 months. Leukocyte and neutrophil counts significantly increased during the treatment (after 1 months, P = 0.003 and P = 0.009, respectively). Erythropoietin prevented blood transfusions and increased haemoglobin levels in the three children treated. No side-effects were recorded during the administration of either agent. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and erythropoietin appear to be safe and useful agents in the management of HIV-infected children.

Antiviral Agents↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Preliminary results of a nutritional survey in a sample of 35,000 Italian schoolchildren.

An investigation of the nutrient intake of a large-scale sample (n = 35,072), drawn from the Italian school-age population (7-10 years) was carried out in a nationwide survey of nutritional patterns. Friuli, the Piedmont, Latium and Sicily regions were selected as representative of the nation's north-south and east-west socio-economic divisions. A food frequency questionnaire was used to assess nutritional intake. Traditional methods of 24-h dietary recall and a weighted food diary were used in subsamples to assess the validity of the food frequency questionnaire. Our data suggest that the average diet of Italian schoolchildren is rich in protein (especially animal proteins) and lipids (prevalently saturated fatty acids), but that carbohydrate and fibre intakes remain generally low. The relatively low calcium intake among girls and a widespread, more than adequate iron intake are also noteworthy. The food and nutrient intakes assessed suggest a dietary pattern with several positive points, but also reveal potential hazards for a wider population spectrum. The type of large-scale nutritional monitoring with a multi-method approach can be used in Italy and elsewhere to describe the dietary trends of a school-age population.

Child↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Amelioration of neutrophil membrane function underlies granulocyte-colony stimulating factor action in glycogen storage disease 1b.

Glycogen storage disease (GSD) 1b is a metabolic disorder characterized by a deficiency of glucose 6-phosphate transporter and neutrophil alterations, which are reduced in number and functionally impaired. The present study aimed at investigating neutrophil dysfunction correlating submembrane and cytoskeletal changes at different ages with or without granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) treatment. GSD1b neutrophils showed reduced expression and diffused localization of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and actin. No abnormalities were observed in GSD1a patient neutrophils. Gelsolin was also slightly reduced in neutrophils of GSD1b patients. When patients were treated for at least 3 months with G-CSF, the neutrophil number and the expression of FAK and actin were significantly increased. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor treatment was similarly effective when performed in 1 year old patients. FAK auto- and IL-8-mediated phosphorylations were already affected as early as 1 year of age. G-CSF treatment also improved this alteration. Our data suggest that neutrophil dysfunction in GSD1b patients might be related to functional impairment and disorganization of proteins of the sub-membrane apparatus, and that G-CSF treatment counteracts neutropenia and prevents the progressive alterations of neutrophil sub-membrane proteins.

Actins↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Clinical and pro-host effects of cefaclor in prophylaxis of recurrent otitis media in HIV-infected children.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of cefaclor in the prophylaxis of recurrent acute otitis media (AOM) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children. The study was carried out in children born between 1 January 1986 and 31 December 1996 who had been vertically HIV infected Patients who had experienced recurrent AOM between October 1997 and March 1998 (period 1) were eligible for the trial. Recurrent AOM was defined as the occurrence in the same patient of three or more episodes of AOM within 6 months of the observation period. Patients recruited for this trial received cefaclor at a dose of 20 mg/kg once daily for 6 months between April and September 1998 (period 2). Clinical observation was carried out in periods 1 and 2 and for the first 6 months after prophylaxis, i.e. October 1998 - March 1999 (period 3). Natural killer-cell activity, phagocytosis and myeloperoxidase activity were determined before and at the end of the prophylactic period. For each period, CD4-cell count measurement and CD4-positive cell class were recorded. Seventeen children were recruited for this trial. No significant differences were observed in natural killer-cell activity between periods 1 and 2, nor were any significant differences observed in CD4-positive cell class or CD4-positive cell count between the three periods. However, cefaclor administration was associated with a reduction in the number of AOM episodes in 100% of cases and a mean increase in myeloperoxidase activity in 57% of cases. This suggests that cefaclor may be useful in the prophylaxis of recurrent AOM in HIV-infected children.

Acute Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A 1-year trial of lamivudine for chronic hepatitis B in children.

We carried out a 1-year trial to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of lamivudine, an oral nucleoside analogue, in a small group of children with vertically acquired chronic hepatitis B. Patients were assessed for serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA at baseline and every 4 weeks thereafter, and for hepatitis B s antigen, hepatitis B e antigen and their antibodies every 12 weeks. Analysis of HBV mutation was undertaken at entry and on the occasion of the last positive control of HBV DNA. Lamivudine suppressed serum HBV DNA to undetectable levels in all treated patients within 24 weeks. Serum ALT levels returned to normal values within 36 weeks. Therapy was well tolerated, and although nausea and vomiting were reported in one child, it was not necessary to stop treatment. A new observation was that, contrary to previous data, seroconversion appeared to occur earlier in children with lower ALT levels at baseline.

Alanine Transaminase↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Nutritional value of a rice-hydrolysate formula in infants with cows' milk protein allergy: a randomized pilot study.

This study was designed to assess whether a rice-hydrolysate formula allows normal growth and adequate metabolic balance in infants with cows' milk protein allergy. Infants (seven females, nine males; aged 6-14 months) were randomly assigned to receive a rice-hydrolysate formula (n = 8) or a soy formula (control group, n = 8). Standardized growth indices (Z scores) and biochemical parameters were evaluated during a 6-month treatment period. Infants in both groups showed normal growth patterns during the study, and no adverse reactions were seen. Mean plasma biochemical parameters were within the normal ranges, and did not differ between groups. In conclusion, rice-hydrolysate formula may be a nutritionally suitable alternative for infants with cows' milk protein allergy. Larger studies, with satisfactory power, should be undertaken to confirm these findings.

Body Height↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Immunogenicity and tolerability of a trivalent virosomal influenza vaccine in a cohort of HIV-infected children.

Twenty-three children infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were vaccinated with a trivalent inactivated virosomal influenza vaccine. Serum haemagglutinin inhibition antibody titres were determined for the three viral strains at the time of vaccination and 1 month later. CD4 cell counts and HIV viral loads were measured to evaluate the effect of vaccination on HIV status. Adverse reactions were monitored during the first hour following vaccination by an investigator and then on a continuous basis by the parents. Seroconversion rates against the three viral strains A/H3N2, A/H1N1 and B were 73.9%, 56.5% and 52.2%, respectively. Geometric mean antibody titres increased after 1 month compared with baseline values (A/H3N2: 70.9 versus 13.5; A/H1N1: 24.7 versus 5.8; B: 34.4 versus 9.1). No significant changes were observed in either HIV viral load or CD4 cell count following vaccination. Vaccination was well tolerated with only a few mild, transient symptoms.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Closer to the gold standard: an appraisal of formulae available in Italy for use in formula-fed infants.

Infant formulae are the only alternatives to breast milk for infants who are unable to continue breastfeeding through the first year of life. They aim to provide formula-fed infants with the same structural and functional benefits observed in breastfed infants. To achieve this, bioactive nutrients have been added to infant formulae in recent years: long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids for neurodevelopment; probiotics and prebiotics for local gastrointestinal defence; and nucleotides for promoting the immune response. Changes in protein quantity and quality allow infant formulae to achieve a balance between providing the correct plasma amino acid profile and reducing the protein intake, which could prevent obesity in later life. Hydrolysed proteins may help prevent atopic disorders. Many short-term trials have been published but long-term follow-up data are needed in infants who have been fed the newer infant formulae, to fully understand the role of bioactive nutrients.

Carbohydrates↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Oral lactoferrin in HIV-1 vertically infected children: an observational follow-up of plasma viral load and immune parameters.

Lactoferrin (LF) is a mammalian iron-binding glycoprotein with antiviral effects. This preliminary study evaluated 6 months' LF (3 g/day, orally) treatment in 22 human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) vertically infected children. Plasma viral load and CD4+ cell counts were assessed every 3 months; before, during and after LF administration. No significant changes were observed during the pre-treatment period. By 6 months, mean (+/- SD) plasma viral load (log10) declined from 4.54 (+/- 0.65) to 4.28 (+/- 0.60); median percentage CD4+ cell count increased from 21.5% to 24.5%. Two months after treatment discontinuation, mean plasma viral load did not differ significantly from baseline or month 6 levels, but the percentage CD4+ cell count remained significantly higher than the baseline value. LF plus antiretroviral (ARV) therapy was more effective at increasing CD4+ cell count than LF alone. None of the patients showed any new HIV-1-related symptoms at follow-up. LF might be a useful addition to ARV therapy, but further large-scale studies are required.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Longitudinal long-term follow-up study of children with vertically acquired hepatitis C virus infection.

Seventeen children with vertically acquired hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection were followed from birth for a mean of 104 months. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were increased significantly at 3 and 6 months of age but were stable thereafter. HCV polymerase chain reaction was positive at 3 months in 16 patients and at 12 months in one patient. Viral load remained stable during follow-up at a mean value of 5.4 +/- 0.4 log10. Mild chronic hepatitis was the most common histopathological feature on liver biopsy, occurring in six of the seven children biopsied at a mean age of 4.0 +/- 2.4 years. Genotype did not seem to be related to the type of liver involvement. The results of this study suggest that vertically acquired HCV infection has a benign course in children, despite the presence of viraemia and persistent alterations in ALT levels.

Alanine Transaminase↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Significant reduction in HIV-1 plasma viral load but not in proviral infected cells during sub-optimal antiretroviral therapy.

Attempts to eradicate HIV infection through highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in the very early stages of the infection have failed due to the resumption of viral replication from unknown reservoirs. It has been postulated that antiretroviral therapy capable of suppressing viral replication, as shown by reduction of HIV-RNA copies in plasma and lymph nodes, should have less effect on the number of HIV-DNA carrying cells in the same districts. To test this hypothesis, plasma viremia and the proportion of provirally infected cells in peripheral blood and in lymph nodes were measured in patients at 3 and 6 months of treatment with zidovudine plus lamivudine. All patients showed a significant decrease in plasma viremia at 3 months that was maintained at 6 months (mean values of 1.6 +/- 0.6 log10 from baseline). Conversely the proportion of HIV-DNA carrying cells slightly declined at 3 months but remained substantially stable thereafter both in peripheral blood and in lymph nodes. Taken together these data suggest that this therapeutic regimen, although sub-optimal, is effective in significantly reducing the virus production by productively infected cells but does not seem to substantially affect the load of provirally infected cells.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Not Available].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Cosmetics↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Proposal of a step-wise follow-up for hepatitis C seropositive mothers and their infants.

Mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis C virus can take place in utero, during labour or after birth. Rate of vertical transmission varies widely between surveys but is around 5-6%. Maternal risk factors which may condition perinatal transmission risk are HIV/HCV coinfection, drug use, viral load, viral genotype, type of delivery and breastfeeding. On the basis of recent data, we propose a step-wise follow-up for HCV seropositive mothers and their infants. This proposal might represent an important occasion to unify behaviors in different Obstetrics-Gynecology and Neonatology Units.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Fatty acids in prevention and therapy in pediatrics].

Fatty acids (FA) are involved in both physiologic and pathologic biochemical pathways. Saturated FA (mainly 12-C and 14-C) are implicated in the development of hypercholesterolemia and early atherogenesis. On the contrary, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated FA (mainly 18:2 n-6 and n-3 very long-chain FA) have been claimed to have hypocholesterolemic and protective effects. In particular, oleic acid (18:1 n-9) seems to lower only the atherogenic fraction of circulating cholesterol (the low-density lipoproteins), leaving immodified the level of the protective fraction (the high-density lipoproteins). Polyunsaturated very long-chain FA have been recently studied for the prevention and therapy of atopic and cutaneous disorders, with conflicting results. In this respect, the 20:4 n-6 acts as proinflammatory agent, while the n-3 very long-chain FA could act as modulators of the immuno-allergic and inflammatory reactions. However, attention must be paid to the high peroxidative potential of the more unsaturated FA. Very recently, VLCFA have been considered for the therapy of some inherited disorders of metabolism. Monounsaturated very long-chain FA have been used in the treatment of x-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. A dietetic deficiency of polyunsaturated very long-chain FA has been observed in treated phenylketonuric children. Some inborn errors of metabolism could represent an useful model for better understanding the biochemistry of FA.

Arteriosclerosis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Dietary sources of fatty acids in childhood].

The first oral supply of fatty acids (FA) is provided by human milk. It contains a large variety of FA, perfectly adequate to the newborn's metabolic needs. Saturated and monounsaturated chains derive from the local mammary gland synthesis, while polyunsaturated very long-chains come from the hydrolysis of circulating lipoproteins and are more dependent on the maternal dietary habits. Trans FA have been shown in human milk too. The fat content of human milk progressively increases during the breast-feeding period; it varies during the day and from feed to feed. Infant formulas contain a very narrow range of FA. No commercially available formula contains the very long-chain polyunsaturated FA. Formulas for pre-term babies enriched with these molecules have been recently studied. The role of medium-chain FA in the early diet of the pre-term infant must still be defined. With weaning, green leafy vegetables become a balanced source of essential FA, while animal foods (both meat and fish) supply not only saturated but also polyunsaturated very long-chain FA. Analogously, vegetal oils are a fundamental source of monounsaturated and essential FA, animal fats (butter, lard) are a rich source of saturated fats and fish oils contain a mixture of n-3 polyunsaturated very long-chain FA. Correct dietary habits for children should provide a rich variety of foods, to reach a balanced supply of all the families of FA. Oleic acid should represent the main FA in the diet.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Infants vertically infected with hepatitis C: a long term longitudinal follow-up.

HCV vertically acquired infection is asymptomatic and characterized by a high chronic infection rate; only 9% of HCV infected children shows spontaneous remission. As far as a mild course of the disease has been observed during childhood, we hypothesize that any eventual treatment intervention could be postpone until adolescent age.

Female↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Abdominal ultrasonography in inheredited diseases of carbohydrate metabolism.

PURPOSE: To determine the usefulness of abdominal sonography in inherited diseases of carbohydrate metabolism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients (age range, 4 months to 27 years) with glycogen storage diseases, galactosemia, disorders of fructose metabolism were studied with sonography. Echogenicity of the liver, sonographic dimensions of liver, kidneys and spleen were evaluated. Plasma blood parameters (ALT, AST, total cholesterol, triglycerides) were determined. RESULTS: Liver was enlarged in 21/22 patients (95.4%) with glycogen storage diseases, in both subjects with disorders of fructose metabolism, and in 2/6 patients (33.3%) with galactosemia. Hepatic echogenicity was increased in 20/22 patients (90.9%) with glycogen storage diseases, and in the subject with hereditary fructose intolerance. Patients with galactosemia did not show increased liver echogenicity. Both kidneys were enlarged in 8/17 patients (47.0%) with glycogen storage disease type I. Subjects with increased hepatic echogenicity exhibited higher plasma concentrations of any blood parameter than the others with normal echogenicity (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Sonography can be useful in identification of inherited diseases of carbohydrate metabolism even if further examinations are necessary for an ultimate diagnosis.

Adolescent↗