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Biomedical subjects

F Aiuti

Publications and source records attributed to F Aiuti.

At least 343 records · Page 19Linked to original sources

Recombinant alpha-2a interferon treatment in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-related complex (ARC): clinical and immunological evaluation.

We evaluated clinical efficacy and tolerability of recombinant alpha 2a interferon (IFN), in a group of 16 patients with AIDS and ARC, including 3 children. All patients were followed up monthly for clinical and immunological studies. The frequency of oportunistic infections (OI) in AIDS, and the following symptoms in all patients were studied: fever, night sweats, fatigue, diarrhoea, weight loss. Immunological parameters (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ lymphocytes, skin tests to recall antigens, NK activity, lymphoproliferative response to PHA) were also evaluated. Adult patients were treated with 3-6 million IU of r-alpha 2a IFN daily im for 3 months and the 3 times weekly up to 12 months. Pediatric cases were treated with lower doses of 0.5-1.5 million IU using the same time schedule. We observed clinical improvement and reduction of severe infections in 10/15 evaluable patients (4/4 ARC and 6/11 AIDS). Immunological parameters were transiently improved in one third of cases. We observed only mild side effects in r-alpha IFN treatment. We suggest therapy with r-alpha 2a IFN at low dosage should be tried in patients with AIDS for its beneficial effects on OI development.

AIDS-Related Complex↗

One year follow-up of a HIV seropositive jail population.

A jail population has been followed for one year to study the risk of HIV-seroconversion. Our data show that life in jail is not necessarily a condition for HIV spread. In fact no variation of seropositivity distribution has been found.

Comorbidity↗

Evaluation of a simplified test for the rapid detection of antibody to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1).

We describe a new simplified solid phase immunoassay for the detection of anti-HIV antibodies. The results obtained analyzing a panel of sera from subjects showing a different pattern of reactivity on enzyme immunoassays and on Western blot demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity. The test does not require experienced laboratory staff nor the use of costly laboratory instruments.

Adult↗

The spread of HIV-1 infection in Italy: seropositivity and AIDS related syndromes.

A retrospective study on 52,900 individuals tested in 177 Italian Medical Centres for AIDS and related syndromes is reported. The data confirm that I.V. drug users are the group at highest risk in Italy (46% were seropositive and more than one half of these presented PGL or ARC) and that the epidemic probably started in northern Italy and spread south. One third of the examined subjects resulted seropositive for HIV-1 antibodies. ARC was diagnosed in 19% of the symptomatic seropositives. This study is the first national effort to establish a picture of the diffusion of HIV-1 infection in Italy. To reach this aim a periodical survey for the recognition of seropositives should be added to the already existing AIDS notification system.

AIDS-Related Complex↗

Reduction of circulating suppressor inducer T lymphocytes in the exacerbation phase of remitting-relapse multiple sclerosis.

We studied peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 34 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients: 8 had chronic progressive (CP) and 26 with a relapsing-remitting (RR) course. PBMC were tested with a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) including anti-CD3, CD4, CD8, CD25 reagents. In addition, the suppressor inducer lymphocyte subset was investigated by using two color staining with anti-CD4 and G1-15 and/or anti-CD4 and anti-Leu-8 MoaAbs. A significant decrease of the suppressor inducer subset was found in the exacerbation phase of the RR form. Furthermore, a significant decrease of CD8+ (suppressor/cytotoxic) cells was shown in the remission phase of the RR group. Finally, CD25+ lymphocytes were significantly increased in both phases of RR form.

Adult↗

Harmonic dwarfism, lymphopenia, deficit of IgA and IgE in a 6-year old boy.

A six-year old boy who had suffered from the age of two with chronic diarrhea has been found to be severely retarded in statural growth. Examinations discovered marked lymphopenia with a T lymphocyte defect accompanied by absent IgA and IgE. In contrast with other cases described in literature, in this case the immunodeficiency was not accompanied by bone or cartilage alterations. The only factor apparently responsible for his lack of growth was the malabsorption.

Child↗

T-cell subsets in atopic dermatitis.

The T-cell subpopulations as defined by monoclonal antibodies OKT4 and OKT8 have been evaluated in 17 children with severe atopic dermatitis and high IgE levels. Normal percentage and absolute number of total T-cells and helper and suppressor/cytotoxic subsets were found. No relationship could be established between the distribution of T-cell subsets, serum IgE levels or the severity of the eczema.

Adolescent↗