The behaviour of three complement components (C3, C4 and C3 activator), alpha 1, alpha 2, IgA, IgG, IgM, total proteins, and gamma globulins was followed 114 patients at the C.T.O. Turin, Burns Centre with burns covering from 15% to over 70% of the body surface. Forty-two died within a relatively short time. In the remaining 72, the parameters were studied almost daily for over 30 days, or even until a final cure was obtained. The complement data and, more particularly, the distinct increased in alpha-globulins made it clear that burns can be acute inflammations. In addition, initial immune depression is followed by a prompt response of the complement system (responsible for aspecific immunity). That this change is vital in the progress of the disease may be deduced from the fact that complement component levels were constantly below normal in the patients who died.

Alpha-Globulins↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Lymphocytic and lymphocytoactive components in the etiopathogenic mechanisms of systemic lupus erythematosus. An analysis of the literature].

Lymphocyte populations play an important role in the mechanism of autoantibody induction, mainly of antinuclear ones, in such collagen diseases as S.L.E. Aetiology and pathogenesis of SLE are multifactorial: genetic predisposition, lupogenic factors (among them the hormonal ones) with direct and indirect action on B and T lymphocytes, conditioning the production of lymphocytotoxins and antibodies against blood cells. Subjects carrying the HLA DRW3 antigen have three to four times more probabilities to get a S.L.E. In the serum of SLE patients as well as in their relatives auto-or heterolymphocytotoxic antibodies are present, directed against the antigens of the HLA complex. There is evidence that antilymphocyte antibodies appear in patients with procainamide induced SLE, as well as anti-IgG - and antierythrocyte antibodies; this fact is due to the impairment of the immunologic regulation. Concerning the circulating immunocomplexes (CIC) in idiopathic S.L.E., it was observed that they increase in patients with active SLE, but there is no statistical evidence of a significant inverse proportional rate of these parameters. The role of CIC in SLE induction is bound with T lymphocyte subsets.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Cefotetan: microbiologic, kinetic and clinical aspects].

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Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Aerobic bacterial flora in cutaneous lesions and in venous catheters of severely burned patients].

Bearing in mind the complexity of the topic and its variability owing to the progress made in antibiotic management, and the development of many concepts concerning the pathogenesis and biochemistry of major burns, the already massive literature is supplemented by the addition of relatively recent data to enable comparisons to be made with regard to the quality and frequency of isolation of the bacterial flora observed in such patients, and above all their sensitivity to currently employed antibiotics. The investigation was conducted on patients admitted to the Turin CTO Major Burns Centre between 1972 and 1977. Initially (1972-1975), a microbiological examination was made of purulent secretions from wounds. Subsequently, management was prevalently directed to the early excision of injured surfaces, and attention was therefore directed to the indwelling venous catheters used in treatment and parenteral alimentation. In cases examined in parallel, moreover, there was often a substantial similarity between wound and catheter flora, and when only one species was present in the wounds, the catheter was often sterile. Furthermore, numerous data were collected from antibiograms relating to the most frequently encountered micro-organisms. These usually displayed wide resistance spectra, especially with respect to the most commonly used of historically oldest antibiotics, whereas their resistance to those recently introduced was generally lower. The question of provenance (from the patient himself, the hospital or its medical and paramedical staff) is also examined. Reference is made to a point that has recently become important in the treatment of burns, namely the ascertainment of the degree of contamination not only on the surface, but also in the immediate sub-surface of the lesions, so as to permit a suitable excision of the eschar and skin transplantation. When a sufficient number of findings exist to support this new concept, it will certainly give rise to further studies and research aimed at bringing new, important data to this so rich and multiform topic.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Streptococcus antibodies in various population groups with no apparent signs of streptococcal infection. Sero-epidemiological evaluation].

ASO- and streptozyme (STZ) antibodies were evaluated in about 2000 subjects: apparently healthy persons, persons in hospital, members of the armed forces, puerperae and their newborns. STZ antigen was found to be more sensitive than ASO; statistically much higher than STZ- and ASO+. The results were coincident (75%-90%) in subjects with normal antibody levels and those with "pathological" titres.

Adult↗