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Biomedical subjects

Maria Kalmanti

Publications and source records attributed to Maria Kalmanti.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2004

Spectral characteristics of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in childhood.

Although the differentiation and classification of acute leukemia are based upon cytochemical features as well as immunologic, cytogenetic, and molecular characteristics, in many cases the morphological distinction of normal lymphocytes from lymphoblasts of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is difficult using light microscopy. In this study the distinction between normal lymphocytes and lymphoblasts of childhood ALL is proposed using their spectral characteristics. The method has been based upon the analysis and classification of optical absorption characteristics of the bone marrow cells. Spectral microscopy system is capable of capturing a great number of narrow-band images, in the wide spectral range of the optical spectrum. The analysis showed statistically significant difference (P < 0.0001) between normal lymphocytes and lymphoblasts as far as it concerns the detection, identification and mapping of their spectral absorption characteristics. Our results suggest the potential of spectral imaging as a new method for the distinction of lymphocytes from lymphoblasts in cases that with the light microscope, the morphologic differences are not visible in the bone marrow smears at diagnosis or the follow up of the children with ALL.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Amifostine as differentiating agent in cord blood and bone marrow cultures from children with hematological disorders.

Amifostine protects normal tissues from the cytotoxicity of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and has an effect a growth factor both in vivo and in vitro. To evaluate its possible hemopoietic promoting activity, the authors studied the effect of WR-2721 on cord blood and bone marrow progenitors from children with hematological disorders and normal controls in semisolid cultures after preincubation with 0.1-1000 microM amifostine. Amifostine enhanced the growth of BFU-E in autoimmune neutropenia but inhibited CFU-GM development. It also exerted an inhibitory effect upon growth of committed progenitors in the groups studied (acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Langerhans cell histiocytosis), including cord blood and marrow of healthy controls.

Amifostine↗
PubMed2003

In vitro proliferative and differentiating characteristics of CD133(+) and CD34(+) cord blood cells in the presence of thrombopoietin (TPO) or erythropoietin (EPO). Potential implications for hematopoietic cell transplantation.

We investigated the characteristics of cord blood (CD) CD133(+) and CD34(+) cells, by flow cytometry, clonogenic assays and assessment of the replating ability (area under the curve (AUC)) following 7-day liquid culture in the presence of early acting growth factors and either thrombopoietin (TPO) or erythropoietin (EPO). The CD34(+) population showed a more effective proliferation in all parameters tested and TPO proved to be more effective than EPO. On the contrary, the CD133(+) cell fraction retained and expanded more immature elements in a modest but consistent manner with either TPO or EPO. We conclude that CD133(+) and CD34(+) expanded cord blood cells could potentially be used in combination to overcome the shortcomings of cord blood transplantation in older children and adults.

AC133 Antigen↗
PubMed2003

Three cases of viridans group streptococcal bacteremia in children with febrile neutropenia and literature review.

Three cases of viridans group streptococcal bacteremia in 2 children with brain tumours and in 1 with autoimmune neutropenia are presented. All children were neutropenic. The 2 patients with malignancy also had mucositis. The isolated strains of viridans group streptococci showed considerable resistance to antibiotics. All patients were empirically treated with third generation cephalosporins and amikacin, before antibiotic sensitivities were available and recovered without complications. Viridans group streptococcal bacteremia should be suspected in neutropenic children, especially in the presence of mucositis. Prospective, randomized clinical trials of mouth antiseptics are needed to clarify the usefulness, if any, of such measures in the reduction of viridans group streptococcal bacteremia in this group of patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

A novel idea for an organized hospital/school program for children with malignancies: issues in implementation.

The aim of this pilot study was to provide children with cancer hospitalized at the Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology of the University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, with an educational program based on the SIOP guidelines. This would help them to follow the school program during the days of absence due to treatment. The realization of the initial idea generated difficulties that had to be overcome to achieve the goals and caused several changes in the program. Children refused to attend a regular class in the appropriately designed playroom of the Department but were very keen on room-to-room teaching that was adjusted to their needs and wills. This method of teaching was very well accepted by the children. A workup was done with parents and health professionals to convince them of the necessity of such a program and persuade them to participate in the procedure by encouraging children to attend it. Several steps have been taken and others have been planned for the teachers to receive education concerning the special needs of these children after dismissal from the hospital as well as that of their siblings to help in the reentry procedure. An adjustment to the personal needs of the hospitalized children with cancer, especially in areas where the psychosocial resources are minor, has proved very helpful and effective for the reentry of these children to regular school and social life.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Management of childhood diseases in the Byzantine period: II - exanthematic diseases.

The aim of this review was to explore the procedures used for the treatment of childhood exanthematic diseases during the Byzantine period. The most often reported ones were psoriasis, undefined rashes in parts of the body, ulcerous rashes, blisters, lichens and soaked ulcers. The physicians of the period managed the above problems with appropriate diet and remedies of herbal, veterinary and chemical origin in the form of baths, poultices and concoctions. They largely based their principles on the ancient Greek medical tradition. Their accurate remarks were reflected in their terminology. Many of the terms of this period are still in use, although current treatment modalities are quite different from the Byzantine remedies.

Byzantium↗
PubMed2002

Management of childhood diseases in the Byzantine period: I -- analgesia.

Evidence on the use of pain relievers for medical purposes in childhood was traced in medical treatises during Byzantine times (4th to 15th century ad). The texts of Aetius, Paulus Aeginitis, Orivasios and others strongly reveal influences from ancient Greek medicine. Greek physicians of the times, who helped the medical thinking of antiquity to stay alive, used opium with mandragoras, hyoscyamos and other sedative herbs to produce a kind of anesthetic state and to relieve pain. However, in children's cases they chose to selectively use substances in more standardized quantities, mainly in mixtures. Less aggressive methods such as warm baths, or appropriate food were highly respected by them and recommended for the treatment of sick children.

Analgesia↗
PubMed2002

Management of childhood diseases during the Byzantine period: III-- respiratory diseases of childhood.

Evidence on herbal, veterinary and chemical substances used in various forms for respiratory problems of childhood such as acute otitis, acute tonsillitis and parotitis was investigated in the Byzantine medical treatizes, from the 4th to the 15th century ad. The problem of asthma in childhood was well known during the Byzantine period. Despite the existent Hippocratic tradition, the physicians of the times developed their own methods of treatment. The texts of Antyllus, Orivasios from Pergamos, Aetius of Amida, Alexander of Tralles, Paulus Aeginitis, Theophanis Nonnos and others, strongly suggest influences from ancient Greek and Roman medicine, but at the same time indicate an original medical thought.

Asthma↗
PubMed2002

Management of childhood diseases during the Byzantine period: V - hydrocephalus.

Hydrocephalus was a recognizable medical problem during the Byzantine period. In the medical texts of the time it was attributed to the pressure that was applied on the newborn's head during labour. The suggested treatments focused on the relief of the symptoms only and surgical methods were believed to be helpful in very rare cases.

Byzantium↗
PubMed2002

Management of childhood diseases during the Byzantine period: VI - ocular diseases.

Ocular manifestations were recognizable and are reported in the Byzantine medical treatises from the 4th to the 15th century AD. Herbal, mineral and chemical substances in the form of collyria were used by the Byzantine physicians for the treatment of ocular abnormalities and ophthalmic diseases of the childhood. Surgical intervention was not recommended at this age.

Byzantium↗
PubMed2002

Management of childhood diseases in the Byzantine period: VII - epilepsy.

Epilepsy was referred to as a serious medical problem with poor outcome by the Byzantine physicians. For the treatment they suggested herbal or animal substances in many different forms, but they stressed the importance of a proper diet. In their efforts to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the onset as well as the course of the disease they were influenced by the Hippocratic tradition of juices.

Byzantium↗
PubMed2002

Prognostic value of quantitative blood cultures for the outcome of central venous catheters in children.

Quantitative blood cultures have been used in order to define catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBI) in pediatric patients with malignancy and central venous catheters (CVCs). We prospectively followed 32 patients with a total of 38 CVCs for a period of 4 y (14,068 catheter-days). Of a total of 35 cases of bacteremia, 9 were considered to be CRBI (25%). The incidence of bacteremia in our study was 2.48 episodes/1,000 catheter-days and 20/38 CVCs (52%) were affected by bacteremia. The incidence of CRBI was 0.63 episodes/1,000 catheter-days and it was detected in 9/38 CVCs (23%). The catheter salvage rate in cases of bacteremia, irrespective of etiology, was 30/35 (85%). The catheter salvage rate in cases of CRBI was only 4/9 (44%), whereas all the catheters (26/26) in non-catheter-related cases of bacteremia were salvaged. We suggest that the use of quantitative blood cultures is a useful tool for the evaluation of bacteremia in patients with CVCs and is of prognostic value.

Bacteremia↗
PubMed2002

Hematological abnormalities in inborn errors of metabolism--how frequent are they? The Cretan experience.

This study aimed to ascertain the frequency and type of hematological findings in a defined group of patients with inborn errors on Crete. The key role of these hematological findings in the diagnosis of the inborn errors in daily practice was explored. A variety of hematological findings were obtained from 31 of the 132 subjects who had been referred to the University Hospital of Heraklion. A diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) was confirmed in 21 subjects, but in 12 of them the diagnosis was combined with hematological findings. The hematological findings consist of a neglected area in the diagnosis of the IEM, and cooperation of primary care physicians and neurologists could help hematologists in the management of people with unexplained hematological symptoms and signs.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Ochrobactrum anthropi bacteremia in pediatric oncology patients.

Ochrobactrum anthropi is an emerging pathogen in immunocompromised hosts, particularly in patients with indwelling catheters. We report the characteristics of 14 O. anthropi bacteremic episodes in 11 children with Hickman-type central catheters. Children presented with fever and nonspecific clinical manifestations. Bacteremia was successfully treated with antibiotics, but catheter removal was necessary to achieve cure in four cases.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Remission of a chiasmatic glioma in a non-NF1 patient after brief chemotherapy with vincristine and carboplatin: case report and literature review.

We describe the case of an 8-year-old girl without neurofibromatosis, who presented with total loss of vision on the left eye, due to a chiasmatic mass with imaging characteristics of glioma, accompanied by a second asymptomatic mass in the middle cranial fossa, along the intracranial route of the right trigeminal nerve. The patient received a total of 10 weekly injections of vincristine and four injections of carboplatin every 3 weeks and achieved a very good partial response (97% volume reduction) after the nineth week of therapy with acceptable toxicity. Given the natural history of opticochiasmatic gliomas, we cannot rule out the possibility of a spontaneous regression. However, we believe the quick response accompanied by visual improvement was most likely due to chemotherapy. A trial of vincristine and carboplatin may be worthwhile in children with symptomatic chiasmatic gliomas, irrespective of their age.

Antineoplastic Agents↗