Since the isolation of a recombinant containing a cDNA sequence for human phenylalanine hydroxylase (hPH) (Woo et al., 1983; Speer et al., 1986) prenatal diagnosis by linked restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLPs) has become possible for families in which phenylketonuria (PKU) occurs (Lidsky et al., 1985a). We describe here the application of a Hind III three-allele RFLP in a single family, which allowed the prenatal diagnosis of an affected fetus.

Autoradiography↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Supplemental immunoglobulin (ivIgG) treatment in 163 patients with sepsis and septic shock--an observational study as a prerequisite for placebo-controlled clinical trials.

In a multicenter observational study of 163 medical and surgical patients with a total of 173 episodes of sepsis or septic shock (Elebute sepsis score: 19.0 +/- 0.5), the effects of supplemental i.v. immunoglobulin (i.v. IG) treatment (unmodified polyvalent IgG pH 4.25, n = 123; for Pseudomonas sepsis, n = 50, Pseudomonas IgG) on multiple organ failure (MOF) were investigated by means of APACHE II score changes (pretreatment: 23.7 +/- 0.6). In 44% of the cases ("responders"), a prompt improvement in APACHE II score (defined as decrease greater than or equal to 4) was evident from day 0 to day 4 after onset of therapy, thus being in close time relationship to the i.v. IG administration. This improvement, associated with a better prognosis (mortality 24% vs. 55%), was found in all subgroups, most importantly the following: polyvalent IgG vs. Pseudomonas IgG treatment; medical vs. surgical patients; moderate vs. severe MOF; and gram-positive vs. gram-negative septicemia. In a small-sized second comparative nonrandomized control group (n = 27, antibiotic treatment alone) of septic patients (Elebute: 14.7 +/- 1.0) with similar MOF severity (APACHE II: 23.6 +/- 1.4), the response rate (30%) was, though not statistically significant, lower by one-third. The optimal baseline score ranges for patient inclusion into future placebo-controlled randomized i.v. IG trials were found to be 20-35 for the APACHE II score and 12-27 for the Elebute score.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Retroperitoneal hygroma following nucleotomy with temporary obstruction of the ureter and common iliac vein and consequent deep venous thrombosis].

In a 40 year old male, retroperitoneal effusion occurred on the 4th day after nucleotomy. CAT scan revealed a large tumor, apparently deriving from the operated disc, bulging against ureter and later obstructing the iliac vein with consecutive deep vein thrombosis. Under close monitoring, management was conservative, including intravenous anticoagulation. Follow-up after 6 months showed complete restoration. Literature on complications of lumbar disc surgery is discussed. The presented case draws attention to the phenomenon that retroperitoneal complications may occur not only peracutely or as late complications, but also subacutely presenting with a symptom-free interval of some days.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Clinical study with recombinant interferon gamma versus interferon alpha-2c in patients with condylomata acuminata.

A multi-centre, randomized, open-label trial was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of recombinant interferon (rIFN) alpha-2c versus rIFN gamma in patients with recurrent or persistent condylomata acuminata (CA). Thirty-three such patients were treated either with 6 micrograms rIFN alpha-2c or with 0.1 mg rIFN gamma (both equivalent to 2 x 10E6 IU), single dose, subcutaneously 3 times a week for 6 weeks. In case of no complete clearance at week 10, a second course of treatment with the other type of rIFN was given. There was no significant difference in the complete clearance proportions at week 10 between the two treatment groups (3/16 vs 6/17). No relapses occurred in these patients during the 16 weeks' follow-up. Further clearances during the follow-up resulted in a total complete clearance proportion of 14/33 at the end of study. The treatment was well tolerated. Repeated interferon therapy has its place in treating persistent or recurrent condylomas.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Comparison of the detection of cervical human papillomavirus infection by filter DNA hybridization of cytologic specimens and by in situ DNA hybridization of tissues.

Cellular samples and subsequent cone biopsy samples from the same site in 18 patients were screened for infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18 (HPV 16/18) by DNA hybridization. Filter hybridization of cells collected using cervical swabs was significantly less sensitive (with only 4 positive results) in detecting HPV 16/18 DNA sequences than was in situ hybridization of tissue sections (with 16 positive results). The in situ hybridization results correlated well with the cytologic and histologic findings of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia of grades II (mild dysplasia) and III (severe dysplasia and carcinoma in situ).

Autoradiography↗

PubMedDate not supplied

In situ hybridization with digoxigenin-labeled DNA of human papillomaviruses (HPV 16/18) in HeLa and SiHa cells.

To establish a nonradioactive method for demonstrating HPV DNA in routinely treated smears of the uterine cervix (alcohol fixation, staining according to Papanicolaou, preservation), in situ hybridizations were carried out in HeLa and SiHa cells grown on slides. After detailed investigations, the sensitivity and specificity of the biotin-avidin method (10) initially used proved to be inadequate for this purpose. Demonstration of HPV 16 DNA in SiHa cells (SiHa cells only contain 1-2 HPV genome copies) was possible only by use of digoxigenin-labeled HPV 16 gene probes, as well as an improved purification of the sample DNA from vector contaminations. Thus, for the first time a protocol for correlation of the results of an in situ hybridization with the cytological appraisal in the very same smear preparation has been developed for routine diagnostics.

Biotechnology↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Use of biotinylated DNA probes in screening cells obtained from cervical swabs for human papillomavirus DNA sequences.

A nonradioactive DNA-detection procedure using biotinylated DNA probes in the screening of cells from cervical swabs for DNA sequences homologous to human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA was tested. This alternative DNA-detection method yielded results comparable to those obtained with radioisotope-labeled DNA probes in 32 cases tested. This procedure obviates the special precautions required for radioisotope materials. Accordingly, this technique can be made available to many laboratories, and conclusive evidence as to the relation of HPV infection to cervical cancer may thus be accumulated.

Biotin↗