Biomedical subjects

Tzou-Yien Lin

Publications and source records attributed to Tzou-Yien Lin.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2005

Persistence of lung inflammation and lung cytokines with high-resolution CT abnormalities during recovery from SARS.

BACKGROUND: During the acute phase of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), mononuclear cells infiltration, alveolar cell desquamation and hyaline membrane formation have been described, together with dysregulation of plasma cytokine levels. Persistent high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) abnormalities occur in SARS patients up to 40 days after recovery. METHODS: To determine further the time course of recovery of lung inflammation, we investigated the HRCT and inflammatory profiles, and coronavirus persistence in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of 12 patients at recovery at 60 and 90 days. RESULTS: At 60 days, compared to normal controls, SARS patients had increased cellularity of BALF with increased alveolar macrophages (AM) and CD8 cells. HRCT scores were increased and correlated with T-cell numbers and their subpopulations, and inversely with CD4/CD8 ratio. TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-8, RANTES and MCP-1 levels were increased. Viral particles in AM were detected by electron microscopy in 7 of 12 SARS patients with high HRCT score. On day 90, HRCT scores improved significantly in 10 of 12 patients, with normalization of BALF cell counts in 6 of 12 patients with repeat bronchoscopy. Pulse steroid therapy and prolonged fever were two independent factors associated with delayed resolution of pneumonitis, in this non-randomized, retrospective analysis. CONCLUSION: Resolution of pneumonitis is delayed in some patients during SARS recovery and may be associated with delayed clearance of coronavirus, Complete resolution may occur by 90 days or later.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Immunogenicity and reactogenicity of a reduced-antigen-content diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccine in healthy Taiwanese children and adolescents.

PURPOSE: Disease caused by Bordetella pertussis is increasingly being identified among older children and adults in immunized populations, indicating a waning of the vaccine-induced immunity. These findings suggest the need for booster immunization of older children and adults. Modern acellular reduced-antigen-content vaccines have been developed, which can be given as a booster in individuals more than 4 years of age. This study was to assess the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of Boostrix, GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals' reduced-antigen-content diphtheria-tetanus acellular pertussis (dTpa) vaccine, when administered as a booster in healthy subjects previously primed with DTP vaccine. METHODS: Healthy Taiwanese children and adolescents aged 6-8 years and 15-20 years, previously primed with DTP vaccine, were enrolled. All received one dose of Boostrix. Two blood samples were taken from each of them, one before vaccination and one at 1 month after vaccination. Serum antibodies to diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against the pertussis components PT, FHA and PRN were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Adverse reactions following vaccination were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 180 subjects were recruited. The vaccine response rates to the pertussis antigens ranged between 89.0-100%. There were no serious adverse events reported during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that Boostrix may be safely and effectively administered as a booster dose to children previously primed with DTP vaccine.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Clinical features of nosocomial infections by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in neonatal intensive care units.

AIM: To determine the risk factors for the acquisition of nosocomial extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae infection in infants hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and to evaluate the therapeutic outcome of these infants. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of infants with nosocomial ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae infection hospitalized in NICUs at Chang Gung Children's Hospital in 2001. The clinical features of these infants were compared with a cohort of non-ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae-infected infants during the same period. The therapeutic outcome of the infants in the ESBL group was analysed. RESULTS: Seventy infants were included in this study. Thirty-one infants with 34 isolates were identified in the ESBL group and 39 infants with 42 isolates in the non-ESBL group. Of the parameters analysed, including gestational age, birthweight, length of hospital stay before onset, the number of antibiotics used, the duration of third-generation cephalosporin usage and the number of patients receiving a third-generation cephalosporin prior to the onset of infection, no significant difference was found between the two groups. The infection-contributed case fatality rate was 3.0% (1 of 33) in the ESBL group, not significantly different from that in the non-ESBL group (1 of 41, 2.4%). Of the 31 patients in the ESBL group, 18 were treated with a carbapenem as definitive therapy while 13 were treated with a non-carbapenem antibiotic regimen. No significant difference was noted in terms of mortality rate between the two subgroups. CONCLUSION: The outcome of the infants hospitalized in the NICU with ESBL-producing enterobacterial infections was not indispensably grave, even when treated with a non-carbapenem antibiotic regimen. The risk factors for the acquisition of ESBL-producing enterobacterial infections in these infants were not identified in this series.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed2005

Molecular surveillance of clinical methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates in neonatal intensive care units.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become an important nosocomial pathogen in our neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and accounts for almost all S. aureus clinical isolates. The objective of this study was to assess the relatedness of these MRSA strains. DESIGN: MRSA clinical isolates were collected from infants hospitalized in our NICUs. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis with SmaI digestion was used to fingerprint these isolates. SETTING: Level-III NICUs in a university-affiliated children's hospital. RESULTS: Between 1998 and 2000, a total of 122 MRSA clinical isolates were collected from 104 infants hospitalized in our NICUs. Fifteen infants had multiple isolates (range, 2 to 4 isolates). The sources of specimens included blood (72), pus (23), sputum (15), body fluids (3), and catheter tips (9). A total of 4 genotypes with 20 subtypes were identified. There were 2 genotypes in 1998, 2 genotypes in 1999, and 4 genotypes in 2000. All but 2 isolates belonged to either genotype A (63.1%; 7 subtypes) or genotype C (35.2%; 11 subtypes). Among the 15 infants with multiple isolates, the genotypes of the isolates from a single episode of MRSA infection were different in 2 of 12 cases, and reinfection with a new strain was noted in 3 of 5 cases with recurrent infections. CONCLUSIONS: Two predominant MRSA clones prevailed in our NICUs between 1998 and 2000. Polyclonal bacteremia and reinfection with a new strain were noted

Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field↗

PubMed2005

Successful unrelated cord blood transplantation in a child with beta-thalassemia major.

We report here the first successful transplant of unrelated umbilical cord blood (UCB) for a child with beta-thalassemia major in Taiwan. A total of 2.48 x 10(5)/kg CD34 cells were infused into a 3(1/2)-year-old girl following conditioning with a pre-transplant cytoreductive/immunosuppressive regimen of busulfan and cyclophosphamide. The absolute neutrophil count first exceeded 0.5 x 10(9)/l on day 17, and the patient became red cell- and platelet-independent on days 34 and 49, respectively. Engraftment of donor hematopoietic populations was documented by cytogenetic analysis, hemoglobin electrophoresis, Southern blot analysis for thalassemia markers, and molecular analysis of short tandem repeats sequences. The patient was ex-thalassemic for more than 15 months post transplant. From this experience, it is postulated that UCB will indeed allow us to expand the available donor pool for recipients with an HLA DRB1 mismatched at one locus and reduce the risk of graft-versus-host disease.

Child, Preschool↗

PubMed2005

Clinical features and genotyping analysis of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in Taiwanese children.

BACKGROUND: Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infection in children without health care-associated risk factors has emerged. To evaluate the clinical features and genotyping analysis of CA-MRSA in children in Taiwan, we conducted this study. METHODS: Between July 2000 and June 2001, 198 episodes of S. aureus infection were identified in 191 children hospitalized at Chang-Gung Children's Hospital. The medical records of these children were retrospectively reviewed. The MRSA clinical isolates from each episode of infection, if available, were collected for pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) typing and staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type determination. RESULTS: Among the 198 episodes of S. aureus infection, MRSA accounted for 47% of 114 CA infections and 62% of 84 hospital-acquired (HA) infections, respectively. Among 54 CA-MRSA infections, 32 episodes (59%) occurred in children without risk factors. Similar to HA-MRSA isolates, these CA-MRSA isolates were also multiresistant, with a high rate of resistance to clindamycin (93%) and erythromycin (94%), but 91% of them were susceptible to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Superficial soft tissue infection was the most common presentation, accounting for 65% of CA-MRSA infections. All 54 children with CA-MRSA infection recovered without sequelae, though 63% of 35 children with superficial soft tissue infection were treated with in vitro nonsusceptible antibiotics. Of the 83 clinical isolates (40 CA, 22 with no identified risk) available for analysis, 6 genotypes with 30 subtypes were identified. Three major PFGE patterns were identified, accounting for 94% of the isolates (92.5% for CA isolates, 95% for HA isolates). Type IV SCCmec was carried by 25 and 40% of CA and HA isolates, respectively. CONCLUSION: In Taiwan, MRSA was prevalent among pathogens of CA infections in children, and these CA isolates were multiresistant and genetically associated with HA isolates. In an area with a high prevalence of methicillin resistance, for children with putative S. aureus infection, even community-acquired, a glycopeptide-containing regimen should be considered for initial empirical therapy in the case of serious infection.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Nasal carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in school children without identifiable risk factors in northern taiwan.

In a nasal culture survey of school children, 5 (1.9%) of 262 school children and 18 (13%) of 137 health care workers (HCWs) were colonized with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). One common genotype accounted for most isolates from the school children and from the HCWs. Based on genotyping, MRSA strains circulating in the community in Taiwan were similar to the hospital strains.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Predictors of unfavorable outcomes in enterovirus 71-related cardiopulmonary failure in children.

BACKGROUND: Enterovirus 71 (EV71) can sometimes cause fatal or disabling diseases in children; therefore EV71-infected children with cardiopulmonary failure were investigated at Chang Gung Children's Hospital to discover the prognostic predictors. METHODS: We investigated 27 EV71-infected children with cardiopulmonary failure from May 2000 to September 2001 and analyzed their clinical data to find predictors associated with unfavorable outcomes of deaths or ventilator dependence. RESULTS: Of the 27 patients, 8 (30%) died and 10 (37%) were ventilator-dependent. Troponin I levels correlated most strongly with fatality, with 5 of the 6 children with troponin I levels >40 ng/ml dying (P = 0.001). Other factors correlated with fatality were cerebrospinal fluid white blood cell count > or =100/microL (P = 0.002) and initial systolic pressure < or =100 mm Hg (P = 0.05). Of the 19 survivors, 10 (53%) were left with central hypoventilation, dysphagia and/or limb weakness plus atrophy. The factors associated with ventilator dependence included higher inotrope equivalent (P < 0.001), duration of hypotension > or =40 hours, initial blood systolic pressure < or =100 mm Hg, positive EV71 isolation and age > or =12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Poor prognostic factors were related to cardiovascular and neurologic damage; therefore physicians may consider advanced cardiovascular support for EV71-infected children with cardiopulmonary failure.

Child↗

PubMed2005

Clinical and laboratory manifestations of Kikuchi's disease in children and differences between patients with and without prolonged fever.

BACKGROUND: Kikuchi's disease (KD) is characterized by cervical lymphadenopathy with or without fever. It has been recognized worldwide but seldom reported in pediatric patients. METHODS: From January 1985 through December 2001, 64 patients younger than 18 years of age with pathologic proof of KD were enrolled in this study. The clinical manifestations, laboratory data and outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: There were 35 male patients and 29 female patients with age ranging from 2 to 18 years and a median age of 16. All patients had cervical lymphadenopathy except 1 who had generalized lymphadenopathy. Lymph nodes of 32 patients (50%) were painful or tender or both. Lymphadenopathy was unilateral in 52 patients (82.5%). Lymphadenopathy associated with fever was observed in 21 patients (32.8%). Other signs such as skin rash, hepatomegaly or body weight loss were less common. Twenty-six patients (40.6%) had leukopenia and 2 patients had leukocytosis. Nearly one-fourth of the patients had mild liver dysfunction. Virologic or immunologic studies were normal in most patients. Patients with prolonged fever were more likely to have leukopenia (P < 0.05). All patients recovered, but 1 developed systemic lupus erythematosus 5 years later, and the other had vasculitis syndrome 2 years later. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical presentation of KD in pediatric patients is similar to that of adults. KD is a benign, self-limiting disease; prolonged fever occurred only in 32.8% of pediatric patients in our cohort. Leukopenia was the only feature significantly associated with prolonged fever.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Laboratory-based surveillance and molecular epidemiology of influenza virus in Taiwan.

A laboratory-based surveillance network of 11 clinical virological laboratories for influenza viruses was established in Taiwan under the coordination of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Taiwan. From October 2000 to March 2004, 3,244 influenza viruses were isolated, including 1,969 influenza A and 1,275 influenza B viruses. The influenza infections usually occurred frequently in winter in the northern hemisphere. However, the influenza seasonality in Taiwan was not clear during the four seasons under investigation. For example, the influenza A viruses peaked during the winters of 2001, 2002, and 2003. However, some isolated peaks were also found in the summer and fall (June to November) of 2001 and 2002. An unusual peak of influenza B also occurred in the summer of 2002 (June to August). Phylogenetic analysis shows that influenza A isolates from the same year were often grouped together. However, influenza B isolates from the year 2002 clustered into different groups, and the data indicate that both B/Victoria/2/87-like and B/Yamagata/16/88-like lineages of influenza B viruses were cocirculating. Sequence comparison of epidemic strains versus vaccine strains shows that many vaccine-like Taiwanese strains were circulating at least 2 years before the vaccine strains were introduced. No clear seasonality of influenza reports in Taiwan occurred in contrast to other more continental regions.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Intratypic recombination among lineages of type 1 vaccine-derived poliovirus emerging during chronic infection of an immunodeficient patient.

We determined the complete genomic sequences of nine type 1 immunodeficient vaccine-derived poliovirus (iVDPV) isolates obtained over a 337-day period from a poliomyelitis patient from Taiwan with common variable immunodeficiency. The iVDPV isolates differed from the Sabin type 1 oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) strain at 1.84% to 3.15% of total open reading frame positions and had diverged into at least five distinct lineages. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the chronic infection was initiated by the fifth and last OPV dose, given 567 days before onset of paralysis, and that divergence of major lineages began very early in the chronic infection. Key determinants of attenuation in Sabin 1 had reverted in the iVDPV isolates, and representative isolates of each lineage showed increased neurovirulence for PVR-Tg21 transgenic mice. None of the isolates had retained the temperature-sensitive phenotype of Sabin 1. All isolates were antigenic variants of Sabin 1, having multiple amino acid substitutions within or near neutralizing antigenic sites 1, 2, and 3a. Antigenic divergence of the iVDPV variants from Sabin 1 followed two major independent evolutionary pathways. The emergence of distinct coreplicating lineages suggests that iVDPVs can replicate for many months at separate sites in the gastrointestinal tract. Some isolates had mosaic genome structures indicative of recombination across and within lineages. iVDPV excretion apparently ceased after 30 to 35 months of chronic infection. The appearance of a chronic VDPV excretor in a tropical, developing country has important implications for the strategy to stop OPV immunization after eradication of wild polioviruses.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

PubMed2005

Toxic shock syndrome in children: epidemiology, pathogenesis, and management.

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is an acute, toxin-mediated illness, like endotoxic shock, and is characterized by fever, rash, hypotension, multiorgan involvement, and desquamation. TSS reflects the most severe form of the disease caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. A case definition for staphylococcal TSS was well established in the early 1980s and helped in defining the epidemiology. Since the late 1980s, a resurgence of highly invasive streptococcal infections, including a toxic shock-like syndrome, was noted worldwide and a consensus case definition for streptococcal TSS was subsequently proposed in 1993. Both TSS and the toxic shock-like syndrome occur at a lower incidence in children than in adults. Changes in the manufacturing and use of tampons led to a decline in staphylococcal TSS over the past decade, while the incidence of nonmenstrual staphylococcal TSS increased. Nonmenstrual TSS and menstrual TSS are now reported with almost equal frequency. The incidence of streptococcal TSS remains constant after its resurgence, but varies with geographic location. Streptococcal TSS occurs most commonly following varicella or during the use of NSAIDs. Sites of infection in streptococcal TSS are much deeper than in staphylococcal TSS, such as infection caused by blunt trauma, and necrotizing fasciitis. Bacteremia is more common in streptococcal TSS than in staphylococcal TSS. Mortality associated with streptococcal TSS is 5-10% in children, much lower than in adults (30-80%), and is 3-5% for staphylococcal TSS in children.TSS is thought to be a superantigen-mediated disease. Toxins produced by staphylococci and streptococci act as superantigens that can activate the immune system by bypassing the usual antigen-mediated immune-response sequence. The host-pathogen interaction, virulence factors, and the absence or presence of host immunity determines the epidemiology, clinical syndrome, and outcome. Early recognition of this disease is important, because the clinical course is fulminant and the outcome depends on the prompt institution of therapy. Management of a child with TSS includes hemodynamic stabilization and appropriate antimicrobial therapy to eradicate the bacteria. Supportive therapy, aggressive fluid resuscitation, and vasopressors remain the main elements. An adjuvant therapeutic strategy may include agents that can block superantigens, such as intravenous immunoglobulin that contains superantigen neutralizing antibodies.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Clinical characteristics of tuberculosis in children in the north of Taiwan.

Tuberculosis (TB) in children is an endemic and sometimes life-threatening disease in Taiwan. This study analyzed the clinical characteristics of a total of 112 children with TB managed in a referral children's hospital in the north of Taiwan between 1998 and 2002. The diagnosis of TB was made by either a positive result of culture, acid-fast stain, histopathology, or polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Tuberculin skin test was positive (indurations > or =10 mm) in 73% of 63 patients tested. The male-to-female ratio was 0.93 (54/58), and the mean age was 10.7 years. Thirty one percent of children were younger than 6 years of age, 12% were 6 to 12 years old, and 57% were older than 12 years. Fifty percent (50/100) of these children had household members with TB; 29.2% (31/106) were aboriginal; 93% had received Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine. Isolated pulmonary TB was diagnosed in 65 cases (58%), extrapulmonary TB in 25 (22%), and combined intra- and extrapulmonary TB in 22 (20%). Fever was not a presenting symptom in 30.4% of children, was low grade (<38.5 degrees C) in 23.2% and was high grade (> or =38.5 degrees C) in 46.4%. The mean duration of fever was 13.9 days. Patients with combined intra- and extrapulmonary TB had a significantly longer hospital stay (p<0.001), a higher peak body temperature (p<0.001), and a longer duration of fever (p=0.024). Patients with extrapulmonary TB had a significantly lower incidence of fever (p=0.001), a lower segment count (p=0.007) and a lower serum C-reactive protein level (p=0.019). Ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion was performed in 8 of 12 cases with central nervous system involvement. Among 21 cases of TB osteomyelitis, tibia (33%) and spine (33%) were the most common sites of involvement. The overall mortality rate was 3.6% (4/112). Extrapulmonary TB and combined intra- and extrapulmonary TB were more commonly seen in children with a younger age and in those who had not received BCG vaccination. This study found that household members with TB history and aboriginal ethnicity were strongly associated with TB in Taiwanese children. Multidrug-resistant TB was uncommon in children born before the year 2003.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Epstein-Barr virus-associated infectious mononucleosis and risk factor analysis for complications in hospitalized children.

The characteristics of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated infectious mononucleosis (IM) in Chinese children are rarely reported. To evaluate the clinical presentations and risk factors for complications of EBV-associated IM in previously healthy children in Taiwan, hospitalized children with the diagnosis of IM due to EBV infection from January 1998 to December 2002 were enrolled. Patients had to fulfill the serologic criteria for the diagnosis of primary EBV infection [viral capsid antigen immunoglobulin M (IgM)-(+), viral capsid antigen IgG-(+), and anti-Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen (EBNA) antibody-(-) with exclusion of other concurrent infections or underlying diseases]. Ninety eight children were eligible, with 79% younger than 5 years old (mean, 4.0 +/- 2.3 years). The male-to-female ratio was 2:1. Nearly all patients suffered from fever (mean duration 10.3 +/- 6.0 days). Cough/rhinorrhea, tonsillopharyngitis, cervical lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly were found over half of the patients. Atypical lymphocytosis (mean, 12 +/- 13%) and elevated serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST; mean, 167 +/- 183 IU/L) and alanine aminotransferase (mean, 221 +/- 222 IU/L) were the most striking laboratory findings. Various complications, including hematologic, hepatobiliary, central nervous system, and obstructive airway problems occurred in about 20% of patients with significantly prolonged course of hospitalization. All patients recovered uneventfully under supportive and immunomodulating management. Female gender, no signs of tonsillopharyngitis, white blood cell count < or =10,000/mm3 and AST > or =150 IU/L were significant risk factors for the occurrence of complications. Clinicians should monitor such patients closely and give proper treatment to decrease possible morbidity or even mortality should complications occur.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Human metapneumovirus and community-acquired pneumonia in children.

BACKGROUND: Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) was first recognized in the Netherlands in 2001 from nasopharyngeal aspirate samples and was associated with respiratory tract illness in the pediatric population. This was the first report of metapneumovirus infections in community-acquired pneumonia in Taiwan. METHODS: A total of 116 nasopharyngeal aspirate samples from patients with community-acquired pneumonia was examined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Other respiratory tract pathogens were also examined. The clinical characteristics and laboratory data were analyzed. RESULTS: Out of the 116 patients, potential causative agents were detected in 95 (81.9%) patients. A total of six human metapneumovirus RT-PCR positive samples was identified. All of these had evidence of coinfection with bacteria (3 Streptococcus pneumoniae, 2 Mycoplasma pneumoniae, 1 Chlamydia pneumoniae). Coinfection with other respiratory viruses was also observed in two cases (1 influenza A, 1 parainfluenza type 3). The age distribution was seven to 11 years except for one patient who was two years of age (Case 1). The most common clinical findings were fever (6/6, 100%), cough (6/6,100%), rhinorrhea (5/6, 83.3%), rales (5/6, 83.3%) and wheezing (1/6, 16.7%). Chest radiographs revealed four with lobar patches and two with interstitial infiltrations. The mean duration of hospital stay was 5.5 +/- 2.8 days. All patients made a complete recovery. CONCLUSIONS: hMPV was identified in 5.2% of patients with community-acquired pneumonia. Our data showed a high rate of coinfection with hMPV in community-acquired pneumonia. Human metapneumovirus infection, like other respiratory viruses, may predispose to secondary bacterial pneumonia.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Pneumococcal vaccines.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading bacterial pathogen of infectious diseases in children and adolescents. The 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine could prevent invasive pneumococcal infection with broader serotype coverage but still has some limitations. On the other hand, 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine has been shown to decrease cases of nasopharyngeal acquired S. pneumoniae vaccine serotypes and proved herd immunity. The safety and efficacy against vaccine serotype pneumococcal diseases have been documented. However, the potential risk of increasing non-vaccine serotype pneumococcal diseases should be considered. This article reviews the current status of pneumococcal disease and pneumococcal vaccines. We also review the current situation of pneumococcal infections and vaccines in Taiwan. Surveillance of disease burden and clinical isolates should be continued.

Humans↗

PubMed2004

Transmission and clinical features of enterovirus 71 infections in household contacts in Taiwan.

CONTEXT: Although enterovirus 71 has caused epidemics associated with significant morbidity and mortality, its transmission has not been thoroughly investigated. OBJECTIVES: To investigate enterovirus 71 transmission and determine clinical outcomes within households. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Prospective family cohort study to investigate patients at a children's hospital in Taiwan and family members of these patients who had signs and symptoms suggestive of enterovirus 71 between February 2001 and August 2002. Patients and household members underwent clinical evaluations, virological studies, questionnaire-based interviews, and were followed up for 6 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Enterovirus 71 infection, defined as a positive viral culture from a throat or rectal swab, or the presence of IgM or a 4-fold increase in neutralizing antibody in serum; and clinical syndromes, defined as asymptomatic; uncomplicated symptomatic; and complicated; with unfavorable outcomes of sequelae or death. RESULTS: Ninety-four families (433 family members) had at least 1 family member with evidence of enterovirus 71 infection. The overall enterovirus 71 transmission rate to household contacts was 52% (176/339 household contacts). Transmission rates were 84% for siblings (70/83); 83%, cousins (19/23); 41%, parents (72/175); 28%, grandparents (10/36); and 26%, uncles and aunts (5/19). Of 183 infected children, 11 (6%) were asymptomatic and 133 (73%) had uncomplicated illnesses (hand, foot, and mouth disease, herpangina, nonspecific febrile illness, upper respiratory tract infection, enteritis, or viral exanthema). Twenty-one percent (39/183) experienced complicated syndromes including the central nervous system or cardiopulmonary failure. During the 6-month follow-up, 10 died and 13 had long-term sequelae consisting of dysfunction in swallowing, cranial nerve palsies, central hypoventilation, or limb weakness and atrophy. Age younger than 3 years was the most significant factor associated with an unfavorable outcome in children (P =.004). Among 87 infected adults, 46 (53%) were asymptomatic, 34 (39%) had nonspecific illnesses of fever, sore throat, or gastrointestinal discomfort, and 7 (8%) had hand, foot, and mouth disease. There were no complicated cases in adults. CONCLUSIONS: Enterovirus 71 household transmission rates were high for children in Taiwan and severe disease with serious complications, sequelae, and death occurred frequently. In contrast, adults had a much lower rate of acquisition of the infection and much less adverse sequelae.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis with pulmonary edema presenting as respiratory distress.

Acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis(PSGN) is characterized by an abrupt onset of edema,hypertension, and hematuria. Although the association of pulmonary edema with acute glomerulonephritis has been established, it is uncommon for children with PSGN to present with respiratory distress due to pulmonary edema. We encountered six such patients, aged 6-10 years, during a 10-month period. The demographic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory data, radiographic pictures, and clinical courses were collected. All patients presented to the primary pediatricians with dyspnea and alveolar infiltrates with bilateral pleural effusions on plain chest radiographs that were misinterpreted as pneumonia initially. The diagnosis of PSGN was de-layed until the awareness of the presence of pulmonary edema complicating PSGN. Subsequent urinalysis and blood pressure measurement all showed microscopic hematuria and hypertension. Elevated serum antistreptolysin 0 titers and depressed serum complement C3 levels confirmed the diagnosis of PSGN. Two patients progressed to respiratory failure because of a delayed diagnosis of PSGN. All patients recovered without sequelae following appropriate diuresis and antihypertensive therapy. We conclude that in preschool and school-age children who present with dyspneic respirations and a chest radiograph showing radiographic features of pulmonary edema, proper evaluation including blood pressure recording and urinalysis should be performed immediately. Prompt diagnosis and early therapy of PSGNmay avoid mortality and unnecessary therapeutic intervention.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗