Neurological Manifestations of Primary Immunodeficiencies

Primary immunodeficiencies (PID) are a heterogeneous group of disorders  with a variable clinical spectrum of manifestations. The central nervous system may be involved in PIDs with symptoms which may present initially or develop at later stages. Neurological manifestations of primary immunodeficiencies are common with diverse pathologic mechanisms. Neurological deficits may be mild or they may greatly influence the course of the disease with major impacts on the quality of life of the patients. Physical examination may give the clinician valuable clues to the cause of PIDs that underlie the neurological signs. Certain neurological abnormalities may later signify a PID. Therefore physicians should be aware of the neurological features accompanying immunodeficiencies.  Neuromascular abnormality presenting with ataxia(ataxia-telangiectasia) , flaccid paralysis after live poliovirus immunization (combined or antibody deficiencies) ,pernicious anaemia (CVID), cognitive impairment, nystagmus and cerebellar, spinal and peripheral neuropathies(Chediac-Higashi syndrome), seizures, ataxia and occulomotor and reflex abnormalities(Griscelli syndrome) are examples of neurologic features seen in different immunodeficiency syndromes. Early recognition and treatment is important to prevent or reduce future irreversible neurological sequelae. The aim of this study is to review the neurological manifestations of different primary immunodeficiency syndromes

Disseminated Bacille Calmette-Guérin infection at a glance: a mini review of the literature

Introduction: Immunodeficient children are at a high risk of disseminated Bacillus Calmette-Guérin [BCG] infection. We assessed the literature on clinical manifestations of BCGosis in children with specific primary immunodeficiencies. Material and methods: We conducted a systematic review of clinical practice articles by searching Medline, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar from their inception to date. Results: Thirty-seven articles were included regarding BCG vaccination and its dissemination in children with primary immunodeficiencies. Articles on dissemination after intravesicular BCG were excluded from the study. Conclusions: Since disseminated BCG vaccination may be the first manifestation of a primary immunodeficiency disease, a comprehensive search for immunological defects in children developing these problems after BCG vaccination seems rational

The Way Digitalization is Impacting International Financial Markets: Stock Price Synchronicity

This paper investigates whether and how the development level of a country\u27s digital economy affects stock price synchronicity. The results indicate that countries with high levels of digital economy development exhibit low stock price synchronicity. Additionally, by decomposing stock price synchronicity into systematic and firm‐specific stock return variations, we find that systematic (firm‐specific) variations of stock returns decrease (increase) with the level of a country\u27s digitalization. These findings shed light on the future trend of stock price synchronicity in financial markets around the world and support the information‐based interpretation of stock price synchronicity

Long term outcome of cystic fibrosis patients with multisystem evaluation

  INTRODUCTION: Cystic fibrosis is a chronic disease with multiple organ involvement and chiefly results in chronic respiratory infections, pancreatic insufficiency and associated complications. The age at diagnosis, clinical presentation, rate of disease progression and prognosis is variable among patients. This study is designed to evaluate the behavior of disease to provide epidemiologic data for early recognition and proper management. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was designed as an active surveillance of 192 patients diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in a tertiary lung disease centre between 2008 and 2015. The diagnosis of cystic fibrosis was established in all patients accordingly to conventional criteria, including two positive sweat chloride tests and clinical signs and symptoms. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were obtained from these patients in each hospitalization and also every follow-up visit and carefully evaluated for complications of this chronic disease. RESULTS: The majority of patients showed positive culture for Pseudomonas aeroginosa. Bronchiectasis was the most prevalent finding in chest CT scan. 44.3% of patients had been treated for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and all had sinus disease. Increased pulmonary artery pressure was observed in 40% of patients with cystic fibrosis. 33 patients died which consisted 17.1% of all the patients.The mean age of mortaliy was 18.15 year. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical outcome of cystic fibrosis is variable in different countries which may reflect environmental influences and the role of early diagnosis on long term outcomes. However, the role of early diagnosis in long-term outcomes of the disease can not be ignored.

Prevalence and significance of sexually transmitted diseases among Ethiopian women attending antenatal clinics in Addis Ababa

Abstract: To determine the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and the risk for (i) the mother regarding pregnancy wastage and puerperal sepsis and (ii) the child with regard to congenital and neonatal infection, 342 routine antenatal clinic (ANC) at tenders were investigated. The prevalence of antibodies showing exposure to specific STD pathogens in pregnant women attending ANC was: syphilis (TPHA) 27%, (VDR:) 28%, gonorrhoea 43%, genital chlamydiae 54%, HBV 37%, HSV-2 35 %, H ducreyi 10%. High titre seropositivity suggestive of active infection was: gonorrhoea 10%, genital chlamydiae 31 %, HSV2 19%; with HBV SAg 5% -all of which are likely to be transmitted to the foetus in utero or during delivery. Only 10% of ANC at tenders had no serological evidence of any STD: 72% had serological evidence for two or more STDs. Among conditions requiring treatment vaginitis was the most important, 20% having a severe trichomonal infection. Despite the frequency of this condition it was noted that few women (4%) complained of vaginal discharge. Thus women attending the ANC revealed a high prevalence of STD. Consequently the foetus and neonate are put at risk because of intrauterine or intrapartum transmission of infection. The high prevalence among ANC at tenders also reflects the relative prevalence of STDs in the community. Measures such as screening at ANC and information and education regarding prevention are required to reduce STDs in pregnant women and their sexual partners. Prophylaxis for the neonate can be considered until this goal is achieved. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 1995;9(1):31-40

A sociological and serological study of at tenders of family planning clinics in Addis Ababa

Abstract: A study of 542 women attending family planning clinics (FPC) and 1568 women attending obstetric and gynaecologic clinics in Addis Ababa showed utilisation of FPC was highest in those with a family income of 100-500 EB per month (36%), in women who were: Tigrawi (33%) or Amara (31 %), aged 20-34 years (30%), age 16 or older at first marriage/coitus (28%), parity of 2... 2 children (35%), > 5 lifetime husbands/sexual partners (39%), or were bargirls (73%) or prostitutes (43%). FPC attendance was lowest among the nulliparous (2.3%), women from rural areas (10%), the Guragie (10%) and Oromo women (19%), Moslem women 14(%), those of subsistence income ( < 10EB per month) (14%). The seroprevalence rates indicative of exposure to STD pathogens were high as was the prevalence of essentially asymptomatic pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Only 4% of FPC at tenders had no serological evidence of STD: 64% had 3 or more different STD. Specific present or active STD infection prevalence for syphilis (VDRL) 28%, Neisseria gonorrhoea 31 %, genital chlamydia 46% and HSV-2 21% was higher in FPC at tenders than among women attending other clinics. Clinical evidence of PID was also more common in the FPC at tenders (54%), 37% having evidence of salpingitis. Thus FPCs provide a useful setting for screening women particularly at risk. Because of lack of symptoms, these women are unlikely to attend either an STDs clinic or a hospital for routine check up, and as such are not treated and represent a population from which STDs can spread into the population. Measures to screen, treat and educate FPC at tenders, their partners and their clients, are recommended in an attempt to Control STDs and ultimately HIV in the community. [Ethiop. J. Hea/th Dev. 1995;9(1):19-30

Oral wheat immunotherapy in a patient with anaphylaxis despite negative sensitization tests

Introduction: Wheat allergy can develop at any stage of life. The aim of this report was to demonstrate that skin testing and specific IgE have poor specificities and sensitivities for wheat allergy. Case Presentation: A 37-year-old female presented symptoms that were initiated immediately after consumption of bread and biscuits. She was well until two months prior to her recent admission. Her skin prick test, RIDA assay, and patch test for wheat showed negative results despite a history of two episodes of anaphylaxis. She underwent an oral food challenge, which confirmed wheat allergy. A desensitization procedure was recommended for her. At the end of the immunotherapy process, she had normal intake of wheat without any symptoms. Conclusions: Negative sIgE and SPT results do not rule out clinical food allergy. Oral food challenges are still the cornerstone of diagnosis of food allergy. © 2018, Author(s)

Kompleksowa ocena długoterminowa chorych na mukowiscydozę

WSTĘP: Mukowiscydoza jest wielonarządową chorobą przewlekłą, której głównymi następstwami są infekcje układu oddechowego, niewydolność trzustki i inne pokrewne powikłania. Wiek w czasie rozpoznania, przebieg kliniczny, tempo progresji i rokowanie są różne u różnych chorych. Celem prezentowanego badania była ocena przebiegu choroby i wpływu uwarunkowań epidemiologicznych na wczesne rozpoznanie i właściwe leczenie. MATERIAŁ I METODY: Przeprowadzono aktywną ocenę prospektywną 192 chorych na mukowiscydozę, leczonych w ośrodku referencyjnym w latach 2008–2015. U wszystkich chorych rozpoznanie mukowiscydozy postawiono na podstawie obowiązujących kryteriów, w tym stwierdzenia dwóch dodatnich wyników potowego testu chlorkowego oraz obecności typowych objawów klinicznych. Dane demograficzne, kliniczne i laboratoryjne uzyskiwano od pacjentów podczas kolejnych hospitalizacji i wizyt kontrolnych. Dane te były szczegółowo oceniane pod kątem powikłań choroby podstawowej. WYNIKI: U większości chorych stwierdzono dodatni wynik hodowli plwociny w kierunku Pseudomonas aeroginosa. Rozstrzenia oskrzeli były najczęściej występującym objawem w badaniu tomograficznym klatki piersiowej. W badanej grupie 44,3% chorych było leczonych z powodu alergicznej aspergilozy oskrzelowo-płucnej a u wszystkich chorych stwierdzono chorobę zatok przynosowych. Podwyższone ciśnienie w tętnicy płucnej stwierdzono u 40% chorych na mukowiscydozę. Zmarło 33 chorych, co stanowi 17,1% badanej grupy. Średni czas przeżycia wynosił 18,15 roku. WNIOSKI: Wyniki leczenia chorych na mukowiscydozę są różne w różnych krajach, co może odzwierciedlać wpływy środowiska, a także znaczenie wczesnego rozpoznania dla odległego rokowania. Znaczenie wczesnego rozpoznania dla odległych wyników leczenia nie powinno być lekceważone.WSTĘP: Mukowiscydoza jest wielonarządową chorobą przewlekłą, której głównymi następstwami są infekcje układu oddechowego, niewydolność trzustki i inne pokrewne powikłania. Wiek w czasie rozpoznania, przebieg kliniczny, tempo progresji i rokowanie są różne u różnych chorych. Celem prezentowanego badania była ocena przebiegu choroby i wpływu uwarunkowań epidemiologicznych na wczesne rozpoznanie i właściwe leczenie. MATERIAŁ I METODY: Przeprowadzono aktywną ocenę prospektywną 192 chorych na mukowiscydozę, leczonych w ośrodku referencyjnym w latach 2008–2015. U wszystkich chorych rozpoznanie mukowiscydozy postawiono na podstawie obowiązujących kryteriów, w tym stwierdzenia dwóch dodatnich wyników potowego testu chlorkowego oraz obecności typowych objawów klinicznych. Dane demograficzne, kliniczne i laboratoryjne uzyskiwano od pacjentów podczas kolejnych hospitalizacji i wizyt kontrolnych. Dane te były szczegółowo oceniane pod kątem powikłań choroby podstawowej. WYNIKI: U większości chorych stwierdzono dodatni wynik hodowli plwociny w kierunku Pseudomonas aeroginosa. Rozstrzenia oskrzeli były najczęściej występującym objawem w badaniu tomograficznym klatki piersiowej. W badanej grupie 44,3% chorych było leczonych z powodu alergicznej aspergilozy oskrzelowo-płucnej a u wszystkich chorych stwierdzono chorobę zatok przynosowych. Podwyższone ciśnienie w tętnicy płucnej stwierdzono u 40% chorych na mukowiscydozę. Zmarło 33 chorych, co stanowi 17,1% badanej grupy. Średni czas przeżycia wynosił 18,15 roku. WNIOSKI: Wyniki leczenia chorych na mukowiscydozę są różne w różnych krajach, co może odzwierciedlać wpływy środowiska, a także znaczenie wczesnego rozpoznania dla odległego rokowania. Znaczenie wczesnego rozpoznania dla odległych wyników leczenia nie powinno być lekceważone

The Effect of Aspirin on Moderate to Severe Asthmatic Patients with Aspirin Hypersensitivity, Chronic Rhinosinusitis, and Nasal Polyposis

Asthmatic patients may have aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease and experience acute dyspnea and nasal symptoms within 3 hours after the ingestion of aspirin. This study aimed to evaluate the effect and outcome of daily low-dose aspirin in the treatment of moderate to severe asthma in patients with concomitant aspirin hypersensitivity and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). This clinical trial was conducted from February 2014 to February 2015 on 46 adult patients with moderate to severe asthma accompanied by CRSwNP. Patients with a positive aspirin challenge were blindly randomized in three groups receiving placebo/day (A); aspirin 100 mg/day (B); and aspirin 325mg/day (C), respectively. Clinical findings, FEV1 and ACT scores were recorded and compared before, during, and after treatment for 6 months. Of 46 participants at baseline, 30 patients completed this 6-month trial study. The level of asthma control was significant; based on Asthma Control Test (ACT) when comparing the results in groups A and C and also groups B and C, but it was not significant when comparing ACT scores between groups A and B. FEV1 before and after treatment was significant when comparing groups A and B, groups A and C, and groups B and C. To conclude, aspirin desensitization with a daily dose of 325 mg aspirin resulted in the improvement of long-term control of asthma. A daily aspirin dose of 100 mg was not associated with such an increase in ACT score

Tear fluid biomarkers in ocular and systemic disease: potential use for predictive, preventive and personalised medicine

In the field of predictive, preventive and personalised medicine, researchers are keen to identify novel and reliable ways to predict and diagnose disease, as well as to monitor patient response to therapeutic agents. In the last decade alone, the sensitivity of profiling technologies has undergone huge improvements in detection sensitivity, thus allowing quantification of minute samples, for example body fluids that were previously difficult to assay. As a consequence, there has been a huge increase in tear fluid investigation, predominantly in the field of ocular surface disease. As tears are a more accessible and less complex body fluid (than serum or plasma) and sampling is much less invasive, research is starting to focus on how disease processes affect the proteomic, lipidomic and metabolomic composition of the tear film. By determining compositional changes to tear profiles, crucial pathways in disease progression may be identified, allowing for more predictive and personalised therapy of the individual. This article will provide an overview of the various putative tear fluid biomarkers that have been identified to date, ranging from ocular surface disease and retinopathies to cancer and multiple sclerosis. Putative tear fluid biomarkers of ocular disorders, as well as the more recent field of systemic disease biomarkers, will be shown