ABSTRACT
@#Fingertip infections are commonly diagnosed in primary care. There is a serious condition, acrometastases, that is often mistaken for these infections. Acrometastases are defined as metastases located distal to the elbow or knee. We present a case of a malignant phyllodes tumour with acrometastases to the distal phalanx of the left middle finger that was misdiagnosed as a fingertip infection on 2 separate occasions, highlighting the need for vigilance regarding acrometastases.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To compare the cellular and humoral factors in colostrum from HIV infected and uninfected lactating mothers. DESIGN: Cross sectional study. SETTING: Maternity Ward. METHODS: Colostrum was collected from 130 mothers (62 HIV seropositives and 68 HIV seronegatives). These colostrum samples were tested for total cell count, cell viability, differential count, phagocytic activity of macrophages, 'T' cell counts, IgA, IgM and IgG levels. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant decrease in the phagocytosis and 'T' cell number (p <0.001) and in the IgA and IgG levels (p<0. 05) in the colostrum obtained from HIV seropositive mothers as compared to HIV seronegative ones. CONCLUSION: Some of the cellular and humoral factors are reduced in colostrum samples obtained from HIV seropositives as compared to normals.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Breast Feeding , Case-Control Studies , Colostrum/chemistry , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , HIV Antibodies/analysis , HIV Infections/immunology , HIV Seronegativity/immunology , Humans , Immunoglobulin A/analysis , Immunoglobulin G/analysis , Immunoglobulin M/analysis , Lymphocyte Count , Macrophages/immunology , Phagocytosis/immunology , Puerperal Disorders/immunology , T-LymphocytesABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of storage on expressed colostrum kept at room and refrigeration temperature in 2 different types of containers (steel and plastic) at different time intervals (0 hours to 7 hours). DESIGN: Prospective immunological study. SETTING: Maternity ward. METHODS: Colostrum was collected from 60 healthy lactating mothers and tested for total and differential cell counts and cell viability in plastic (polypropylene) and steel containers at 0 hours and 7 hours after storage at 28 degrees C and 4 degrees C. RESULTS: Colostrum stored for 7 hours in plastic containers had a significantly (p < 0.001) higher cell count and viability compared to that stored in steel containers both at 4 degrees C and 28 degrees C. The differential cell count did not vary with time, temperature or storage vessel. CONCLUSION: If required, colostrum should be stored at 4 degrees C in plastic (polypropylene) containers to maintain its protective quality.