Isoinmunización Rh en bajas respondedoras: Reporte de caso / Rh Isoimmunization in Low Responders: Case Report / Isoimunização Rh em pacientes com baixa resposta: relato de caso

Introducción. La isoinmunización Rh consiste en la producción de anticuerpos maternos en una gestante Rh negativa contra los antígenos de los eritrocitos Rh positivos fetales ocasionados por una hemorragia fetomaterna. En población gestante, el 15% son Rh negativo y la severidad de la afectación fetal está relacionada con una serie de procesos inmunológicos y la historia obstétrica. Si una gestante Rh negativa con riesgo de isoinmunización no recibe profilaxis con inmunoglobulina Anti-D se inmuniza el 16% en la primera gestación, el 30% en la segunda y el 50% después de la tercera. Con este reporte de caso queremos describir el subgrupo de pacientes gestantes con isoinmunización Rh bajas respondedoras. Presentación del caso. G9P5C1A2Gem1V7 de 43 años, remitida en semana 30 de gestación por isoinmunización Rh, no recibió inmunoglobulina Anti-D durante este embarazo, ni en los anteriores ni en el posparto, reporte de Coombs indirecto de 1/4 que se eleva a 1/16, seguimiento ecográfico normal. En semana 35.3 presenta anemia fetal leve y por tratarse de un embarazo alrededor del término se finaliza por cesárea. Recién nacido con adecuado peso para la edad gestacional, quien fue dado de alta a las 72 horas con evolución satisfactoria. Discusión. Las gestantes con isoinmunización Rh bajas respondedoras se sensibilizan con altos volúmenes sanguíneos sin repercusión hemodinámica in utero, produciendo una enfermedad hemolítica fetal leve. Esta respuesta inmune es poco frecuente y está asociada a factores protectores; sin embargo, son necesarios más estudios que sustenten esta condición. Conclusiones. El control prenatal y el Coombs indirecto cuantitativo seriado son las principales herramientas para la prevención de la isoinmunización. El conocimiento de la respuesta inmunológica permite identificar el subgrupo de las bajas respondedoras que tienen una evolución clínica más leve y menor morbilidad neonatal. Palabras clave: Embarazo; Isoinmunización Rh; Eritroblastosis Fetal; Globulina Inmune RHO(D); Hidropesía Fetal.

Introduction. Rh isoimmunization consists of a Rh-negative pregnant woman producing maternal antibodies against the antigens of fetal Rh-positive erythrocytes due to fetomaternal hemorrhage. 15% of the pregnant population is Rh negative, and the severity of fetal effects is related to a series of immunological processes and the obstetric history. If a Rh-negative pregnant woman at risk of isoimmunization does not receive a prophylaxis of Anti-D immunolobulin, 16% are immunized in the first pregnancy, 30% in the second and 50% after the third. In this case report we will describe the subgroup of low responder pregnant patients with Rh isoimmunization. Case Presentation. G9P5C1A2Gem1V7, 43 years old, referred on the 30th week of pregnancy due to Rh isoimmunization. She did not receive Anti-D immunolobulin during this pregnancy, nor in her previous pregnancies, nor during postpartum. Indirect Coombs report of 1/4, which increases to 1/16. Ultrasound monitoring is normal. At week 35.3 she presented mild fetal anemia, and because the pregnancy was near its term, it was ended by cesarean section. Newborn with adequate weight considering the gestational age, who was then discharged after 72 hours with satisfactory evolution. Discussion. Low responder pregnant women with Rh isoimmunization are sensitized with high blood volumes but without hemodynamic repercussions in utero, producing a mild fetal hemolytic disease. This immune response is infrequent and is associated with protective factors; however, further studies are required to support this condition. Conclusions. Prenatal control and serialized quantitative indirect Coombs testing are the main tools for the prevention of isoimmunization. Knowledge of the immunological response enables identifying the subgroup of low responders who present a milder clinical evolution and lower newborn morbidity. Keywords: Pregnancy; Rh Isoimmunization; Erythroblastosis, Fetal; RHO(D) Immune Globulin; Hydrops Fetalis.

Introdução. A isoimunização Rh consiste na produção de anticorpos maternos em uma gestante Rh negativa contra os antígenos dos eritrócitos fetais Rh positivos causados por hemorragia fetomaterna. Na população gestante, 15% são Rh negativos e a gravidade do envolvimento fetal está relacionada a uma série de processos imunológicos e ao histórico obstétrico. Se uma gestante Rh negativa com risco de isoimunização não receber profilaxia com imunoglobulina Anti-D, imuniza-se 16% na primeira gestação, 30% na segunda e 50% após a terceira. Com este relato de caso, queremos descrever o subgrupo de pacientes gestantes com isoimunização Rh de baixa resposta. Apresentação do caso. G9P5C1A2Gem1V7, 43 anos, encaminhada na 30ª semana de gestação para isoimunização Rh, não recebeu imunoglobulina Anti-D nesta gestação, nem nas anteriores nem no puerpério, laudo de Coombs indireto de 1/4 que sobe para 1/16, acompanhamento ultrassonográfico normal. Na semana 35,3, apresentou anemia fetal leve e por se tratar de uma gestação próxima ao termo, foi interrompida por cesariana. Recém-nascido com peso adequado para a idade gestacional, que recebeu alta às 72 horas com evolução satisfatória. Discussão. Gestantes com isoimunização Rh de baixa resposta são sensibilizadas com elevados volumes sanguíneos sem repercussões hemodinâmicas in utero, produzindo doença hemolítica fetal leve. Essa resposta imune é rara e está associada a fatores protetores; no entanto, mais estudos são necessários para fundamentar esta condição. Conclusões. O controle pré-natal e o Coombs indireto quantitativo seriado são as principais ferramentas para a prevenção da isoimunização. O conhecimento da resposta imunológica permite identificar o subgrupo de pacientes com baixa resposta que apresentam evolução clínica mais branda e menor morbidade neonatal. Palavras-chave: Gravidez; Isoimunização Rh; Eritroblastose Fetal; Inmunoglobulina RHO (D), Hidropisia Fetal.

Study on the evolution of TCM syndromes of 171 cases of Kawasaki disease under the intervention of gamma globulin therapy based on factor analysis / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To study the evolution of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndromes of 171 cases of Kawasaki disease (KD) under the intervention of gamma globulin therapy based on factor analysis.Methods:A cross-sectional study. 171 cases of KD children hospitalized in the Department of Cardiology of Guangzhou Women's and Children's Medical Center from July 2019 to December 2020 were collected. All patients were treated with intravenous gamma globulin (2 g/kg) for 1 week. According to the results of the treatment with C-ball, 171 children with C-ball sensitive KD were selected to collect the four diagnostic data, and the representative syndromes of defensive level, qi level, yin level, and nutritive level were observed. Factor analysis was used to analyze the evolution of syndrome in 171 children with KD c-ball sensitivity.Results:The result of factor analysis showed that the KMO statistics of 171 children with c-ball sensitivity before treatment was 0.792, and Bartley test was significant ( P<0.01). 16 common factors were extracted, and 23 syndromes were screened, mainly including defensive level disorder, qi level disorder,nutritive level disorder,yin level disorder, heat stagnation and blood stasis syndrome. One week after treatment, the statistic of KMO test was 0.787, and Bartley test was significant ( P<0.01). 9 common factors were extracted, and 10 syndromes were screened, mainly including qi deficiency syndrome, yin deficiency syndrome and blood stasis syndrome. Conclusion:Before treatment, the TCM syndromes in KD C-cell sensitive children are mainly nutritive level disorder, defensive level disorder, qi level disorder yin level disorder, and heat stagnation and blood stasis syndrome; after treatment, the main TCM syndromes are mainly qi deficiency syndrome, yin deficiency syndrome and blood stasis syndrome.

Treatment of severe aplastic anemia and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation / 器官移植

Severe aplastic anemia (SAA) is a severe bone marrow failure syndrome caused by multiple causes, which is clinically manifested with severe anemia, infection and bleeding. The complex pathogenesis of SAA has not been fully understood. SAA is characterized with acute onset, severe disease condition and rapid progression. At present, with the in-depth study of SAA and the improvement of diagnosis and treatment, the therapeutic strategy for SAA has been evolved from classical immunosuppressive therapy based on antithymocyte globulin and cyclosporine to the application of thrombopoietin receptor agonist and combined treatment based on allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, which may promote the reconstruction of hematopoietic function of SAA patients to varying degree and significantly improve survival and clinical prognosis, becoming the research hotspot of SAA treatment. In this article, new advances in the treatment of SAA at home and abroad were reviewed.

Successful treatment of acute leukemia by secondary transplantation after the first haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation failure / 器官移植

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of secondary transplantation for patients with acute leukemia after failure of the first haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Methods Two acute leukemia patients underwent the first haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from two donors with thalassemia, and the number of collected CD34+ cells was 2.57×106/kg and 1.99×106/kg per donor, respectively. The first haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation failed. Secondary transplantation was performed from two non-thalassemia donors, and the number of collected CD34+ cells was 4.28×106/kg and 5.75×106/kg per donor, respectively. A reduced-intensity conditioning regimen consisting of fludarabine (Flu), busulfan (Bu) and antithymocyte globulin (ATG) was adopted for the secondary transplantation. Results For two recipients, the time of secondary transplantation of neutrophil and platelet was +12 d and +10 d, +10 d and +10 d, respectively. Up to the final follow-up (+1 062 d and +265 d after secondary transplantation), the primary diseases of both two recipients have been completely relieved without evident post-transplantation complications. Conclusions Secondary transplantation with reduced-intensity conditioning regimen may successfully treat acute leukemia after failure of the first haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Expert consensus on perioperative nursing standards for pediatric kidney transplantation / 器官移植

Pediatric kidney transplant recipients differ from adult counterparts in primary disease, physiology, psychology, organ function and immune status and their perioperative treatment and nursing management are different from those of adult kidney transplantation. To standardize holistic perioperative nursing regimens for pediatric kidney transplantation, Surgery Nursing Committee of Shanghai Nursing Association organized national medical and nursing experts in the fields of transplantation to jointly draft "expert consensus on perioperative nursing standards for pediatric kidney transplantation " (abbreviated as "consensus"). After three rounds of online expert inquiry, all revised opinions were jointly discussed combined with literature evidence, and the expert consensus was finally reached. The highlights of perioperative treatment and nursing care for pediatric kidney transplantation were summarized and stated, including preoperative evaluation, preoperative and postoperative nursing care, which were of scientific and practical value.

Clinical trial of low-dose rabbit anti-human thymocyte globulin for induction therapy of kidney transplantation in children / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of low-dose rabbit anti-human thymocyte globulin (rATG) for induction therapy of kidney transplantation (KT) in children.Methods:From October 2018 to May 2021, clinical data were reviewed retrospectively for 77 pediatric KT recipients on a low-dose rATG induction protocol.Recipient/graft survival rate, renal function recovery, acute rejection (AR) and adverse reactions were observed at 1 year post-operation.The postoperative changes of renal function were examined by Friedman’s test; According to the preoperative baseline data, Pearson’s Chi-square or Fisher's exact test was utilized for examining the influencing factors of postoperative AR.Results:A total of 16(20.78%) recipients had AR within the first 6 months post-operation.The incidence of delayed graft function (DGF) was 14.29%(11/77); The incidence of severe infection post-transplantation 18.18%(14/77), the infection rate of BK virus 25.97%(20/77) and the incidence of neutropenia 32.47%(25/77).The recipient/graft survival rate at 1 year post-operation was 97.40%(75/77) and 94.81%(73/77) respectively.Chi-square test indicated that the incidence of postoperative infection in children with body weight ≤30 kg and height ≤138 cm was 28.95%(11/38) and 27.50%(11/40) respectively, Both were higher than 7.69%(3/39) and 8.11%(3/37) of children with body weight >30 kg and height>138 cm.The difference between groups was statistically significant ( P=0.016 and 0.028). Conclusions:Low-dose rATG is generally excellent in preventing AR in pediatric KT recipients.And the risk of related AR may be lower.The infection rate of recipients with decent preoperative development is low.

Research progress on sex hormone-binding globulin involved in the occurrence and development of diabetes mellitus / 中国基层医药

Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is significantly associated with abnormal glucose metabolism. Low SHBG level is a risk factor for insulin resistance and the occurence of diabetes mellitus. SHBG is negatively correlated with the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and plays an important role in regulating insulin resistance while predicting its development. The genotype of SHBG has been found to be closely related to the occurrence of diabetes mellitus. Fatty liver and DNA methylation are also important factors mediating the relationship between SHBG and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The change in SHBG level may be related to insulin resistance by influencing hepatocyte nuclear factor 4a and regulating glucose transporter.

Therapeutic effects of B ultrasound-guided extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy combined with tamsulosin hydrochloride medication on ureteral calculi / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effects of B ultrasound-guided extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy combined with tamsulosin hydrochloride medication on ureteral calculi.Methods:The clinical data of 130 patients with ureteral calculi who received treatment in Ninghai First Hospital from March 2019 to June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were divided into an observation group and a control group ( n = 65/group) according to the different treatment methods. Patients in the control group received B ultrasound-guided extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, and those in the observation group received B ultrasound-guided extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy combined with tamsulosin hydrochloride medication. Total response rate, stone-free rate after the first treatment, time taken to get rid of stone, treatment times, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score 14 days after the first treatment were compared between the two groups. Renal function indexes (serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen), mean arterial pressure, VAS score, blood loss, and immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase levels were determined in the two groups. Results:The total response rate in the control group was significantly lower than that in the observation group [89.23% (58/65) vs. 98.46% (64/65), χ2 = 4.80, P < 0.05]. After 14 days of treatment, the VAS score in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(3.97 ± 0.36) points vs. (5.59 ± 0.87) points, t = 13.87, P < 0.05). After treatment, the stone-free rate after the first treatment in the control group was significantly lower than that in the observation group [61.54% (40/65) vs. 78.46% (51/65), χ2 = 4.43, P < 0.05). The time taken to get rid of stone and treatment times in the control group were (18.98 ± 3.52) days and (2.53 ± 0.50) times, respectively, which were significantly higher than (12.27 ± 2.77) days and (1.64 ± 0.55) times in the observation group ( t = 12.08, 9.66, both P < 0.05). Urine Kim-1 in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(89.46 ± 42.46) mmol/L vs. (72.75 ± 17.65) mmol/L, t = 2.93, P < 0.05]. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels in the observation group were (101.75 ± 24.53) μmol/L and (348.76 ± 29.84) μmol/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than (139.53 ± 30.56) μmol/L and (397.65 ± 35.64) μmol/L in the control group ( t = 5.82, 8.48, both P < 0.05). After 20-minutes of anesthesia induction, the mean arterial pressure in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(83.45 ± 12.65) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) vs . (61.68 ± 9.75) mmHg, t = -10.99, P < 0.05]. Intraoperative blood loss in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(112.65 ± 30.74) mL vs. (170.68 ± 35.67) mL, t = 9.94, P < 0.05]. Serum immunoglobulin G and malondialdehyde levels in the observation group were (8.56 ± 1.74) g/L and (7.74 ± 0.74) mol/L, respectively, which were significantly higher than (7.75 ± 1.68) g/L and (5.21 ± 0.65) mol/L in the control group ( t = 2.70, 20.71, both P < 0.05). Serum immunoglobulin M and superoxide dismutase levels in the observation group were (1.23 ± 0.32) g/L and (71.75 ± 8.57) U/L, which were significantly lower than (1.55 ± 0.45) g/L and (90.64 ± 9.73) U/mL in the control group ( t = -4.67, -11.75, both P < 0.05). Conclusion:B ultrasound-guided extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy combined with tamsulosin hydrochloride medication is more effective on ureteral calculi than B ultrasound-guided extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy alone. The combined therapy can effectively reduce pain, increases the treatment efficacy, and is worthy of reference and promotion in clinical practice.

Characteristics of populations exposed to rabies in Anji County / 预防医学

Objective@#To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of rabies-exposed populations in Anji County, Zhejiang Province from 2017 to 2021, so as to provide insights into rabies control in the county.@*Methods@#All data pertaining to rabies were captured from Monthly Report of Rabies-exposed Populations in Huzhou City and Investigation Form of Multiple Dog Injuries reported by dog injury clinics in Anji County from 2017 to 2021, and the species of animals causing dog injuries, duration, degree and site of exposure, and post-exposure treatment of rabies-exposed populations were descriptively analyzed. @*Results@#Totally 46 186 cases with rabies exposure were reported in dog injury clinics in Anji County from 2017 to 2021, and the rate of exposure appeared a tendency towards a decline year by year (Z=-23.249, P<0.001), with an annual mean exposure rate of 1 739.59/105. The number of cases with exposure to rabies peaked in July and August (10 066 cases, 21.79%). Dogs were predominant animals causing injuries (31 732 cases, 68.70%), and the rate of exposure to dog bites appeared a tendency towards a decline year by year (Z=-35.541, P<0.001). There were 11 350 cases with cat-causing injuries (24.57%), and the rate of exposure to cat bites appeared a tendency towards a rise (Z=14.834, P<0.001). Lower extremity was the main site of exposure (22 364 cases, 48.42%), and the proportions of grade Ⅱ and Ⅲ exposure to rabies were 72.85% and 25.23%, the rates of exposure both appeared a tendency towards a decline (Z=-14.522, P<0.001; Z=-21.820, P<0.001). The proportion of using human rabies immune globulin was 25.72% among populations with grade Ⅲ exposure, which appeared a tendency towards a rise (Z=6.636, P<0.001). @*Conclusions@#The rate of exposure to rabies appeared a tendency towards a decline in Anji County from 2017 to 2021. Dogs were predominant animals causing injuries, and the rate of cat bites appeared a tendency towards a rise from 2017 to 2021; however, the proportion of using human rabies immune globulin remains to be improved among populations with grade Ⅲ exposure.

Effects of aging and the body mass index on male sex hormones: a cross-sectional study in 701 Brazilian men / Efeitos do envelhecimento e do índice de massa corporal sobre os hormônios sexuais masculinos: um estudo transversal em 701 homens brasileiros

Background: Some studies indicated that body mass index (BMI) is inversely proportional to serum testosterone concentrations in men. Purposes: This study aimed to analyze the effects of aging and obesity on total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), bioavailable testosterone (BT), luteinizing hormone (LH), and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed to assess the clinical and laboratory profiles of 701 patients treated at a private urology clinic in Ponta Grossa, Brazil, from January 2016 to December 2018. Results: Patients' age ranged from 16 to 88 years (mean, 56.9 ± 13.62 years). Age did not significantly influence serum TT concentrations, except compared to patients aged >70 years. However, changes were observed in FT and BT (p < 0.05). The mean SHBG increased with age (p < 0.05). A tendency toward LH elevation was observed in older patients, but it was not statistically significant. An inverse proportional relationship between TT, FT, and BT and the testosterone deficiency rate (TT < 300 ng/dL) was observed within BMI groups (p < 0.05). The testosterone deficiency rate was 21.5% in individuals with normal BMI, 29% in overweight individuals, and 37% in obese individuals. Conclusions: Aging affected the testosterone concentrations in men and became increasingly evident using FT and BT instead of TT. SHBG increased with age. Obesity was associated with a decrease in TT, FT, and BT but also increased the rate of hypogonadism. (AU)

Fundamentos: Alguns estudos indicam que o índice de massa corporal (IMC) é inversamente proporcional à con-centração de testosterona sérica em homens. Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo é analisar o efeito do envelhe-cimento e da obesidade na testosterona biodisponível total e livre, bem como nos níveis de hormônio luteinizante e globulina ligadora de hormônio sexual. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal abordando o perfil clínico e laboratorial de 701 pacientes atendidos em uma clínica privada de urologia em Ponta Grossa, Brasil, de janei-ro de 2016 a dezembro de 2018. Resultados: A idade dos pacientes variou de 16 a 88 anos (média de 56,9 ± 13,62 anos). A idade não influenciou significativamente as concentrações séricas de testosterona total, exceto quando comparada a pacientes com mais de 70 anos. No entanto, foi observada diferença na testosterona livre e biodisponível (p <0,05). A média de globulina de ligação aos hormônios sexuais aumentou com a idade (p <0,05). Embora uma tendência à elevação da luteinização tenha sido observada em pacientes mais idosos, ela não foi significativa. Relação inversa entre testosterona total, livre e biodisponível e taxa de deficiência de testosterona (testosterona total <300 ng / dL) foi observada dentro dos grupos de índice de massa corporal (p <0,05). A taxa de deficiência de testosterona em indivíduos com índice de massa corporal normal foi de 21,5%, indivíduos com sobre-peso foi de 29% e em indivíduos com obesidade foi de 37%. Conclusões: O envelhecimento afetou a concentração de testosterona em homens, mais evidente ao avaliar testosterona livre e biodisponível em vez de testosterona total. A globulina de ligação aos hormônios sexuais aumentou com a idade. A obesidade foi associada à redução da testosterona total, livre e biodisponível e ao aumento da taxa de hipogonadismo. (AU)

Diagnosis and Management of Acquired Aplastic Anemia: Consensus Statement of Indian Academy of Pediatrics

Justification: In India, there is a lack of uniformity of treatment strategies for aplastic anemia (AA), and many children are managed only with supportive care due to non-availability of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Process: Eminent national faculty members were invited to participate in the process of forming a consensus statement in Hyderabad in July, 2016. Draft guidelines were circulated to all members, and comments received in a online meeting in October, 2020 were incorporated into the final draft. These were approved by all experts. Objective: To facilitate appropriate management of children with acquired aplastic anemia. Recommendations: Key recommendations are: i) A bone marrow biopsy is must to make a diagnosis of AA; ii) Rule out inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS), connective tissue disorders, viral infections, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), drug or heavy metal induced marrow suppression in all cases of AA; iii) Conservative approach to transfusions should be followed, with a target to keep hemoglobin >6 g/dL in children with no co-morbidities; iv) HLA-matched sibling donor HSCT is the preferred choice of treatment for newly diagnosed very severe/ severe AA; v) In absence of HLA-matched family donor, a matched unrelated donor (MUD) transplant or immunosuppressive therapy (IST) should be considered as alternate choice based on physician expertise; vi) Fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) based conditioning with cyclosporine and methotrexate as graft versus host disease (GvHD) prophylaxis is the preferred regimen; vii) Horse ATG and cyclosporine are the recommended drugs for IST. One should wait for 3-6 months for the response assessment and consideration of next line therapy.

Gammaglobulina subcutánea: Revisión sistemática / Subcutaneous gamma globulin: A systematic review

Las inmunodeficiencias primarias constituyen enfermedades determinadas genéticamente, caracterizadas por la alteración cuantitativa y/o funcional de distintos mecanismos implicados en la respuesta inmunitaria. Algunas de ellas se caracterizan por una alteración en la producción de anticuerpos, por lo que algunos pacientes se benefician con la administración supletoria de gammaglobulina, la cual se administra mayormente por vía endovenosa, siendo la vía subcutánea una alternativa terapéutica. La siguiente revisión sistemática tiene por objetivo determinar si la gammaglobulina subcutánea tiene alguna ventaja frente al clásico uso de gammaglobulina endovenosa, en pacientes pediátricos con inmunodeficiencias primarias, revisando la bibliografía disponible hasta la actualidad (AU)

Primary immunodeficiencies are genetically determined diseases characterized by the quantitative and/or functional alteration of different mechanisms involved in the immune response. Some of these diseases are characterized by an alteration in the antibody production and therefore some patients benefit from the supplementary administration of gamma globulin, which is mostly administered intravenously, with the subcutaneous route being a therapeutic alternative. The following systematic literature review aims to determine whether subcutaneous gamma globulin has any advantage over the classic use of intravenous gamma globulin in pediatric patients with primary immunodeficiencies (AU)

Study on the correlations between AGR, PLR and NLR changes and chemotherapy efficacy of metastatic colorectal cancer / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To investigate the correlations between albumin globulin ratio (AGR) , platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) , neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and efficacy of chemotherapy for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) .Methods:The clinical data of 107 mCRC patients who were treated at the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University for chemotherapy from January 2016 to September 2020 were selected, and the values of AGR, NLR and PLR before chemotherapy and after 3 cycles of chemotherapy were collected for retrospective analysis. After 3 cycles, patients were divided into three groups according to efficacy evaluation: partial response (PR) group, stable disease (SD) group and progressive disease (PD) group. The changes of AGR, PLR and NLR values before and after chemotherapy, and the relationships between the degrees of changes and the therapeutic effects were analyzed.Results:There were 18 cases in the PR group, 53 cases in the SD group and 36 cases in the PD group. There were no significant differences in age, sex, distant metastasis site, cancer site, T stage and N stage among the three groups ( F=0.33, P=0.721; χ2=2.94, P=0.230; χ2=2.34, P=0.674; χ2=0.80, P=0.669; χ2=5.68, P=0.224; χ2=2.06, P=0.375) . The AGR, PLR and NLR values before chemotherapy in the PR group were 1.57±0.19, 180.05±102.77 and 5.19 (4.50, 5.83) , and they were 1.45±0.23, 115.81±55.79 and 1.83 (1.06, 2.84) after chemotherapy, with statistically significant differences ( t=2.32, P=0.033; t=2.84, P=0.011; Z=-2.94, P=0.003) . In the SD group, AGR, PLR and NLR values before chemotherapy were 1.66 (1.40, 1.77) , 158.18 (103.81, 236.26) , 2.41 (1.75, 4.07) , and they were 1.35 (1.15, 1.60) , 123.85 (94.86, 176.44) , 1.49 (1.27, 2.33) after chemotherapy, with statistically significant differences ( Z=-4.51, P<0.001; Z=-3.31, P=0.001; Z=-3.90, P<0.001) . The AGR, PLR and NLR values in the PD group before chemotherapy were 1.60 (1.48, 1.87) , 122.07 (77.14, 175.72) , 2.37 (1.28, 4.20) , and they were 1.26 (1.08, 1.40) , 176.39 (139.89, 280.64) and 4.71 (3.71, 6.96) after chemotherapy, with statistically significant differences ( Z=-4.49, P<0.001; Z=-3.42, P=0.001; Z=-4.18, P<0.001) . The differences in AGR ( OR=3.66, 95% CI: 1.29-10.39, P=0.015) , PLR ( OR=0.99, 95% CI: 0.99-1.00, P<0.001) and NLR ( OR=0.59, 95% CI: 0.49-0.70, P<0.001) before and after chemotherapy were related to clinical efficacy. The greater the difference of AGR, the worse the short-term efficacy. The greater the difference of PLR and NLR, the better the short-term efficacy. The correlation between the changes in AGR, PLR and NLR before and after treatment and the clinical efficacy was sorted in descending order Δ NLR>Δ PLR>Δ AGR ( r=-0.68, P<0.001; r=-0.51, P<0.001; r=0.25, P=0.009) . Conclusion:The changes in the levels of AGR, NLR and PLR before and after chemotherapy are correlated with the short-term efficacy of mCRC, and it has certain significance for monitoring the curative effects of patients and further optimizing the treatment plan.

Protein A immunoadsorption in the treatment of de novo DSA-mediated acute rejection after lung transplantation / 器官移植

Objective To investigate the treatment on de novo donor specific antibody (dnDSA) mediated acute rejection after lung transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 1 recipient with antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) early after lung transplantation was retrospectively analyzed. The process of diagnosis and treatment were assessed. Results The recipient underwent right lung transplantation due to systemic sclerosis-associated end-stage interstitial lung disease. Preoperatively, classⅠ panel reactive antibody (PRA) was positive (11%). No pretreatment was given before transplantation. Antithymocyte globulin induction therapy was delivered on the day of transplantation and postoperatively. The recipient was properly recovered early after transplantation. Chest tightness and shortness of breath occurred at postoperative 13 d, which were progressively worsened and rapidly progressed into type Ⅰ respiratory failure. Class Ⅰ PRA was increased to 58%, and dnDSA was observed at the loci of A24: 02. The mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) was 2 110. According to the guidelines of International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, the recipient was diagnosed as possible AMR. After comprehensive treatment including plasmapheresis, protein A immunoadsorption, glucocorticoid pulse, rituximab and immunoglobulin intravenous drip, the PRA and DSA levels were gradually decreased, and the MFI of DSA was 0 at postoperative 20 d. Clinical condition of the recipient was gradually improved. The dyspnea was healed, shortness of breath was eased, respiratory failure was treated, and pulmonary effusion was gradually absorbed. At postoperative 45 d, the recipient was discharged after full recovery. During 1-year follow-up, the recipient was physically stable and obtained normal quality of life. Class Ⅰ PRA was 5%, and class Ⅱ PRA was negative. No DSA was noted. Conclusions Based on traditional drug therapy, supplement of protein A immunoadsorption therapy may effectively eliminate DSA from the circulating blood of the recipient and mitigate the damage of target organs. Ideal short- and long-term prognosis may be achieved. Traditional drug therapy combined with immunoadsorption may yield ideal efficacy in treating AMR after lung transplantation.

Efficacy and safety of basiliximab and antithymocyte globulin in immune induction in kidney transplantation: a Meta-analysis / 器官移植

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of basiliximab (BAS) and antithymocyte globulin (ATG) in immune induction therapy in kidney transplantation by systematic review and Meta-analysis. Methods Prospective randomized controlled clinical trials screening and comparing BAS and ATG in immune induction therapy in kidney transplantation were systematically searched from global databases, screened and compared. The quality of clinical trials was evaluated by Jadad scoring system and data extraction was performed. The effects of BAS and ATG on the incidence of acute rejection, survival rate of kidney allografts, survival rate of recipients, incidence of delayed graft function, infection, cytomegalovirus infection, malignant tumor, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia at 1 year after kidney transplantation were analyzed. Results A total of 10 clinical trials in English consisting of 1 721 kidney transplant recipients were searched, including 883 cases in the ATG group and 838 cases in the BAS group. No significant differences were observed in the incidence of acute rejection, survival rate of kidney allografts, survival rate of recipients, incidence of delayed graft function, infection, cytomegalovirus infection and thrombocytopenia at postoperative 1 year between the ATG and BAS groups (all P > 0.05). The incidence of malignant tumor and leukopenia at postoperative 1 year in the ATG group were significantly higher than those in the BAS group (both P < 0.05). Conclusions The use of ATG and BAS for immune induction therapy in kidney transplantation yield equivalent efficacy at postoperative 1 year, but BAS is safer than ATG. Clinical trials related to stratified analyses of immune risk are urgently required to achieve individualized precision treatment.

Preventing Rh alloimmunization during pregnancy: interpretation of clinical guidelines / 中华围产医学杂志

Rh alloimmunization can lead to serious fetal complications, such as hemolysis, anemia, edema, and even intrauterine death. However, there is no domestic clinical guideline for prophylaxis and management of Rh alloimmunization. This review aims to interpret the key points from international clinical guidelines, consisting of the timing of routine antibody screening and anti-Rh(D) immunoglobulin prophylaxis strategies for Rh-negative pregnant women, possible sensitization events and anti-D prophylaxis of Rh alloimmunization, and postpartum prophylaxis for unsensitized Rh-negative pregnant women.

Establishment and evaluation of a fluorescent antibody assay against varicella-zoster virus membrane antigen based on Vero E6 cells / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To establish and evaluate a fluorescent antibody to membrane antigen (FAMA) method for detecting antibodies against varicella-zoster virus (VZV) based on Vero E6 cells. 【Methods】 Based on the adapted VZV-Oka-E6 strain that VZV-Oka live attenuated varicella vaccine strain grew in Vero E6 cells, Vero E6 cells were infected with VZV-Oka-E6 of three different doses (104.65, 104.95 and 105.25 TCID50), and the cytopathic effect was observed under a microscope to determine the optimal infection dose of VZV-Oka-E6 strain. Then the detectable sensitivity of the infected cell antigen slides prepared after fixing the infected cells with different fixatives was compared to determine the optimal fixative. As a result, the FAMA method based on Vero E6 cells for the determination of neutralizing anti-VZV has been developed. The established FAMA assay was used to detect the international standard for varicella zoster immunoglobulin with different titers to determine the sensitivity of the assay. The specificity of the assay was evaluated by detecting specific antibodies against human herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and type 2. The neutralizing anti-VZV antibodies of the international standard for varicella zoster immunoglobulin were detected using VZV-infected cell antigen slides prepared in the same batch and four different batches, respectively, to determine the intra-assay repeatability and inter-assay repeatability. The international standard for varicella zoster immunoglobulin with three known titers was detected to evaluate the relative accuracy of this assay. The anti-VZV titers in 20 apheresis plasma samples were determined with the newly established FAMA test and ELISA test, respectively, and the detection results of the two methods were compared using Spearman’s correlation test. 【Results】 The optimal infection dose of the VZV-Oka-E6 strain in FAMA assay was determined to be 105.25 TCID50, and acetone precooled at -20℃ was used as the fixative. The FAMA test has a high sensitivity with a detecting limit of 31.25 mIU/mL for neutralizing anti-VZV titers. The negative result was observed when detecting herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and 2 specific antibodies. The international standard for varicella zoster immunoglobulin was detected by VZV infected cell antigen slides prepared in the same batch and 4 different batches, with the coefficient of variation being 29.95% and 26.71%, respectively. The detection value of the international standard for varicella zoster immunoglobulin with three different titer levels was consistent with their theoretical value. The correlation coefficient of the detection results of 20 apheresis plasma samples by the FAMA test and ELISA test was 0.268. 【Conclusion】 The VZV FAMA assay has good sensitivity, specificity, repeatability, and relative accuracy in detecting neutralizing anti-VZV titers. It can be applied for detecting neutralizing anti-VZV titers in apheresis plasma samples as well as the varicella-zoster immunoglobulin (VZIG) preparations.

Association between serum sex hormone-binding globulin and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis / 中华内科杂志

Objective:To investigate the association between serum sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).Methods:In this cross-sectional study, a total of 371 middle-aged and young obese patients who were hospitalized and underwent liver puncture in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from January 2016 to April 2021 were included. The population was divided into control group ( n=43) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) group ( n=328) based on the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score. Subjects in NAFLD group were further divided into non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) ( n=60), uncertain-NASH ( n=172), and NASH ( n=96). Serum SHBG was tested in patients with NAFLD who were divided into three subgroups according to tertiles. The liver pathological characteristics in different SHBG level subgroups were compared. The risk factors of NASH were analyzed by logistic regression. The prediction model of NASH noninvasive diagnosis was established by forward stepwise regression, and the diagnostic value of non-invasive model for NASH was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results:The median age in patients were (32±10) years old with a body mass index of (39.16±6.58) kg/m2, including 236 females (63.6%). Serum SHBG level [ M ( Q1, Q3)] in NAFLD group was significantly lower than that in control group [16.90 (11.43, 23.00) vs. (23.45 (15.40, 31.22) mmol/L, P<0.05], and progressively diminished in NAFL, uncertain-NASH and NASH subgroups [(22.24±10.47), (20.57±19.58), (15.80±8.74) mmol; P for trend<0.05]. Compared with the high-leveled SHBG subgroup, the steatosis score (2.09±0.80 vs. 1.51±0.72, P<0.01) and lobular inflammation score (1.10±0.68 vs. 0.85±0.68, P<0.05) were significantly higher in the low-leveled SHBG group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that lower serum SHBG level was an independent risk factor for NASH ( OR=2.527, 95% CI: 1.296 to 4.928, P<0.05). The area under ROC curve of SHBG combined with aspartate aminotransferase in predicting NASH in NAFLD patients was 0.752 (95% CI: 0.696 to 0.809). Conclusion:Low serum SHBG level is associated with NASH.

Pharmacokinetic study of anti-human T-cell porcine immunoglobulin combined with cyclosporine A immunosuppressive therapy in patients with severe aplastic anemia / 中华血液学杂志

Objective: To study the metabolic characteristics of anti-human T-cell porcine immunoglobulin (p-ATG) in patients with severe aplastic anemia (SAA) . Methods: For patients with SAA treated with p-ATG combined cyclosporine A (CsA) immunosuppressants between February 2017 and December 2017, the p-ATG dose was 20 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1) over 12 h of intravenous administration for 5 consecutive days. The blood concentration of p-ATG was detected by the three-antibody sandwich ELISA method, the pharmacokinetic analysis software was fitted, and the second-chamber model method was used to calculate the pharmacokinetic parameters and plot the pharmacokinetic curve. Adverse events were recorded and the hematologic reactions were determined at 6 months after treatment. Results: Sixteen patients with SAA treated with p-ATG were enrolled, including 8 females and 8 males, with a median age of 22 years (range, 12 to 49 years) and a median weight of 62.5 kg (range, 37.5 to 82.0 kg) . The pharmacokinetics of p-ATG could be evaluated in 14 cases. p-ATG is distributed in vivo as a two-chamber model, with an average drug concentration peak (T(max)) of (5.786±2.486) days, a peak concentration (C(max)) of (616±452) mg/L, and a half-life of (10.479±8.242) days. The area under the drug time curve (AUC) was (5.807±3.236) mg/L·d. Six months after treatment, 8 of 14 patients received a hematologic response; the AUC (0-t) of the effective group and ineffective groups was (7.50±3.26) mg/L·d vs (4.50±2.18) mg/L·d, and the C(max) was (627±476) mg/L vs (584±382) mg/L, respectively. Conclusion: The plasma concentration of p-ATG reached a peak after 5 days of continuous infusion, and then decreased slowly, with a half-life of 10.479 days, and the residual drug concentration was detected in the body 60 days after administration. A relationship between drug metabolism and efficacy and adverse reactions could not be determined.

Research progress on fetal RHD genotype screening in RhD-negative pregnant women in Asia / 中华围产医学杂志

RhD-negative pregnant women with an RhD-positive fetus are at risk of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN), which may lead to fetal/neonatal death. While these would not affect those RhD-negative fetuses. With the advancement of technology in genetics, the administration of anti-D immunoglobulin to women with an RhD-positive fetus could reduce the risk of HDFN. Therefore, non-invasive prenatal testing on fetal RHD genotype plays an important role in the management of RhD-negative pregnant women. Selective usage of anti-D immunoglobulin is important in perinatal management in these women. The non-invasive prenatal screening for fetal RHD gene which has been carried out in Caucasian is not applicable to Asians because of the difference in RHD genotype. In addition to complete or partial RHD gene deletion, point mutations are also common RHD genotypes among Asians. This enlightens us to establish a non-invasive prenatal screening method for Asians. This article reviews the progress of fetal RHD screening in Asian RhD-negative pregnant women.