Serum zinc and copper in children with pulmonary tuberculosis and lobar pneumonia before and after treatment

Serum zinc and copper levels were estimated in 20 children suffering from mild to moderate pulmonary tuberculosis; 8 cases with extensive pulmonary tuberculosis; 20 cases with pneumonia and 9 cases with extensive pneumonia before and after treatment, beside 20 age matched, normal healthy children, to be used as control group. Significantly decreased serum zinc level and increased serum copper level were observed in active pulmonary tuberculosis and pneumonia before treatment. These changes were going hand in hand with the extent and severity of the disease. After treatment, no significant difference was observed in serum zinc and copper in both tuberculous and pneumonic children as compared to normal controls

Plasma histamine, catecholamines and cortisol changes in response to exercise in normal and asthmatic patients

Plasma histamine, catecholamines and cortisol level were measured in 40 asthmatic patients [20 adults and 20 children] before and after standardized 15 minutes exercise on bicycle ergometer. Twenty healthy subjects of comparable age and sex [10 adults and 10 children] were used as control groups. Skin test was performed for every case to confirm the atopic status of asthmatic patients. Pulmonary function tests were also performed for every subject before and after completion of exercise tests. Results revealed that exercise for 15 minutes did not affect ventillatory functions in normal controls but showed significant increase in airway obstruction in asthmatic patients. Histamine may have a role in the pathogenesis of exercise-induced asthma [EIA] while neither catecholamines nor cortisol changes play a role in the pathogenesis of airway obstruction induced by exercise in asthmatic patients. Neither age nor atopy had an influence on hormonal changes observed in response to exercise under the conditions of this study