[Effect of cetirizine therapy on the rate of adverse reactions to specific desensitization]. / Wplyw podawania cetirizyny na wystepowanie objawów niepozadanych odczulania swoistego.

An effect of cetirizine--one of antihistaminic agents--on the rate of adverse reactions to the specific desensitization has been evaluated in patients with atopic respiratory diseases. The study included 270 patients desensitized in 1988-1993 for the atopic diseases due to hypersensitivity to grass pollens and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Standard Alvac-P. Pollinex, and Alvac-S HDM vaccines have been used. Occurrence and severity of the adverse reactions noted during 3,368 injections of vaccines have been analysed. Frequency and adverse reactions severity have been compared for two periods--1988-1990 when patients have not been given antihistaminic agent, and 1991-1993--when ceterizine has been administered during the whole period of desensitization. It has been found that simultaneous cetirizine administration decreases frequency and severity of adverse reaction to the used vaccines. Such a procedure may be recommended to patients with advance hypersensitivity given vaccines in out-patient clinics.

[Does the moment of birth have any significance on recognition of atopic diseases of the respiratory system? II. Incidence of atopic diseases in relation to birth date of children from families with increased atopic diathesis]. / Czy moment urodzenia ma znaczenie dla ujawnienia sie chorób atopowych ukladu oddechowego? II. Czestosc wystepowania chorób atopowych oraz zaleznosc od momentu urodzenia wsród dzieci w rodzinach obciazonych skaza atopowa.

The aim of this study was to analyze the birth rates in specific quarters of the year in families with a history of atopic diathesis. One hundred families with atopic diathesis with at least two children older than 16 years were studied. The diagnosis of its atopic etiology and demonstration of the specific allergen were all based on results of a questionnaire, physical examination, results of skin tests and serum levels of allergen specific IgE. In the selected 100 families an analysis of birth rates of 251 children was carried out in each quarter of the year and the effect of this on first atopy symptoms was searched for. It was demonstrated that in these families more children were born with atopy (57%) than without. More than half of the children were sensitive to grass pollens and perennial allergens, and only 20% to the perennial allergens. Most children were born during the second quarter of the year. In this group atopy was four fold more often seen. The results demonstrate that the birth date of children from atopic families is a risk factor for atopy. This implies that family planning should be added to the list of secondary prophylactic measures of atopic diseases.

[Clinical evaluation of procaterol and salbutamol in patients with bronchial asthma]. / Kliniczna ocena prokaterolu i salbutamolu u chorych na astme oskrzelowa.

When the beta-2-selectivity of beta-agonists is assessed in man it is always considerably less than would be expected from studies on isolated tissues. That was a reason why this study was taken. As we know procaterol has been included into group of beta-2-selective non-catecholamines with a reasonably long duration of action. We performed clinical evaluation of procaterol and salbutamol on 24 patients with bronchial asthma. Procaterol was administered per os (tabl. a 50 micrograms twice daily) during 4 weeks, and next salbutamol was replaced above mentioned (tabl. a 8 mg twice daily) also during 4 weeks. Clinical symptoms and spirometric values were analyzed. Obtained results indicated that procaterol and salbutamol showed a similar potency in spirometric examination in patients with bronchial asthma. Observed side effects after procaterol were less often than after salbutamol.

[Does the moment of birth influence future atopic respiratory diseases? I. Statistical analysis]. / Czy moment urodzenia ma znaczenie dla ujawnienia sie chorób atopowych ukladu oddechowego? I. Zaleznosci statystyczne.

In order to define the possible role of the time of birth on future presentation of atopic respiratory disorders an analysis of birth rates was studied according to time of birth in the following groups: 111 patients with pollinosis 145 patients non-seasonal allergic respiratory disorders, 117 patients with non-atopic respiratory disorders and 291 healthy volunteers Clinical diagnosis of atopic respiratory disease was based on the presence of conjunctivitis and/or mucosal inflammation and/or bronchial asthma. Confirmation of atopic etiology of the disorders was based on results of skin prick tests with common allergens and/or of allergen specific IgE levels. It was demonstrated that patients with respiratory disorders are born most often in the second quarter of the year. Patients with non-seasonal allergic disorders were born usually in the second and third quarter of the year. Patients that were born in the first quarter of the year developed atopic disorders less frequently.

[Foreign bodies in the bronchial tree]. / Ciala obce w drogach oddechowych.

In the study tree cases of foreign bodies in bronchial tree were discussed to illustrate a proper way for their removal. According to time of their remaining in bronchial tree a foreign body may be removed immediately after aspiration or after special preparation with surgical and anesthetic assistance. Our studies documented the use of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope in foreign body removal.

[Emergency bronchofibroscopic examination of patients with bronchial asthma and pulmonary fibrosis]. / Badanie bronchofibroskopowe ze wskazan naglych u chorych na astme oskrzelowa i w niedodmie pluc.

Records of 1,010 bronchofibroscopies were reviewed. Patients were examined with diagnostic and therapeutic indications, of which 6.8% were asthmatics. In most of them typical findings were seen signs of inflammation with thick, mucous secretions. In patients with status asthmaticus (0.6% of the analyzed population) bronchofibroscopy was carried out under life threatening conditions, the endoscopes being introduced through an intubation tube. Large volumes of secretions were evacuated producing more suitable conditions for further therapy and an improvement of the patients clinical condition. The authors believe that their data suggest the use of more invasive therapeutical methods in bronchial asthma.

[Proteolytic balance in patients with cancer of the lung]. / Równowaga proteolityczna u chorych na raka pluca.

In 48 patients with cancer of the lung, activity of the lysosomal enzymes and concentration of their natural inhibitors in the blood serum and in the material from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) has been estimated. It has been shown that in both investigated media the activity of proteases and the concentration of orosomucoid, haptoglobin and alpha 1-antitrypsin increases significantly in relation to the control group. The estimation of the proteolytic balance may be useful in the diagnosis of lung cancer and in the monitoring of the therapy applied.