Effect of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccination on new-onset type 1 diabetes. A randomized clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: We undertook this study to test whether Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine preserves beta-cell function and increases the remission rate in children with new-onset type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial offered to children referred to the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes or the Baystate Medical Center with a diagnosis of new-onset type 1 diabetes. There were 94 children aged 5-18 years who received either BCG or saline intradermally within 4 months of onset of symptoms and who were then evaluated at 3-month intervals for 2 years. The primary end point was remission, defined as insulin independence for 4 weeks. Secondary end points were C-peptide levels (fasting and in response to a mixed meal challenge), insulin dose, and HbA1c. RESULTS: Of the patients, 47 were randomized to each arm; 7 in the placebo group and 9 in the BCG group did not complete 1 year of the study and are not included in the analysis. One patient from each group achieved remission. Fasting and stimulated C-peptide levels did not differ by treatment arm but declined in both groups and were lower initially and during the entire 2-year period in younger children. Insulin requirements and HbA1c levels did not differ in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination with BCG at the time of onset of type 1 diabetes does not increase the remission rate or preserve beta-cell function.

Identification and treatment of cystic fibrosis-related diabetes. A survey of current medical practice in the U.S.

OBJECTIVE: To describe physicians' attitudes and practices in screening for and treating abnormalities in glucose homeostasis in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and to test the hypotheses that guidelines for screening for CF-related diabetes (CFRD) are not followed at most centers and that screening and treatment vary by the care provider's background. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This cross-sectional survey included three groups of physicians: 1) 593 members of the Lawson Wilkins Pediatric Endocrine Society (LWPES), 2) 462 members of the pediatric assembly of the American Thoracic Society (ATS), and 3) 194 directors of cystic fibrosis centers (CFD). A mailed questionnaire was used for the survey. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 67%. Of these, 224 LWPES, 143 ATS, and 135 CFD physicians reported actively seeing CF patients. About two-thirds of CF physicians (ATS and CFD) reported routine screening for impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in asymptomatic CF patients; a random glucose is most often used (60%), followed by HbA1c (50%), urine glucose (44%), fasting glucose (21%), and oral glucose tolerance test (2%). Only 40% of LWPES physicians reported intervening for stress-induced hyperglycemia, but 61% reported use of insulin for persistent IGT. Management of CFRD was similar for all groups; most physicians used insulin (91%). LWPES recommended more intensive glucose testing and nutritional guidelines than did ATS/CFD (P < 0.0001). LWPES reported less concern about risks of diabetes complications (P < 0.0001) and the importance of minimizing burdensome interventions (P < 0.01). All groups considered weight management a top priority. CONCLUSIONS: Screening for IGT is not routinely done in CF patients and screening tests vary. Greater agreement exists on methods of treating patients with persistent IGT or CFRD, although goals and aggressiveness of treatment vary with the provider's background. A consensus conference is recommended.

First-phase insulin release in normal children.

Normal values for the first-phase insulin release during an intravenous glucose tolerance test are not yet well defined for children and adolescents. In this study, 69 normal subjects (aged 7 to 22 years) who had no family history of type I diabetes, a normal glycohemoglobin value, and a negative islet cell antibody test result underwent a standard intravenous glucose tolerance test. The mean (+/- SEM) first-phase insulin release increased with age and pubertal status: 7 to 10 years, 93 +/- 10.1 mIU/L; 11 to 15 years, 172.7 +/- 22.3 mIU/L; and 16 to 22 years, 163 +/- 28.5 mIU/L. The mean intraindividual variability in 11 subjects who underwent a second test was 23.6%. Acute stress, as estimated by observer assessment or by blood catecholamine levels, did not significantly correlate with first-phase insulin release. We conclude that first-phase insulin release is markedly lower in prepubertal children than in adolescents and young adults.

Postoperative endophthalmitis. Introduction: incidence and etiology.

Postoperative endophthalmitis (POE) can occur after any type of intraocular surgery including operations for cataract, glaucoma, penetrating keratoplasty, retinal detachment, vitrectomy, and the repair of perforating trauma. Notwithstanding a gradual reduction in the overall incidence of POE, sporadic cases and occasional multiple outbreaks continue to cause the loss of eyes. This symposium is concerned with the incidence, epidemiology, diagnosis, therapy, and prevention of POE caused by bacteria and fungi.

Prevention of postoperative endophthalmitis.

Prevention of postoperative endophthalmitis (POE) requires (1) environmental control, (2) tissue control, and (3) anticipation of eyes at special risk of infection. Environmental control entails an adequate supply of finely filtered air and absolute sterility of solutions, medications, and objects and materials used during surgery. Tissue control involves degerming the skin of the operative field, inhibition of the flora of the lid margins by an antibiotic ointment use preoperatively, and pretreatment of the conjunctival tear film by soluble antibiotics possessing activity against Proteus and Pseudomonas as well as gram-positive species. Eyes at special risk of infection include those of diabetics, chronic alcoholics, and individuals who have been maintained for long periods of time on systemic or topical corticosteroids. Patients who have had multiple eye operations, recurrent uveitis, and who are scheduled for surgery on the second eye during a single hospital admission should receive special consideration preoperatively.

Early acute aseptic iritis after cataract extraction.

Severe iritis which occurs within the first five days after cataract extraction may be categorized as (1) bacterial endophthalmitis, (2) toxic iritis, or (3) aseptic iritis. These entities can sometimes be distinguished because of their clinical features. If bacterial endophthalmitis is suspected, anterior chamber paracentesis should be considered and appropriate antibiotic treatment should be initiated. Acute iritis may result from the introduction of toxic agents into the eye, and may follow the use of products sterilized with ethylene oxide. Early acute aseptic iritis probably occurs more often than has previously been recognized. Response to intensive anti-inflammatory treatment is usually prompt and dramatic. The judicious use of cryoextraction and the careful manipulation of intraocular tissues may minimize the incidence and the severity of postoperative inflammation.

Chlamydial eye disease.

In the United States, chlamydial (TRIC) agents cause a small but important segment of infectious ocular disease. Elsewhere in the world, trachoma still represents the single greatest cause of blindness. The description of these diseases in this chapter is a brief introduction to a subject about which volumes have been and will continue to be written. Barring unforeseen developments, these agents will continue to plague humankind beyond the end of the twentieth century.