[Changes in spontaneous blast transformation of children's lymphocytes which have been observed in vitro in the last years]. / Zmiany w spontanicznej transformacji blastycznej limfocytów dzieci obserwowane in vitro w ciagu ostatnich lat.

In the Immunology Department of the Institute of Mother and Child in Warsaw we have used lymphocyte blastic transformation test (LETT) over 30 years to study lymphocyte function. During the last 10 years we have noticed progressive elevation of lymphocyte percentage undergoing spontaneous blast transformation (autotransformation) in culture of these cells. The percentage rose from mean value of 2.5% to 14.7% in year 2000 with statistically significant difference already between 1985 and 1990 (2.5% versus 9.3%). The reason for this phenomenon is unknown and needs more investigations.

[Correlation between peak expiratory flow and selected indices of bronchial potency in children between 4 and 18 years of age]. / Korelacja miedzy szczytowym przeplywem wydechowym a wybranymi wskaznikami droznosci oskrzeli u dzieci w wieku od 4 do 18 roku zycia.

The study was conducted on 474 children diagnosed at the Lung Function Laboratory of the Children' Hospital in Lublin in the year 1992. 55% of the analyzed children were males. The children's initial diagnosis were: bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, chronic respiratory disorders, diabetes mellitus, abnormalities of the thorax. In 28 children no abnormalities were detected. PEF was measured with a Peak Flow Meter produced by Vitalograph. Children in the age group 4-6 years had PEF measured with a mini meter, reading values between 0 to 300 L/min. A standard meter was used for older children detecting values between 0 to 700 L/min. Spirometry, MEFV curves, resistance were analyzed with the abcPNEUMO 2000 spirometer (abcMED). Correlation was calculated between PEF and FEV1, MEF25, MEF50, MEF75, PEF, PIF, FEV1%FVC, Raw. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the best subpopulation of independent variants. In all children a correlation was found between PEF and the major parameters of airways potency. The weakest correlation was found in children younger than 6 years. PEF correlated best with FEV1 and MEF75.

[Bacterial and clinical evaluation of axetil cefuroxime in suspension]. / Bakteriologiczna i kliniczna ocena aksetylu cefuroksymu w zawiesinie.

For determination of cefuroxime activity, MIC was determined for 320 strains and by a diffusion-disc method susceptibility to this antibiotic of 3321 microorganisms isolated from children treated in Institute of Mother and Child was tested. Therapeutic value of axetil cefuroxime in suspension (Zinnat-Glaxo) was determined basing on specific and bacteriologically monitored treatment of 30 children (22 with respiratory tract infections and 8 with urinary tract infections). Etiological agents of these infections were: M. catarrhalis, H. parainfluenzae, S. aureus, P. rettgeri, E. coli and K. pneumoniae. MIC 50 of cefuroxime in mg/l was following: K. pneumoniae and S. pyogenes--0.12; M. catarrhalis--1; S. aureus and P. mirabilis--2; E. coli--4; K. pneumoniae--8, C. freundii--16; P. vulgaris--32, S. marcescens--128 and E. cloacae--256. Correlation was found between MIC values and percentages of susceptible strains. In 25 children full therapeutic effect was obtained. In 3 children partial recovery was noted, but they required application of an additional antibiotic. These studies demonstrated that majority of microorganisms responsible for infection of respiratory and urinary tract is susceptible to cefuroxime and that axetil cefuroxime in suspension presents as a very useful antibiotic, especially in pediatric ambulatory treatment.