Transforming growth factor-beta polymorphisms and cardiac allograft rejection.

Background: Cytokine gene polymorphisms regulate cytokine expression. We analyzed transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) allelic variation in codon 25 in susceptibility to acute rejection episodes in cardiac transplant recipients.

Methods: Between June 1997 and December 2001, 123 de novo heart transplants were performed at UAB with analysis based on 109 patients.

Medication effects on midtrimester maternal serum screening.

Objective: To determine whether medication classes are associated with alterations in concentrations of Quad screen analytes or the screen-positive rate.

Study Design: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of women with singleton gestations who received prenatal care and had a Quad screen performed in the University of Alabama at Birmingham system. Information on prescription medications was abstracted.