Revisited physicochemical and transport properties of respiratory mucus in genotyped cystic fibrosis patients.

We investigated the physicochemical and transport properties of sputum samples collected in physiotherapy from a well-documented group of 27 cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with identified CF genotypes. Sputum samples were characterized ex vivo for their water content, surface properties (surface tension and contact angle), rheologic properties (viscosity and elastic modulus), and transport properties (mucociliary and cough transport). These data were analyzed in relation to the clinical status of the patients (FEV1, FVC, Shwachman score, Brasfield score, nutritional status), their genotype, and the degree of infection of their sputa (leukocyte and Pseudomonas aeruginosa counts).

Changes in serum lipoprotein(a) levels in children with corticosensitive nephrotic syndrome.

Variations in lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels were evaluated during the course of the nephrotic syndrome in 20 children (17 males, 3 females, aged 2-16 years), to evaluate the use of this parameter in the prognosis and monitoring of the disease. One patient was in relapse, 12 in remission, and 7 alternated between remission and relapse. Results were compared with those obtained in a control population of 100 age-matched children.

[Latex allergy in 16 children].

Background: Latex allergy is now well-known in adults and children. It represents the first cause of anaphylactic operating shock in pediatrics.

Population: A diagnosis of latex allergy was made in 16 children (five girls and 11 boys), aged 2 to 15 years, because of evoking signs and symptoms, from simple urticaria to Quincke edema in presence of latex.

[Epidemiologic study of the cystic fibrosis gene in the Champagne-Ardenne region].

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common lethal autosomal recessive disorder among Caucasians and is caused by abnormalities in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene (CFTR). CFTR gene encodes a chloride channel that regulates secretion in many exocrine tissues especially pancreatic and pulmonary tissues. The clinical presentation of cystic fibrosis is highly variable with isolated CAVD (congenital absence of vas deferens) and/or typical pancreatic and pulmonary manifestations.