Correlation between cord blood, perinatal BNP values and echocardiographic parameters in healthy Italian newborns.

We evaluated the correlation between brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in umbilical cord blood after normal pregnancy, in blood samples of twenty-nine Italian healthy newborns and paired echocardiographic parameters. Plasma BNP was evaluated in UCB (T0) and in blood on day 3 (T1), 30 (T2) of life. Echocardiographic parameters were recorded at T1 and T2.

Matrix metalloproteinase 2 may be a marker of microangiopathy in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9 are responsible for extracellular matrix breakdown and their abnormal circulating levels may pre-date clinical evidence of diabetic angiopathy. We detected by ELISA, plasma MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels and associated activity in 25 children and adolescents with T1DM. Thirteen male and 12 female patients were evaluated at the clinical diagnosis and onset of T1DM and again at a 5-year follow-up.

Human amniotic fluid cells are able to produce IL-6 and IL-8.

Problem: In order to investigate the role of amniotic fluid cells (AFC) in the establishment of feto-maternal immune relationship, we evaluated their phenotype and capacity to produce cytokines.

Methods Of Study: CK 7-8, human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-I, HLA-DR, HLA-G, CD1d, CD34, CD45, CD14 surface antigens expression and the intracellular production of IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-1 were studied in cultured AFC and in eight samples immediately after amniocentesis using flow cytometry. IL-6 and IL-8 were detected by ELISA in all amniotic fluids and in all culture supernatants.

Age-related changes in intracellular TH1/TH2 cytokine production, immunoproliferative T lymphocyte response and natural killer cell activity in newborns, children and adults.

To evaluate the development of the neonatal immune system, we measured T lymphocyte response to Con A, intracellular IL-2, IL-4, IFN-gamma and IL-10 production, and natural killer cell (NKC) activity in 12 very preterm, 12 preterm and 20 term neonates, 10 children and 10 adults. Immunoproliferation to Con A was significantly lower in cord blood than in children or adults. The percentage of CD4+ lymphocytes was significantly higher in newborns while CD8+ cells were higher at older ages, with a resulting gradual decline of the CD4+/CD8+ ratio.

Telemedicine in the management of young patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a follow-up study.

DCCT (Diabetes Control and Complications Trial) study showed that tight metabolic control of diabetes mellitus can delay the onset and/or reduce the frequency of vascular complications. Telemedicine, i.e.

Immunogenicity of a three-component acellular pertussis vaccine administered at birth.

Objective: To evaluate within the first 6 months of birth the immunogenicity of a 3-component acellular pertussis (aP) vaccine containing filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), pertactine (PRN), and genetically detoxified pertussis toxin (PT) in infants who received a dose of vaccine at birth, in addition to the recommended schedule administered at 3, 5, and 11 months. Furthermore, we investigated the influence of maternal antibodies on aP vaccine response.

Methods: We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to evaluate immunoglobulin G antibody levels in 45 infants immunized at birth and at 3, 5, and 11 months (group 1) and in 46 infants immunized at the ages of 3, 5, and 11 months (group 2).

No evidence of autoimmunity in 6-year-old children immunized at birth with recombinant hepatitis B vaccine.

Objectives: Taking into account that genetic predisposition, marked by human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I and II genes, augments the probability of developing an autoimmune disorder after a triggering vaccination, as largely debated, we investigated the frequency of autoantibody production after recombinant hepatitis B vaccine (rHBv) in 6-year-old children immunized at birth to evaluate an association between autoimmune disorders and hepatitis B virus vaccination.

Methods: We investigated the presence of autoantibodies in 210 6-year-old children who were immunized at birth with rHBv: 200 showed anti-hepatitis B surface antigen concentrations > or =10 mUI/mL at seroconversion (responders), and 10 were nonresponders. Data were compared with those obtained in 109 unvaccinated children.