Computer-assisted analysis helps detect inner dynein arm abnormalities.

The diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia is based on demonstration of ciliary defects, mainly concerning dynein arms. Whereas the absence of outer dynein arms can be easily distinguished, the absence of inner dynein arms is difficult to confirm because of their low contrast on electron microscopy. Ciliary ultrastructure was studied in 40 patients suffering from respiratory tract infections.

Abnormal central complex is a marker of severity in the presence of partial ciliary defect.

Background: Ciliary ultrastructural defects with total lack of dynein arms (DA) cause abnormal mucociliary function leading to the chronic infections observed in primary ciliary dyskinesia. The role of partial ciliary ultrastructural defects, especially those involving the central complex, and their relationship with respiratory symptoms have been less thoroughly investigated.

Objective: In a pediatric population with partial ciliary defects, we determined the relationship(s) between ultrastructural findings, ciliary motility, and clinical and functional features, and evaluated the outcome of this population.

Effect of increased pressure on tracheal ciliary beat frequency.

Effects of increased ambient pressure on mucociliary clearance have been poorly investigated. The effects of increasing pressures on ciliary beat frequency (CBF) of guinea-pig tracheal rings were studied in vitro. Increased pressures of 25 and 100 kPa induced a significant and equivalent enhancement of CBF from 30 min after the pressure increase.

Incidence of primary ciliary dyskinesia in children with recurrent respiratory diseases.

The goal of the study was to evaluate the incidence of primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) in children suffering from recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRIs) by means of noninvasive method. Respiratory ciliated cells were collected by nasal brushing in 118 children (4.6 +/- 2.

Acquired ciliary abnormalities of nasal mucosa in marrow recipients.

Respiratory symptoms are frequent after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Most studies focus on lesions of the lower respiratory tract. However, sinusitis is also common in this setting, especially after allogeneic BMT.