Collection strategies and cryopreservation of umbilical cord blood.

The aim of this study was to compare (a) two different umbilical cord blood (UCB) collection methods while the placenta is still in the uterus (in utero), and (b) to evaluate the efficacy of four cryopreservation protocols based on UCB haematopoiestic stem cell (HSC) recovery. We analysed UCB samples collected with our original collection system designed for active Syringe/Flush/Syringe method or by standard in utero method. For comparing different cryopreservation procedures, dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) at final concentration of 5 and 10% was used and combined with our own controlled-rate or uncontrolled-rate cryopreservation.

Therapy of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis with immunosuppressive agents.

Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis is a kidney disease leading to sudden and definitive damages of the renal parenchyma and progressive impairment of its function until the complete failure. Histological findings of the changes are characterized with dominant glomerular lesions with crescentic formations. Early and intensive immunosuppressive therapy with pulse doses of steroids (Solumedrol 1.

Shunt nephritis associated with Moraxella bovis.

Moraxella bovis was repeatedly isolated from cerebrospinal fluid in a girl with two episodes of shunt nephritis. Clinical remission of nephritis was achieved only after shunt replacement. A list of about 20 infectious agents reported to date in patients with shunt nephritis is given.

[Cyclosporine in the treatment of primary focal-segmental glomerulosclerosis].

Cyclosporin A (CyA) was administered at the Clinic of Nephrology, CCS, in treatment of 8 patients with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (NS) caused by focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSG), Cyclophosphamide (CP) treatment was attempted in 6 of these cases, but without success. Prior to the onset of CyA therapy, CP treatment was interrupted, and the dose of prednisone was reduced to 0.4 mg/kg/48 h.