Procalcitonin, and cytokines document a dynamic inflammatory state in non-infected cirrhotic patients with ascites.

Aim: To quantitate the simultaneous serum and ascitic fluid levels of procalcitonin and inflammatory markers in cirrhotics with and without ascites.

Methods: A total of 88 consecutive severe cirrhotic patients seen in a large city hospital liver clinic were studied and divided into two groups, those with and without ascites. Group 1 consisted of 41 cirrhotic patients with massive ascites, as demonstrated by necessity for therapeutic large-volume paracentesis.

Disease dependent qualitative and quantitative differences in the inflammatory response to ascites occurring in cirrhotics.

Aim: To assess differing patterns and levels of ascitic fluid cyctokine and growth factors exist between those with a high risk and low risk of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP).

Methods: A total of 57 consecutive patients with ascites requiring a large volume paracentesis were studied. Their age, gender, specific underlying disease conditions were recorded after a review of their clinical records.

Measles-rubella mass immunization campaign in Albania, November 2000.

In 2000, Albania resolved to eliminate measles by 2007 by use of a four-step program: by conducting a "catch-up" vaccination campaign for all children aged 1-14 years, achieving and sustaining high coverage (>/=95%) among children aged 1 year with the first dose of a measles-containing vaccine, by introducing a routine second dose of measles-containing vaccine for children at age 5 years, and by improving measles surveillance. This catch-up campaign took place in November 2000: 867,000 doses of measles-rubella vaccine were administered for an estimated coverage of 99%. In all, 231 campaign-related adverse events were reported: syncope, 206; allergic reactions, 10; fever, 8; encephalitis/encephalopathy, 2; and aseptic meningitis, seizures, Guillain-Barré syndrome, anaphylaxis, and arthralgia, 1 each.

Progress toward measles elimination in Romania after a mass vaccination campaign and implementation of enhanced measles surveillance.

In response to an outbreak of >33,000 measles cases in 1996-1998 and to prevent an outbreak predicted for 2002, Romania conducted a nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign in October 1998. Some 2.1 million children aged 7-18 years were vaccinated.