Ganglioside complex antibodies in an Indian cohort of Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Background: Antibodies against ganglioside complexes (GSCs) are associated with various clinical features and subtypes of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).

Methods: One-hundred patients were evaluated for antibodies to GSCs formed by combination of GM1, GM2, GD1a, GD1b, GT1b, and GQ1b using manual enzyme linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA).

Results: Twenty-six patients were GSC antibody-positive, most frequent being against GM1-containing GSC (76.

Th17 pathway signatures in a large Indian cohort of Guillain Barré syndrome.

The etiopathogenesis of Guillain Barré Syndrome (GBS) is inadequately understood. The role of immuno-inflammatory Th17 pathway was examined in GBS patients by genetic, gene expression and biochemical studies. Genotyping of G197A single nucleotide polymorphism within IL17 gene was carried out by PCR-RFLP method in 220 GBS patients.

Comprehensive cytokine profiling provides evidence for a multi-lineage Th responses in Guillain Barré Syndrome.

Guillain Barré Syndrome (GBS) is one of the commonest acquired immune-mediated neuropathies, often preceded by infections. Although cellular immune responses are shown to substantially account for the pathophysiology of GBS, the precise mechanistic basis of risk and disease course remains enigmatic till date. Cytokines are best known for their abilities to drive cellular immunity and inflammation through their co-ordinated actions.

Hydroxyethyl starch and kidney function: A retrospective study in patients undergoing therapeutic plasma exchange.

Purpose: Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) and albumin are used as replacement fluids during therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). HES solutions are no longer recommended in critically ill patients due to its effect on kidneys and coagulation. In this retrospective study, we tried to look at the association between cumulative HES administration and kidney function in patients undergoing TPE.

Role of low plasma volume treatment on clinical efficacy of plasmapheresis in neuromyelitis optica.

Background: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease preferentially targeting the optic nerves and spinal cord. Plasmapheresis (PP) is an effective adjunct therapy in severe NMO attacks. The recommended minimum plasma volume to be treated per session of PP is equivalent to total plasma volume (TPV) of the patient.

Complications related to blood donation: A multicenter study of the prevalence and influencing factors in voluntary blood donation camps in Karnataka, India.

Introduction: Complications associated with blood donation significantly lower odds of subsequent donations. The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of complications related to blood donation, identify the influencing factors, and come up with suggestions for minimizing discomfort to donors and making outdoor voluntary blood donation camps safer.

Materials And Methods: This study covered 181 blood donation camps organized by Sankalp India Foundation where 16 blood banks participated from 01-04-2011 to 01-08-2014 in Karnataka.

A study of the noncompliance of blood banks on safety and quality parameters in blood donation camps in Bengaluru.

Aims: The compliance of safety and quality parameters laid out by national and international guidelines in outdoor blood donation camps has not been studied in India. Our study aimed at identifying, monitoring, analyzing, and developing preventive strategies for several key parameters associated with the quality and safety of outdoor voluntary blood donation camps (VBDC).

Settings: The study covered a total of 424 VBDCs at various locations in Bengaluru, Karnataka (South India) from 2009 to 2013.