Mean Serum Immunoglobulin Research Articles

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Nipocalimab, a Neonatal Fc Receptor Blocker, in Healthy Japanese Volunteers.

Nipocalimab is a high-affinity, fully human, effectorless immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody targeting the neonatal Fc receptor and is currently under evaluation for the treatment of rare and prevalent immunoglobulin G autoantibody-mediated and alloantibody-mediated diseases. This phase I, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-dose escalation study in healthy Japanese volunteers (N = 24) assessed the safety, pharmacokinetics, and effect on the serum immunoglobulin G level of single doses of nipocalimab. Volunteers were grouped into three cohorts and received intravenous nipocalimab at 10, 30, or 60 mg/kg or placebo. To complement the study, genetic variation in the Fcγ receptor and transporter subunit of the neonatal Fc receptor was analyzed in Japanese and diverse populations. Nipocalimab was generally safe and well tolerated at all dose levels, with three (12.5% [3/24]) volunteers experiencing treatment-emergent adverse events across all nipocalimab doses. Mean serum immunoglobulin G levels decreased in a dose-dependent manner from baseline with nipocalimab treatment compared with placebo. Maximum serum nipocalimab concentrations demonstrated proportional increases with dose, while the area under theconcentration-time curve was dose dependent and demonstrated non-linear increases with dose. Mean observed half-life was longer as the dose increased. Analysis of genetic variation in Fcγ receptor and transporter identified no unique Japanese variants or variants that alter amino acid sequences in or near the neonatal Fc receptor immunoglobulin G binding site targeted by nipocalimab. The comparable pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profiles and highly conserved neonatal Fc receptor structure among diverse populations further support the clinical development of nipocalimab for the treatment of various immunoglobulin G autoantibody-mediated and alloantibody-mediated diseases across global sites and populations, including the Japanese population.

Evaluation of the Clinicoradiological Profile in Cases of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis: An Original Research.

A complicated hypersensitive reaction to inhaled fungal antigens results in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), an immunologic pulmonary disease. ABPA complicates nearly 2% of instances of persistent asthma as well as nearly 10% of chronic cases of steroid-dependent asthma, and it occurs most frequently in immunocompetent patients. The purpose of the current research was to analyze the radiological and clinical features of the participants as well as the serological association of ABPA. From April 2020 to April 2021, a retrospective investigation was conducted. The study included patients based on the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology's criteria for ABPA confirmation. Analysis was done on the demographic information and pathological and radiological test results of the patients. The patients' pre-bronchodilator and post-bronchodilator spirometry was compared, and asthmatic control was estimated. A total of 50 patients were investigated at in this study. Demographic findings indicated young subjects and aa female predominance. Cough was the most prevalent symptom in 84% of patients. Asthma of the bronchi was a risk factor for all of the patients. The mean serum immunoglobulin E level and the mean absolute eosinophil count were 533 cells/L and 2269 UI/mL, respectively. Spirometry results from the study's participants indicated an obstructive pattern in about 80% of cases. The most typical radiological abnormality observed was bronchiectasis, followed by parenchymal opacities. In conclusion, when treating asthma that is challenging to control, the diagnosis of ABPA must be taken into account. Delay in diagnosis might result in declining lung function, worsening asthma control, possibly irreversible alterations, greater treatment costs, and declined quality of life.

Serum immunoglobulin levels in children with acute bacterialmeningitis

To assess serum level of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM) in children with acute bacterial meningitis before therapy and at the end of intensive antibiotic therapy and in COMparison 1 heallity age aiid scx mittchicd vonirsls. Out of 37 vases adinived ta Thi-Als Atheer pediatric hospital (Mosul city) between January 2005 and July 2007, 29 cases proved to be a case of Haemophilus influenzae meningitis. Two died during the follow up period and 27 completed the study. Also included 30 apparently healthy age and sex matched subjects taken as control group. Initially from both group (patients and control) Sml venous blood samples were taken and assay of serum immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA, IgM) were done by single radial immunodiffusion method using commercial kits. After two weeks of intensive antibiotic therapy another blood samples were taken from the patients and assay of serum immunoglobulin levels were done using the same method and the same commercial kits. Initially before therapy there was a significant reduction in all immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgA, IgM) in children with acute bacterial meningitis in comparison to controls. After 2 weeks of intensive antibiotic therapy, there was no significant difference in the mean serum immunoglobulin levels between the patients and controls. Acute bacterial meningitis as a disease and the intensive antibiotic therapy do affect the humoral immune response as reflected by the serum immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgA, IgM).

Comparison of the modified ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) with Incision thread drawing method on serum IgA and IL-10 levels in high simple anal fistula.

To compare the effect of different techniques on serum immunoglobulin A and interleukin-10 in patients with high simple anal fistula. .The cross-sectional study was conducted at Dongyang People's Hospital, Weishan, China, from January 2019 to April 2021, and comprised patients with high simple anal fistula who were randomly and equally divided into Group A getting treatment with modified ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract, and Group B getting treatment with incision-thread-drawing method. Serum immunoglobulin A and interleukin-10 as well as the Wexner score were compared between the groups. Data was analysed using SPSS 25. Of the 140 patients, there were 70(50%) in each of the two groups. There were 125(89.2%) male subjects overall. The mean age in Group A was 38.91±8.91 years, while in Group B it was 38.20±8.51. Mean hospital stay in Group A was shorter than that in Group B (p<0.001). Mean serum immunoglobulin A and interleukin-10 values were not significantly different at baseline, but on day 7 post-surgery, the difference was significant between the groups (p<0.05). Likewise, Wexner score was significantly different at 3 months post-surgery (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the groups (p=0.730). The modified ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract method was found to be a better option in the management of patients with high simple anal fistula.

Allergic Polysensitization Clusters: Newly Recognized Severity Marker in Urban Asthmatic Adults

Introduction: While reliable, quantitative in vitro testing for sensitivity to aeroallergens has been available for decades, such information has largely been ignored in clustering analyses of asthma. Our aim is to explore allergic polysensitization as a possible marker of asthma severity and, as such, to be considered as an integral marker in future asthma clustering analyses. Methods: We constructed a database of sensitizations to the 25 aeroallergens in our geographic area (zone 1, Northeastern US) using the ImmunoCAP® in vitro assay. We used the Scikit-Learn® machine learning library for model-based clustering to identify allergic polysensitization clusters. Clusters were compared for differences in common office-based clinical markers of asthma. Results: The database consisted of 509 patients. Unbiased machine learning identified ten clusters of increasing allergic polysensitization of varying sizes (n = 1–339) characterized by significant increases in mean serum immunoglobulin E (p < 0.001), peripheral blood eosinophil count (p < 0.001), and D_LCO (p = 0.02). There was a significant decline in mean age at presentation (p < 0.001), FEV₁/FVC (p = 0.01), and FEF_25-75 (p = 0.002) with increasing allergic polysensitization. Finally, we identified two divergent paths for the poly-atopic march, one driven by perennial and the other by seasonal allergens. Conclusion: This pilot study showed that allergic polysensitization, using readily available qualitative and quantitative in vitro sensitization data, largely ignored in cluster analyses to date, may add further clinical precision in cluster analyses of asthma. We suggest the methods used here can be applied and tested using larger databases and aeroallergens present in diverse geographic regions.

Rituximab-Induced Hypogammaglobulinemia and Risk of Infection in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders: A 14-Year Real-Life Experience.

Background and ObjectivesTo investigate the frequency and predictors of hypogammaglobulinemia during long-term rituximab (RTX) treatment in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and its association with infections.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the data of patients with NMOSD who received RTX through the maintenance regimen based on memory B-cell detection for at least 1 year from 2006 to 2021 at an institutional referral center for NMOSD.ResultsA total of 169 patients received a median of 10 courses (range 1–27) of RTX reinfusion after induction over a median of 8 (range, 1–15) years. Their mean serum immunoglobulin (Ig)G level began to decline significantly after 2 years of treatment, steadily declined at a rate of 2%–8% per year for the following 8 years, and then plateaued after 10 years. The proportion of patients with hypo-IgG (<6 g/L) increased from 1.2% after 1 year of treatment to 41% after 14 years of treatment. While being treated with RTX, 58 (34%) patients had 114 infections, of whom 14 (8%) patients had 15 severe infections. Multivariable logistic regression analyses identified duration of RTX treatment in years (odds ratio [OR] 1.234, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.015–1.502), mean annual RTX dose (OR 0.063, 95% CI 0.009–0.434), history of mitoxantrone (OR 3.318, 95% CI 1.109–9.93), hypo-IgG at baseline (OR 40.552, 95% CI 3.024–543.786), and body mass index >25 kg/m2 (OR 4.798, 95% CI 1.468–15.678) as independent predictors of hypo-IgG. The risk of infection during RTX treatment was independently associated with high Expanded Disability Status Scale scores (OR 1.427, 95% CI 1.2–1.697) and relapses during RTX treatment (OR 1.665, 95% CI 1.112–2.492), but not with hypogammaglobulinemia.DiscussionOver 14 years of long-term RTX treatment, IgG levels gradually decreased, and the frequency of hypo-IgG increased to 41% of the patients. Patients with prolonged memory B-cell depletion after RTX, previous mitoxantrone history, hypo-IgG at baseline, or obesity were at risk of developing RTX-induced hypogammaglobulinemia. Nevertheless, infection rates remained low during treatment, and reduced immunoglobulin levels were not associated with an increased incidence of infections.

Safety experience with continued exposure to ofatumumab in patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis for up to 3.5 years

Background: Ofatumumab is approved for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). Ongoing safety reporting is crucial to understand its long-term benefit–risk profile. Objective: Report the safety and tolerability of ofatumumab in RMS after extended treatment up to 3.5 years. Methods: Patients completing ASCLEPIOS I/II (phase 3), APLIOS, or APOLITOS (phase 2) trials could enter ALITHIOS, a phase 3b, open-label, long-term safety study. We analyzed cumulative data of continuous ofatumumab treatment and of patients newly switched from teriflunomide. Results: The safety population had 1969 patients: 1292 continuously treated with ofatumumab (median time-at-risk 35.5 months, 3253 patient-years) and 677 newly switched (median time-at-risk 18.3 months, 986 patient-years). A total of 1650 patients (83.8%) had ⩾1 adverse events and 191 (9.7%) had ⩾1 serious adverse events. No opportunistic infections or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy events were identified; the risk of malignancies was low. Mean serum immunoglobulin (Ig) G levels remained stable. Mean IgM levels decreased but remained above the lower limit of normal in most. Serious infection incidence was low; decreased Ig levels were not associated with serious infections. Conclusion: In patients with up to 3.5 years’ exposure, ofatumumab was well tolerated, with no new safety risks identified. These findings, with its established effectiveness, support a favorable benefit–risk profile of ofatumumab in RMS.

Performance of Hanwoo calves fed a commercial colostrum replacer versus natural bovine colostrum.

Supplying a sufficient amount of high-quality colostrum is a prevailing challenge in Hanwoo calf production systems. This study aimed to describe the efficiency of a lacteal-derived colostrum replacer versus natural bovine colostrum (from Holstein) fed to Hanwoo calves. Forty newborn Hanwoo calves (25 males and 15 females; 30.7 ± 3.15 kg body weight [mean ± standard deviation]) were blocked by sex and birth weight and fed either natural colostrum or a commercial colostrum replacer. Calves displayed a narrow difference in the evolution of body weight and structural body dimensions when they received a commercial versus natural colostrum. Minor differences existed in the starter and total dry matter consumption between calves fed natural or commercial colostrum. Although the colostrum source had no significant effects on days to first diarrhea (average of 7.6 days; p = 0.17), the duration of diarrhea was longer in natural colostrum-fed calves (3.2 vs. 4.5 days; p = 0.04). Consumption of natural colostrum resulted in greater mean serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) on day 2 (14.7 vs. 10.8 ± 0.92 mg/mL) and day 7 (8.21 vs. 5.12 ± 0.82 mg/mL) of calf life, resulting in a greater proportion of commercial colostrum-fed calves (50% vs. 15%; day 2) to experience failure of passive transfer of immunity (serum IgG < cutoff point of 10 mg/mL). Overall, growth rate, body frame development, and incidence of diarrheal disease were not different in both groups. These results suggested that the colostrum replacer product tested in this study could be an alternative to natural colostrum derived from Holstein cow in securing calf growth and health in Hanwoo calf-rearing operations.

Clinicopathological, epidemiological, and immunological relationship between allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma

INTRODUCTION: Allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma are thought to be sequela of the same allergic airway disease. The relationship between both diseases has been confirmed by various clinicopathological epidemiological and immunological studies. In this study, we tried to establish a different relationship between both diseases and strengthen the concept of “One-airway one disease.” MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 patients visiting ear, nose, and throat and respiratory medicine outpatient department were taken. They were divided into two groups of fifty each and were studied for various mediators of inflammation. Group 1 consisted of patients of allergic rhinitis and Group 2 consisted of patients of bronchial asthma. RESULTS: Most of the patients in Group 1 were in the age group of 21–30 years (40%) and in Group 2, in the age group of 11–20 years (38%) with a mean age 28.4 ± 1.3 years. The most common symptoms in Group 1 patients were sneezing (90%) and rhinorrhea (68%) and in Group 2 wheezing (86%), followed by shortness of breath (66%). The most common sign in Group 1 was B/L inferior turbinate hypertrophy (70%), while in Group 2, it was rhonchi (76%). Mean absolute eosinophil count was 575.35 in Group 1 and was 446.61 in Group 2. Nasal smear for eosinophil was positive for 86% of patients in Group 1 and bronchial lavage showed eosinophilia in 64% of Group 2 patients. Mean total serum immunoglobulin E was 777.23 IU/ml in Group 1 and 662.08 IU/ml in Group 2. The incidence of bronchial asthma in patients of allergic rhinitis was 36%, while the incidence of allergic rhinitis in patients in bronchial asthma was 74%. CONCLUSION: Thus, in our study, we found that both the diseases were closely linked clinicopathologically epidemiologically as well as immunologically pointing toward the concept one-airway one disease.

Serum BAFF and APRIL Levels, T-Lymphocyte Subsets, and Immunoglobulins after B-Cell Depletion Using the Monoclonal Anti-CD20 Antibody Rituximab in Myalgic Encephalopathy/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Myalgic Encephalopathy/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a disease of unknown etiology. We have previously suggested clinical benefit from B-cell depletion using the monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody rituximab in a randomized and placebo-controlled study. Prolonged responses were then demonstrated in an open-label phase-II study with maintenance rituximab treatment. Using blood samples from patients in the previous two clinical trials, we investigated quantitative changes in T-lymphocyte subsets, in immunoglobulins, and in serum levels of two B-cell regulating cytokines during follow-up. B-lymphocyte activating factor of the tumor necrosis family (BAFF) in baseline serum samples was elevated in 70 ME/CFS patients as compared to 56 healthy controls (p = 0.011). There were no significant differences in baseline serum BAFF levels between patients with mild, moderate, or severe ME/CFS, or between responders and non-responders to rituximab. A proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) serum levels were not significantly different in ME/CFS patients compared to healthy controls at baseline, and no changes in serum levels were seen during follow-up. Immunophenotyping of peripheral blood T-lymphocyte subsets and T-cell activation markers at multiple time points during follow-up showed no significant differences over time, between rituximab and placebo groups, or between responders and non-responders to rituximab. Baseline serum IgG levels were significantly lower in patients with subsequent response after rituximab therapy compared to non-responders (p = 0.03). In the maintenance study, slight but significant reductions in mean serum immunoglobulin levels were observed at 24 months compared to baseline; IgG 10.6–9.5 g/L, IgA 1.8–1.5 g/L, and IgM 0.97–0.70 g/L. Although no functional assays were performed, the lack of significant associations of T- and NK-cell subset numbers with B-cell depletion, as well as the lack of associations to clinical responses, suggest that B-cell regulatory effects on T-cell or NK-cell subsets are not the main mechanisms for the observed improvements in ME/CFS symptoms observed in the two previous trials. The modest increase in serum BAFF levels at baseline may indicate an activated B-lymphocyte system in a subgroup of ME/CFS patients.

Investigation of hematological and biochemical profiles of anestrous zebu cows

Blood samples from cows with anestrous were collected for hematological, biochemical and humoral immune status analysis. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was higher and hemoglobin (Hb %) percentage was lower in anestrous group of cows than that of normal cycling control group of cows. The packed cell volume (PCV %) was lower in anestrous group of cows compared with the control group of cows. Total erythrocyte count was not significantly different between two groups of cows. The total leukocyte count was significantly higher in anestrous group of cows than that of control counterpart. The bilirubin concentration was significantly higher in anestrous group of cows compared with the control group of cows. The mean serum immunoglobulin (IgG) was lower in anestrous group of cows than that of control group of cows. It is suggested that there is no specific hematological and biochemical marker for anestrous in zebu cows.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v11i1.13023Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2013). 11 (1): 57-60

Immunological Characteristics of Hyperreactive Malarial Splenomegaly Syndrome in Sudanese Patients

Hyperreactive Malarial Splenomegaly (HMS) is defined as a massive enlargement of the spleen resulting from abnormal immune responses after repeated exposure to the malaria parasites. This study was carried out in Khartoum, Sudan. Sudan is considered to be one of the countries where HMS is quite prevalent. The objective of the study was to determine the incidence of HMS in patients who reported to the Omdurman Tropical Diseases Hospital (OMTDH) in Sudan and to investigate the basic laboratory and immunological characteristics of this condition in these patients. A cross-sectional study was carried out in OMTDH, and all patients with enlarged spleens were included in the study. Thirty-one out of 335 (9.3%) patients were diagnosed as having the HMS condition using international criteria for HMS diagnosis. The mean serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels in HMS patient groups were 14.3 ± 5 g/L, and this was significantly higher compared with geographically matched controls (P < 0.001). Immunoglobulin G (IgG) C anticircumsporozoite (CSP) antibody levels were higher in the HMS patients although the difference was not statistically significant, when compared with a group of patients with mild malaria. In comparison with naïve European controls, both the HMS and the mild malaria groups had significantly higher antimalarial antibody levels P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively. Plasma levels of interleukin 10 (IL10) and interferon gamma (IFNγ) were significantly increased in the HMS patients compared with the healthy control donors (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01) for IL10 and IFNγ, respectively. The findings of this study suggest that HMS is one of the significant causes of tropical splenomegaly in Sudan. HMS is associated with significant elevations of circulating IgM and antimalarial IgG antibodies as well as IL10 and IFNγ.

Sarcoidosis does not belong to or overlap with immunoglobulin G4–related diseases based on an assessment of serum immunoglobulin G4 levels in cardiac and noncardiac sarcoidosis

Although sarcoidosis may exhibit histopathologic features similar to those of a newly emerging clinical entity, immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing disease, sarcoidosis is currently not considered to be associated with immunoglobulin G4-related immunoinflammation. Not many studies on this association have been reported. We investigated serum immunoglobulin G4 levels among patients with sarcoidosis with or without cardiac involvement (cardiac sarcoidosis and non-cardiac sarcoidosis patients). The mean serum immunoglobulin G4 level among the 65 patients with sarcoidosis was 56.8 ± 43.0 mg/dL, which did not significantly differ between patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (54 ± 48 mg/dL, n = 12) and patients without cardiac sarcoidosis (58 ± 42 mg/dL; n = 53). Serum level of soluble interleukin 2 receptor, a potent marker that may reflect sarcoidosis activity, was elevated in cardiac sarcoidosis (910 ± 683 U/L) and noncardiac sarcoidosis (689 ± 399 U/L) but did not significantly differ between the groups. Immunohistochemistry of cardiac or lymph node specimens from patients with cardiac sarcoidosis showed only sparse or no infiltration of immunoglobulin G4-positive lymphocytes, in contrast to the moderate to severe infiltration of CD68-positive macrophages and CD45-positive lymphocytes. Although the number of study subjects was small, these findings collectively suggest that regardless of the presence or absence of cardiac involvement, sarcoidosis does not belong to or overlap with immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing disease.

Home-based subcutaneous immunoglobulin G replacement therapy under real-life conditions in children and adults with antibody deficiency

BackgroundSubcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) therapy is an alternative to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy.MethodsWe evaluated the efficacy and safety of the SCIG Vivaglobin® (formerly known as Beriglobin® SC) under real-life conditions in a post-marketing observational study in 82 patients with primary or secondary antibody deficiencies. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was evaluated in a subset of 30 patients previously treated with IVIG (including 11 children < 14 years) using the Short Form 36 (SF-36) for patients ≥ 14 years of age (adults) and the Child Health Questionnaire - Parental Form 50 (CHQ-PF50) for children < 14 years of age. Treatment preferences were assessed in adults.ResultsThe mean serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) trough level during SCIG treatment (7.5 g/L) was higher than during previous IVIG treatment (6.6 g/L; p < 0.01). The investigators assessed the efficacy of SCIG therapy as "excellent" in 89% of patients. No systemic adverse drug reactions were observed. Improvements by ≥ 5 points were observed in 5 of 8 SF36 subscales and in 6 of 12 CHQ-PF50 subscales. Statistically significant improvements (p ≤ 0.05) were observed for the SF-36 subscales of bodily pain, general health perceptions, and vitality (adults), and for the CHQ-PF50 subscales of general health perceptions, parental impact - time, parental impact - emotional, and family activities (children). Patients preferred SCIG over IVIG therapy (92%) and home therapy over therapy at the clinic/physician (83%).ConclusionThis study confirms that therapy with Vivaglobin® at home is effective, safe, well tolerated, and improves quality of life in patients with antibody deficiency.

The Potential Impact of Substitutive Therapy With Intravenous Immunoglobulin on the Outcome of Heart Transplant Recipients With Infections

Hypogammaglobulinemia has been proposed to be a risk factor for infection after heart transplantation (OHT). Infection is a leading cause of morbility and mortality among these patients. In a retrospective study we analyzed the impact of substitutive therapy with nonspecific intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) on the outcomes of heart transplant patients with infections. We analyzed the outcome of 123 consecutive heart transplant recipients in our center from June 1996 to November 2005. Their mean age was 53 years (range = 22 to 69 years), and the mean follow-up = 51 months, (range = 1 to 124 months). Twenty-nine patients with hypogammaglobulinemia (mean serum immunoglobulin G levels = 480 mg/dL) experienced severe infections due to cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease, n = 4; CMV disease + another infection, n = 6; CMV infection, n = 4; CMV infection + other infection, n = 3; pulmonary nocardiosis, n = 2; recurrent pneumonia, n = 2; clostridium-difficile-associated diarrhea, n = 2; pulmonary tuberculosis, n = 1; bacterial infections, n = 5. They were treated with IVIG (400 mg/kg every 21 days) with the goal to reach normal serum immunoglobulin G levels (>700 mg/dL). Overall ( n = 123), a logistic regression analysis showed IVIG therapy to be associated with a decreased risk of death [odds ratio (OR) = 0.204, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.04 to 0.92, P = .03]. Among patients who developed infections during follow-up ( n = 70), IVIG therapy was also associated with a lower risk of death (OR = 0.104, CI = 0.02 to 0.50, P = .0047). When we stratified patients with CMV disease ( n = 24) according to the presence ( n = 10) or absence ( n = 14) of IVIG therapy, the mortality rate of IVIG-treated patients was 20% versus 71% for non-IVIG treated patients [OR = 0.06, CI = 0.0060 to 0.63, P = .01]. The use of nonspecific IVIG in OHT with hypogammaglobulinemia and infections might reduce the risk of death. Randomized studies in a larger cohort of patients are necessary to confirm these results.

The use of bovine colostrum as a source of immunoglobulin (Ig) for lambs&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Utilisation du colostrum bovin comme source d'immunoglobuline (Ig) pour les agneaux

A study on the use of bovine colostrum as an alternative source of immunoglobulin for lambs was carried out at the University of Ghana's Agricultural Research Centre (Legon). The study involved a total of fifty-six lambs. Thirty-three of them were bottle-fed with frozenthawed bovine colostrum while the rest (twenty-three) were allowed to suckle their dams and served as the control. The mean serum immunoglobulin (Ig) concentrations of both groups of lambs were determined at 6hr intervals during the first 48 hrs of life, using a pocket refractometer. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in Ig levels between the bovine colostrum-fed lambs (21.01 zst units) and the normally suckled lambs (18.26 zst units). The peak serum Ig level for the bovine colostrum-fed lambs occurred at 12hrs postpartum as against 24hrs for the normally suckled lambs. The growth patterns for both groups of lambs were similar. It was concluded that bovine colostrum could be used as an effective alternative source of Ig for lambs. Bulletin of Animal Health and Production in Africa Vol. 54(2) 2006: 118-123

Serum biochemical evaluation of patients with functional pouches ten to 20 years after restorative proctocolectomy

Restorative proctocolectomy with an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is a surgical treatment of choice for ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Pouchitis is a significant enigmatic morbidity. In the long-term, these patients, we anticipated, would experience biochemical profiling alterations after years of retaining functionally acceptable pouches. This pilot study was aimed at assessing results of essential biochemical variables more than 10 years after surgery. The investigation was carried out in 91 patients; 39 were women. Eight-eight had ulcerative colitis, while three had FAPs. The hand-sewn ileal reservoirs after mucoso-proctocolectomy were 66 S and 25 J. The analyses were compared short-term vs long-term. Patients were investigated and were their own control. Long-term, incidence of acute and chronic pouchitis was 2 and 13%. Eleven and 4% of patients had hypomagnesaemia and hypocalcaemia. Mean levels were significantly enhanced (p<0.01 and p<0.0002). Hypomagnesaemia corresponded to episodes of pouchitis and was corrected with oral magnesium and antibiotics. Hypoferric anaemia was diagnosed in 7% and treated with oral iron tablets. Chronic pouchitis and recurrent pouch mucosa bleeding were the cause. Hypohemoglobinemia and hypocyanocobalaminemia were noted in 5% and 5%, respectively. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and white blood cells were supra-normal in 13 and 10%, which corresponded with pouchitis. A significant (p<0.03) steady rise of mean serum immunoglobulin G without correlation to pouchitis was noted. Long-term functional results did not deteriorate. Pouchitis was a significant enigmatic morbidity. Severe or chronic pouchitis complicated hypoferric and vitamin B(12) anemia and hypomagnesaemia.

Monoclonal Gammopathy among Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Infection

Objective: To determine the prevalence of monoclonal gammopathies in Kuwait and its association with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Methodology: Serum protein electrophoresis and measurement of immunoglobulin levels were carried out prospectively in 100 consecutive patients with chronic HCV infection. Results: Among the 100 patients tested (82 males, 18 females; median age 45 years), 59 had polyclonal band in serum protein electrophoresis while the other 41 had a normal pattern. None of the patients had monoclonal gammopathy. The mean serum immunoglobulin levels were: IgG 18.4 g/l (range 4–39), IgA 2.9 g/l (range 0.09–8) and IgM 1.6 g/l (range 0.14–6.08). Conclusion: There was no evidence of monoclonal gammopathies in patients with chronic HCV infection in Kuwait.

Idiopathic Hypereosinophilic Syndrome in 3 Rottweilers

Three Rottweilers with marked peripheral eosinophilia and infiltration of the liver, spleen, lungs, and bone marrow with eosinophils were diagnosed with idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (IHES). Mean serum immunoglobulin E concentrations were markedly high. On cytogenetic analysis, no evidence of karyotypic abnormalities was found in bone marrow aspirates. Despite an extensive search, no underlying cause for the eosinophilia could be identified. In this study, cytogenetic analysis and measurement of serum IgE concentrations were used to differentiate IHES and eosinophilic leukemia.

Eosinophilic Bronchopneumopathy in Dogs

Eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy was diagnosed in 23 young dogs. Clinical signs included cough, gagging, and retching in all dogs, dyspnea in 21 dogs (91%), and nasal discharge in 12 dogs (52%). The most common radiographic findings were a moderate to severe bronchointerstitial pattern (68%, 13 of 19 dogs). Bronchoscopic findings included the presence of abundant yellow‐green mucus or mucopurulent material (70%, 16 of 23 dogs) and severe mucosal thickening with an irregular or polypoid appearance (52%, 12 of 23 dogs), with partial airway closure during expiration in 3 dogs (13%). Peripheral blood eosinophilia was noted in 14 of 23 dogs (61%). Inflammatory cells in brush or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytologic preparations comprised more than 50% eosinophils in 14 of 23 dogs (61%), and 20–50% eosinophils in 6 dogs (26%). Eosinophilic infiltration of the bronchial mucosa was observed in biopsies from 19 dogs and was graded as mild (37%, 7 dogs), moderate (32%, 6 dogs), or severe (32%, 6 dogs). The mean serum immunoglobulin A concentration was almost double that of a population of 20 healthy dogs of various breeds. Oral glucocorticoids were administered on alternate days with progressive tapering of the dose; the dosage at maintenance varied between 0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg every other day. No relationship was found between the duration of clinical signs and the maintenance dosage or the cytologic and histopathologic grades.