Immunotherapeutic effects of allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells on systemic lupus erythematosus.

Mesenchymal stem cells have been applied to treat graft versus host disease as they have immunosuppressive ability and can overcome the major histocompatibility complex-histocompatibility barrier. The potential of allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was investigated in this study. MRL/lpr mice which can develop acquired SLE-like phenotypes were selected as an animal model. Mesenchymal stem cells obtained from green fluorescent protein-transgenic ICR mice were infused into MRL/lpr mice at either the early or late stage of disease. The dosage was 1 × 106/mice per infusion. Mice were stratified into six groups including negative controls and those receiving one, two, three, four or five doses at 2-weekly intervals. The phenotypes were monitored regularly. After treatment, the spleen CD3+CD4-CD8- T and CD19+ B cells of two-dose mesenchymal stem cell-treated mice were significantly lower than those of the phosphate-buffered saline control. In terms of reducing the severity of SLE such as hair loss, skin ulcers, proteinuria and anti-dsDNA level, mesenchymal stem cells given at the early stage responded better and mice receiving two doses of mesenchymal stem cells performed better than those receiving either a lower dose (one dose) or higher doses (three, four or five doses). In conclusion, early treatment and an optimal dose of mesenchymal stem cells can effectively suppress the murine SLE model.

Chylous mesenteric cysts in children.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of chylous mesenteric cysts (CMCs) in children. METHODS: We analyzed retrospectively the clinical records of 10 children with a CMC, treated in the Department of Pediatric Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, between 1987 and 2008. RESULTS: This series comprised five girls and five boys. The CMC manifested as abdominal distention (n = 9), acute abdomen (n = 8), or an asymptomatic abdominal mass (n = 1), and included five mesojejunal cysts and five mesoileal cysts. Intestinal volvulus occurred in four patients with mesoileal cysts and acute chylous effusion occurred in two patients with mesojejunal cysts. All ten children were treated surgically. The cystic content was positive for Sudan III staining and the chylous test. CONCLUSIONS: Chylous mesenteric cysts manifest as an abdominal mass, abdominal distention, and/or acute abdomen more often in children than in adults. The clinical presentation suggests some association with the localization of the cysts. A good prognosis can be expected with removal of the cyst and the affected intestinal segment.

Intussusception in infants younger than 3 months: a single center's experience.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis and treatment of intussusception is often confusing in infants aged younger than 3 months. This study aimed to discuss the particularity of diagnosis and treatment of intussusception in this age group. METHODS: From April 1983 to June 2008, 39 infants aged 3 months or younger who had been diagnosed with intussusception were treated and their clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Of the 39 infants (29 boys and 10 girls), ages ranged from 12 hours to 3 months, with a mean age of 52.6 days. The duration from onset to admission ranged from 7 to 142 hours (mean 39.6 hours). Three infants had intrauterine intussusception and 36 postnatal intussusception. The 3 infants with intrauterine intussusception had typical presentations of complete ileus after birth. Gap type ileal atresia was found in surgery in 2 of the 3 infants and primary anatomosis was performed therapeutically. The other infant was found to have ileal separation and a patent proximal end with diffused meconium peritonitis. The patient died 2 days after primary anastomosis. Most infants with postnatal intussusception had two or more manifestations of the tetralogy, namely intermittent screaming, vomiting, bloody stool, and abdominal mass. In 23 infants who underwent pneumatic reduction, 17 had a successful reduction and 6 converted to open surgery. Surgery was indicated for 19 infants, with maneuver procedure in 14. Meckel's diverticulum was noted as a leading cause in 2 infants, ileal duplication in 1 with necrosis of intussusceptum, and primary intussusception with lead point necrosis in 2. The 5 infants, on whom segmental resection was performed, underwent primary anastomosis. All infants with postnatal intussusception had a smooth recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Infants aged 3 months or younger may suffer from intussusception and most of them present with typical symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment are needed for a good prognosis. Intrauterine intussusception may be an etiological factor for ileal atresia.