Implementation of glucose 5% supplementation protocol to reduce the duration of labor among women with cervical ripening by prostaglandins: The GLUCOSHORT before-and-after study.

INTRODUCTION: Previous publications have shown that glucose supplementation could reduce labor duration in women with induction of labor with a favorable cervix but none have shown it for women with an unfavorable cervix.  The purpose of our study was to assess the impact on labor duration of a protocol of glucose supplementation used for induction of labor in women with an unfavorable cervix. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The protocol implemented in November 2017 added glucose supplementation by 5% dextrose at 125 mL/h to Ringer lactate for women with an unfavorable cervix with labor induced with dinoprostone gel. The study included women who underwent this protocol with a singleton, term, cephalic fetus from June 2017 through April 2018. The primary outcome was the labor duration. The secondary outcomes were mode of delivery, postpartum hemorrhage rate, neonatal outcomes, and durations other stage of labor. These outcomes were compared between the pre-intervention (from June 1 to October 31, 2017) and post-intervention (from December 1, 2017 to April 30, 2018) periods. RESULTS: The pre-intervention period included 116 women, and the post-intervention period 123. The characteristics of women and the induction of labor were similar in the two periods. The median duration from induction to delivery was not significantly different between the two periods (13.2 h, IQR 9.1-18.6 versus 13.6 h IQR 9.3-18.3, P=.67). The secondary outcomes did not differ significantly between the two groups. DISCUSSION: Glucose supplementation administered to women with an unfavorable cervix undergoing induction does not appear to reduce the induction-delivery duration.

TamaFlex™-A novel nutraceutical blend improves lameness and joint functions in working horses.

BACKGROUND: Lameness is one of the major causes of reduced physical performance and early retirement in working horses. TamaFlex™ (NXT15906F6) is a standardized synergistic anti-inflammatory botanical formulation containing Tamarindus indica seed extract and Curcuma longa rhizome extract at a 2:1 ratio. METHODS: We conducted a 12-week single-center, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial demonstrating the efficacy of NXT15906F6 in horses with lameness grade 2-4 on the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) scale. Twenty-two lame horses were supplemented with NXT15906F6 (2.5 gram/day) or placebo over a period of 84 days. Improvement in lameness over placebo was the primary endpoint, and changes in the levels of rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-nuclear antibody (ANA), and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (ACC-peptide) in serum, and pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL-1ß and IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2 ) in serum and synovial fluid were the secondary endpoints. RESULTS: NXT15906F6 exhibited significant relief from lameness in a time-dependent manner. NXT15906F6 also reduced levels of ANA, PGE2 , IL-1ß, TNF-α and IL-6. Moreover, NXT15906F6 supplementation is safe and tolerable in alleviating joint pain in lame horses, and protects the joints from further degradation by reducing pro-inflammatory mediators. CONCLUSION: NXT15906F6 significantly reduces the lameness during walking and trotting, leading to an improvement in their joint flexibility, health, and working performances.

Citric Acid-Enriched Extract of Ripe Prunus mume (Siebold) Siebold & Zucc. Induces Laxative Effects by Regulating the Expression of Aquaporin 3 and Prostaglandin E2 in Rats with Loperamide-Induced Constipation.

Previously, we demonstrated that extracts of the ripe fruit (rPM) and unripe fruit (uPM) of Prunus mume (Siebold) Siebold & Zucc. and citric acid have a laxative effect, which is at least partially mediated by the increase in fecal parameters as seen in the low-fiber diet-induced constipation model rats. This study aims at investigating the laxative effects of citric acid-enriched aqueous extracts of rPM, uPM, and its active compounds, such as citric acid and malic acid, on loperamide-induced constipation rat models. Animal studies were conducted with loperamide-induced constipation animal models. The results showed that rPM and citric acid, the major organic acid compounds, significantly improved stool parameters (number, weight, and water content of the stools) generated in loperamide-induced constipation rats, without adverse effects of diarrhea. The gastrointestinal (GI) motility was activated fully in the rPM- and citric acid-treated rats than in rats treaded with loperamide alone. In addition, when rPM and citric acid were added to RAW264.7 cells and used to treat loperamide-induced constipation model rats, the secretion of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) increased significantly in cells and tissue. Furthermore, rPM and citric acid decreased the expression of the aquaporin 3 (AQP3) in the rat colons. Our results demonstrated that rPM and citric acid, the major organic acid compound in rPM, can effectively promote defecation frequency and regulate PGE2 secretion and AQP3 expression in the colon, providing scientific evidence to support the use of rPM as a therapeutic application.

A review of the treatment of male pattern hair loss

Introduction: Androgenetic alopecia is a common hair loss disorder affecting up to 80% of males by the age of 80. It is characterized by androgen related progressive thinning of hair in a defined pattern. It results in diminished self-esteem, reduced confidence and distress in affected men, irrespective of age or stage of baldness. An effective treatment for hair baldness is needed.Areas covered: In androgenetic alopecia, hair follicles undergo progressive miniaturization. Genetic factors and androgens are key role-players in disease pathogenesis. Herein the authors review the pharmacologic treatment of androgenetic alopecia, which involves 5 alpha reductase inhibitors, minoxidil and prostaglandins. Non-pharmacologic approaches are also explored.Expert opinion: Androgenetic alopecia progresses over time and although the current available medical treatments like finasteride and minoxidil are effective in arresting the progression of the disease, they allow only partial regrowth of hair at its best. Early treatment achieves a more optimal outcome. Non-pharmacologic treatments like PRP can be considered in patients refractory to medical treatment.Abbreviations: MPHL: male pattern hair loss; AGA: androgenetic alopecia; DHT: dihydrotestosterone; 5AR: 5-alpha-reductase; VEGF: vascular endothelial growth factor; PG's: prostaglandins (PG's); PGD2R: prostaglandin D2 receptor; VPA: valproic aid; SR: Serenoa Repens; PRP: platelet-rich plasma; PDGF: platelet derived growth factor; TGF: transforming growth factor; ERK: extracellular signal-regulated kinase; PKB: protein kinase B; LLLT: low-level laser therapy; ROS: reactive oxygen species; RCT: randomized control trial; SFRP1: secreted frizzled related protein 1; DP: dermal papilla; PDE5: phosphodiesterase 5.

Tratamiento de la alopecia areata, un recorrido desde las opciones terapéuticas clásicas hasta los nuevos fármacos aparecidos en los últimos años.

La alopecia areata constituye un reto terapéutico, sobre todo en sus formas extensas. Antes de iniciar cualquier tratamiento es necesario tener en cuenta algunas consideraciones. Se trata de una enfermedad que no afecta de forma directa a la salud del paciente y que puede presentar resolución espontánea. Las formas extensas, las que se inician en la infancia y las de larga evolución son muy rebeldes a los tratamientos y asocian recaídas. Todos los tratamientos tienen efectos secundarios. Ningún tratamiento ha demostrado alterar el curso de la enfermedad, muy pocos han demostrado eficacia en ensayos clínicos aleatorizados y no existen guías terapéuticas salvo la publicada en 2003 y actualizada en 2012 en el British Journal of Dermatology. Por todo ello, es necesario elaborar un plan de tratamiento individualizado en cada paciente. Se debe comenzar con los fármacos más seguros e inocuos, y pasar al siguiente escalón terapéutico cuando el actual haya demostrado su ineficacia durante un periodo de 6 meses. Se revisan las principales propuestas farmacológicas para alopecia areata, aportando datos sobre su mecanismo de acción, efectos secundarios y posicionamiento terapéutico en función de los estudios disponibles. Finalmente, se propone un algoritmo terapéutico como guía en el manejo de esta patología.

Glaucoma Drugs in the Pipeline.

Glaucoma is a chronic disease that can be challenging to treat for both patients and physicians. Most patients will require more than 1 medication over time to maintain their intraocular pressure (IOP) at a physiologically benign level. Patients may become refractory to existing compounds and many struggle with adherence to multiple topical drop regimens. The field of glaucoma therapeutics has been advancing rapidly with an emphasis on compounds comprising multiple molecules/mechanisms of action that offer additivity and are complementary to current therapeutics. Several new topical drop compounds directly targeting the trabecular meshwork (TM)/Schlemm canal/conventional outflow pathway to reduce outflow resistance have obtained US Food and Drug Administration approval in the past year. These include rho kinase inhibitors and nitric oxide donating compounds. Alternative therapies that offer long-term IOP lowering while removing the patient from the drug delivery system are moving forward in development. These include gene therapy and stem cell strategies, which could ease or eliminate the burden of topical drop self-administration for several years. Additionally, a variety of novel formulations and devices are in development that aim for controlled, steady state delivery of therapeutics over periods of months. The future of glaucoma therapy is focusing on an increase in specificity for the individual patient: their type of glaucoma; underlying mechanisms; genetic make-up; comorbid conditions; and rate of progression. Maintaining functional vision and improving patient outcomes remains the goal in glaucoma therapeutics. The current collection of novel therapeutics offers an expanded set of tools to achieve that goal.

[Radioprotectors: History, Trends and Prospects].

The search for ideal protective agents for use in a variety of radiation scenarios has continued for more than six decades. This review describes the history of the major discoveries, shows the chronology of the changes in attitudes, trends and paradigms. The readers are invited to meet with various classes of chemical compounds that have the potential to protect against acute and late effects of ionizing radiation when administered either before or after radiation exposure. The work represents characteristics of radioprotective agents such as a dose reduction factor, time of administration, tissue specificity, toxicity; the mechanisms of their action and practical applications are also described. A separate chapter considers the further development prospects and directions in this field of research.

Recent strategies in treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension, a review.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disease characterized by an elevation in pulmonary artery pressure that can lead to right ventricular failure and death. The pulmonary circulation has to accommodate the entire cardiac output in each cardiac cycle and evolution has adapted to this by making it a low-pressure high-flow system. However, pathology can affect both the arterial and venous components of this system. Pulmonary venous hypertension mainly refers to diseases that result in elevated venous pressure and occurs mainly from mitral valve and left-sided heart disease. Standard treatment options include oral anticoagulation, diuretics, oxygen supplementation, and for a small percentage of patients, calcium channel blockers. Newer treatments include prostacyclin analogues, endothelin receptor antagonists, and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. This article reviews the current treatments strategies for PAH and provides guidelines for its management.

Changes in the morphological and functional patterns of the ocular surface in patients treated with prostaglandin analogues after the use of TSP 0.5%® preservative-free eyedrops: a prospective, multicenter study.

AIM: To investigate and compare the effects of topical benzalkonium chloride-preserved prostaglandins (PGAs) on the ocular surface in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma before and after 3 months of treatment with additional 0.5% preservative-free tamarind seed polysaccharide single-dose eyedrops (TSP®, Oftagen, Pisa, Italy). METHODS: This was a prospective, longitudinal, multicenter study. From 5 different Italian glaucoma centers, 10 glaucomatous patients were recruited in each center. All the patients were treated with a PGA with preservative for at least 1 year. Preservative-free artificial tears 3 times per day were prescribed. The participants were subjected to clinical and instrumental evaluation at baseline, after 1 month and after 3 months of treatment. All patients were examined with a digital corneal confocal laser scanning microscope (HRT II Rostock Cornea Module). RESULTS: After 3 months of TSP 0.5% treatment, an improvement of some ocular signs and symptoms was found. The percentage of conjunctival hyperemia decreased from 67 to 13%. Schirmer's test and breakup time significantly changed from the baseline after 3 months. Confocal microscopy showed a significant increase in conjunctival goblet cells. CONCLUSION: Artificial substitutes, in particular TSP 0.5%, might protect the ocular surface hence giving higher compliance, adherence and quality of life to the patients.

Parálisis de Bell, reporte de un caso / Bells palsy. A case report

Antecedentes. La parálisis de Bell es uno de los desórdenes neurológicos más comunes y es la principal causa de parálisis facial. La parálisis de Bell se manifiesta como una parálisis facial abrupta que no tiene una causa definida. Este síndrome, de parálisis facial idiopatica, fue descrito por Charles Bell hace más de 100 años y su etiología y tratamiento son todavía controversiales. Objetivo. El objetivo de este informe es presentar un caso clínico de una paciente que sufrió la parálisis de Bell, su manejo y los resultados postoperatorios. Materiales y métodos. Se presenta un caso clínico de una paciente de 66 años de edad, quien presentó en forma súbita parálisis de los músculos del lado derecho de su cara. Se realiza una revisión actualizada del tema y las diferentes opciones de tratamiento. Este caso se manejó rápidamente con corticoides, antivirales y terapia miofuncional. Resultados. La paciente recuperó totalmente su función normal a los 30 días, respondiendo satisfactoriamente al manejo farmacológico instaurado. Conclusiones. Se concluye que el tratamiento efectuado fue exitoso (AU)

Background: Bell¡¯s palsy is one of the most common neurological disorders affecting the cranial nerves and is certainly the most common cause of facial paralysis worldwide. Bell¡¯s palsy is a sudden, unilateral, peripheral facial paresis or paralysis with no detectable cause. This syndrome of idiopathic facial paralysis was first described more than a century ago by Sir Charles Bell, yet much controversy still surrounds its aetiology and management. Objective: The objective of this report is to present a clinical case of a female patient who suffered from Bell¢§©¥s palsy syndrome, her management and results. Materials: A clinical case is presented of a 66-year-old female patient, who experienced weakness on the right side of his face and complained of facial droop and difficulty with facial expressions. The patient was treated with artificial tears, prednisone and an antiviral agent (acyclovir). Results: This case was handled quickly with corticoids and antiviral agent and the patient completely recovered her normal facial function. Conclusions: The treatment used was successful (AU)

[Efficiency of initiation with ambrisentan versus bosentan in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension]. / Eficiencia del inicio con ambrisentan frente a bosentan en el tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial pulmonar.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficiency of initiation with endothelin receptor antagonists, ambrisentan or bosentan, followed by sequential combination with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors and prostanoids in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension, from the Spanish National Health System perspective. METHODS: A Markov model was developed based on the four New York Heart Association functional classes. A panel of three experts reached a consensus on patient management based on clinical practice. Patients revised their treatment every 12 weeks, based on their health status and previous medication records. Pharmacological treatment costs and costs associated with very frequent adverse events (AE) were considered in a horizon of 60 weeks. Outcomes were measured in qualityadjusted life years (QALY). A probabilistic sensitivity analysis was performed. RESULTS: No clinically relevant differences in QALY per-patient and year were found for initiation with ambrisentan and bosentan: 0.6853 and 0.6902, respectively. Initiation with ambrisentan resulted in lower pharmacological treatment and AE management costs: ?35,550 and ?117 versus ?40,224 and ?171. In the sensitivity analysis, initiation with ambrisentan resulted in a negative significant cost difference: ?-4,982; CI95%[?- 8,014; ?-2,500]; while no significant differences in QALY were found: -0.0044; CI95%[-0.0189; 0.0101]. CONCLUSIONS: Initiation with ambrisentan followed by sequential combination with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors and prostanoids yields comparable outcomes at lower costs than initiation with bosentan.

Objetivo: Se pretende evaluar la eficiencia del tratamiento secuencial de combinación de la hipertensión arterial pulmonar iniciado con antagonistas del receptor de la endotelina, ambrisentan o bosentan, seguido de inhibidores de la fosfodiesterasa- 5 y prostanoides, desde la perspectiva del Sistema Nacional de Salud. Métodos: Se desarrolló un modelo de Markov basado en las cuatro clases funcionales de la New York Heart Association. Un panel de tres expertos alcanzó un consenso sobre el manejo del paciente basado en la práctica clínica. Los pacientes revisaron su tratamiento cada 12 semanas, en función de su estado de salud y de la medicación recibida previamente. Se incluyeron costes farmacológicos y costes asociados al manejo de eventos adversos (EA) muy frecuentes, en un horizonte de 60 semanas. Los resultados se expresaron en términos de los años de vida ajustados por calidad (AVAC). Se realizó un análisis de sensibilidad probabilístico. Resultados: No se encontraron diferencias clínicamente relevantes en los AVAC por paciente y año para el inicio con ambrisentan y bosentan: 0,6853 y 0,6902, respectivamente. El inicio con ambrisentan resultó en un coste farmacológico y asociado al manejo de EA menor: 35.550 ??y 117 ??frente a 40.224 ??y 171 ?. En el análisis de sensibilidad, el inicio con ambrisentan presentó una diferencia de costes totales negativa y significativa: -4.982 ?; IC95%[-8.014 ?; -2.500 ?]; mientras que no se detectaron diferencias significativas en los AVAC: -0,0044; IC95%[-0,0189; 0,0101]. Conclusiones: El tratamiento secuencial de combinación de la HAP iniciado con ambrisentan, seguido de inhibidores de la fosfodiesterasa- 5 y prostanoides, proporciona resultados en salud comparables y menores costes que el tratamiento iniciado con bosentan.

[Late recovery of renal function in a patient with acute on chronic renal failure treated with peritoneal dialysis]. / Tardivo recupero della funzione renale in un paziente con insufficienza renale acuta su cronica trattato con dialisi peritoneale.

Contrast-induced nephropathy has become a significant source of hospital morbidity and mortality particularly in patients with multi-organs defects. No current treatment can reverse or ameliorate contrast induced nephropathy once it occurs, but prophylaxis is possible. We present the case of a 61-year-old male patient with concomitant chronic kidney disease (CKD stage III K/DOQI) and diabetes complicated by severe multi-vascular disease, who developed acute kidney damage probably due to the simultaneously exposure to intravascular contrast media and cholesterol crystal embolism. In addition, owing to rapid deterioration of renal function, this patient started renal replacement therapy. No renal biopsy was performed due to the poor clinical condition of the patient. After a month of hemodialysis, he switched to a peritoneal dialysis procedure to which specific treatment for vascular lesions, including antibiotics, prostanoids, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, antiaggregants/anticoagulants and physiotherapy, was associated. After 7 months, the dialysis treatment was stopped and he began intensive clinical follow-up. At present, the patient is in conservative medical treatment (the Tenckhoff catheter has been removed), he is in good condition and severe vascular lesions are absent. Our conclusion is that contrast-induced nephropathy in vasculopathic diabetic patients requires a multidisciplinary approach. In particular, good cooperation between nephrologists and angiologists is useful to avoid rapid and chronic deterioration of renal failure and to prevent the onset and development of severe vascular damage.

Efficacy of ozone and other treatment modalities for retained placenta in dairy cows.

Retained placenta is a worldwide recognized clinical condition in puerperal cows, which can significantly affect their health and fertility. Available treatment modalities are often of questionable efficacy or associated with time constraints, practicality or monetary considerations for their wide application in a routine dairy practice. The objective of this study was to compare and assess the efficacy of different treatment options, including a novel ozone treatment, for the retained placenta. Two hundred cows diagnosed with retained placenta were divided into five treatment groups, each receiving a different treatment option. Group A (n = 40) was given a combination treatment of intrauterine ozone and parenteral cephalexin; group B (n = 40) was given intrauterine ozone; group C (n = 40) was given a combination of parenteral cephalexin and intrauterine antibiotic tablets; group D (n = 40) was given only parenteral cephalexin and group E (n = 40) was given parenteral prostaglandins in 11-day intervals. The control group (group Z, n = 200) included cows that gave birth without assistance and were not diagnosed with a retained placenta. The ozone treatment (groups A and B) was found to be the most effective modality resulting in the shortest period of days open, the smallest number of artificial inseminations until pregnancy, the smallest number of animals diagnosed with fever within 10 days post-calving, the highest percentage of animals pregnant within 200 days after calving and the smallest number of animals culled because of infertility, when compared to the other treatment groups. The intrauterine ozone flush therefore has a potential as an efficacious and cost-effective treatment option for retained placenta, with an overall positive effect on puerperal health and fertility in cows.

Management of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a complex disease with a high mortality. Management of this disease is underpinned by supportive and general therapies delivered by multidisciplinary teams in specialist centres. In recent years, a number of PAH-specific therapies have improved patient outcomes. This article will discuss the management of PAH in the context of relevant recently published studies in this area. RECENT FINDINGS: PAH-specific therapies are targeted towards dysfunctional signalling identified within the pulmonary circulation, and include endothelin receptor antagonists, phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors and prostanoids. Combination of these therapies is considered in patients with more severe disease. In addition, timely referral for surgical intervention (e.g. atrial septostomy, lung transplantation) should be made in selected patients with advanced disease. New treatment modalities currently in development may further improve patient outcomes in future years. However, further development and expansion of patient registries is vital for enhanced understanding of this disease, and may guide the optimal use of existing therapies and the development of new treatment approaches. SUMMARY: Outcomes in PAH have improved in recent years through a management approach characterized by general and supportive measures, and PAH-specific and surgical therapies in selected patients. Continued development of patient registries is vital to improve understanding and outcomes of this disease.

Practical considerations for the pharmacotherapy of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a devastating disease. Before the 1990s, when pharmacologic treatment was finally approved, only supportive therapy was available, consisting of anticoagulation, digoxin, diuretics, and supplemental oxygen. Calcium channel blocker therapy was also an option, but only a small percentage of patients respond to it. However, starting with epoprostenol in 1996, the number of drugs approved to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension increased. Three distinct classes of drugs were developed based on the pathophysiology of the disease: the prostanoids, endothelin-1 receptor antagonists, and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. The prostanoids are administered either parenterally or by inhalation to replace the lack of prostacyclin within the pulmonary arterial vasculature. The endothelin-1 receptor antagonists were the first class of oral drugs to be developed, but drug interactions and adverse effects are prominent with this class. The phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors increase the second messenger cyclic guanosine monophosphate (GMP) that is induced by nitric oxide stimulation. All of the drugs within these three classes are distinct in and of themselves, and their clinical use requires in-depth knowledge of pulmonary arterial hypertension and its pathophysiology. Because these drugs have different mechanisms of action, combination therapy has shown promise in patients with severe disease, although data are still lacking. This article should serve as a practical guide for clinicians who encounter patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and the drugs used for the treatment of this devastating disease.

Targeted approaches to the treatment of pulmonary hypertension.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a progressive and incurable disease. Over the past two decades, significant advances have been made in understanding and thus managing this disease. Multiple therapeutic options are currently available and optimizing the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension has become complex. Patients who meet the American College of Chest Physicians criteria for vasoresponsiveness can be safely and effectively treated with high-dose calcium channel blockers but require close follow up to assure durability of response. Patients with World Health Organization (WHO) functional class IV status and those with determinants of high risk for progression and death should be treated with an infused prostanoid agent without delay. These patients should also be referred early after stabilization for transplant evaluation. Patients with WHO functional class II status benefit from early initiation of oral therapies. Those with WHO functional class III status and lower determinants of risk for progression may receive treatment with one or more oral or inhaled agents, though many experts would advise early use of infused prostanoids for these patients as well.

Iloprost in the management of peripheral arterial disease in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Diabetic complications in the lower extremities, especially those secondary to diabetic macroangiopathy, have increasingly become a clinical emergency, given the high prevalence and progression of the disease. Until recently, the only approach to treating advanced stage disease was medical therapy and major amputation; however, the advent of revascularization procedures has radically improved the prognosis of patients with critical lower limb ischemia. In this setting, iloprost holds a dual position: as first-choice therapy in patients ineligible for revascularization and as complementary therapy in candidates for surgical or endovascular revascularization.

Production of interleukin-5, -10 and interferon-γ in cord blood is strongly associated with the season of birth.

BACKGROUND: The effect of labour and different labour-related factors on the cord blood (CB) cell cytokine production is still relatively unknown. OBJECTIVE: To study the relationships between the production of IL-5, IL-10 and IFN-γ in CB samples and maternal, early neonatal and birth-related factors. METHODS: Whole-blood samples were collected after birth (n=423) and they were stimulated for 24 and 48 h with a combination of phorbol ester and ionomycin. Production of IL-5, IL-10 and IFN-γ was determined using ELISA. Maternal, early neonatal and birth-related variables were recorded prospectively during pregnancy, and during and after delivery. RESULTS: After multivariable adjustment for confounders, the strongest predictor of IL-5, IL-10 and IFN-γ production in CB cell samples was the season of birth. Children born in the spring had significantly lower cytokine responses compared with those born in the fall. IL-5 production was inversely associated with female gender of the child and maternal smoking. If corrections for white blood cell (WBC) counts were not performed, IL-5 production was also significantly associated with the mode of delivery. Respectively, the production of IL-10 and IFN-γ was inversely associated with prostaglandin induction before birth. CONCLUSION: Environmental exposure to pollen and ultraviolet irradiation during gestation may have an effect on the cytokine profile of the offspring in CB because children born in the spring or winter showed the lowest IL-5, IL-10 and IFN-γ responses. The production of IL-10 and IFN-γ was also inversely associated with prostaglandin labour induction before birth. Other labour-related factors were not significantly associated with production of IL-5, IL-10 and IFN-γ after WBC count correction.

Morfea panesclerótica discapacitantede la infancia: un nuevo caso / Disabling pansclerotic morphoea of children: a new case reportt

La morfea panesclerótica de la infancia es una rara variante de esclerodermia localizada, que aparece típicamente en la edad pediátrica, y que se caracterizapor la rápida progresión de una fibrosis cutánea profunda que alcanza fascia y músculo, determinando la aparición de contracturas articularesen flexión y ulceración cutánea.Aunque las manifestaciones de la esclerodermia sistémica están generalmente ausentes, este proceso afecta de forma importante la calidad de vida,por lo que el pronóstico es malo. En algunos casos los agentes inmunosupresores pueden retrasar el curso de la enfermedad. Recientemente se hancomunicado casos de mejoría de este cuadro mediante la utilización de la fototerapia. Aportamos un nuevo caso de esta entidad (AU)

Panesclerotic morphea of the childhood is a rare variant of localiced scleroderma that appears typically in the pediatric age, it is characterized by thefast progression of deep cutaneous fibrosis that reaches fascia and muscle, determining the appearance of articular contractures in flexion and cutaneousulceration. Although the features of systemic scleroderma are generally absent, this process affects severely the quality of life, the reason whythe prognosis is bad. In some cases the inmunosupressive agents can delay the course of the disease. Recently cases of improvement of this disorderwith phototerapia have been communicated. We described a new case of this entity (AU)