Displaying publications 61 - 80 of 1160 in total

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  1. Fulltext Steroid therapy in obstructive airway diseases
    Zainudin BMZ
    Respirology, 1997 Mar;2(1):17-31.
    PMID: 9424402 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1843.1997.tb00051.x
    Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are two common illnesses that cause significant morbidity and mortality. Steroids are widely used in both conditions. They act through steroid or glucocorticoid receptors (GR) causing up or down regulation of protein synthesis resulting in an increase in lipocortin 1 and beta 2 adrenergic receptors, and decreased levels and activities of cytokines or cytokine receptors, which reduces the inflammatory process in the airways and decreases bronchial hyperreactivity. Consequently symptoms of airway obstruction are alleviated and lung function is improved. In asthma, steroids have been convincingly shown to be effective in the treatment of both acute exacerbations and chronic condition. In COPD, however, only a subset of patients seem to respond favourably to steroid therapy. Therapeutic trials are therefore recommended before committing to a long-term treatment in order to determine this subset of patients, as no markers of steroid responsiveness can be identified. The inhaled steroids currently available have a good safety profile with significant side effects occurring only occasionally. Such side effects are usually confined to the oropharynx, causing local irritation, candidiasis and dysphonia, which can be easily overcome. Biochemical abnormalities involving bone, adrenal, carbohydrate and lipid profiles have been noted with high doses of inhaled steroids; however, these have no significant clinical effects.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prognosis
  2. Fulltext Neurodevelopmental outcome of Malaysian very low birth weight infants: predictive value of cranial ultrasound appearances
    Ong LC, Boo NY, Chandran V, Zulfiqar A, Zamratol SM, Allison L, et al.
    Singapore Med J, 1997 Mar;38(3):108-11.
    PMID: 9269376
    The aim of the study was to determine the predictive value of cranial ultrasound scans done in the neonatal period for neurodevelopmental outcome of the Malaysian very low birthweight (VLBW, < 1500 grams) infants assessed at 12 months of corrected age. Of the 101 infants studied, 68 (67.3%) were neurodevelopmentally normal at one year of age, 18 (17.8%) had major and 15 (14.9%) had minor neurodevelopmental impairment. Neurodevelopmental outcome was normal in 66/88 (75.0%) infants who did not have severe intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) or periventricular intraparenchymal echo densities (PVE) in the first week of life, and in 57/73 (78.1%) with uncomplicated scans at discharge. In contrast, 11/13 (84.6%) with parenchymal echo densities or severe intraventricular bleed in the early neonatal period and 17/28 (60.7%) with complicated scans at discharge had adverse sequelae. There was a significant association between lesions seen on cranial ultrasound in the neonatal period and subsequent neurodevelopmental impairment. Late neonatal ultrasound scans appear to be a better predictor of short-term neurodevelopmental outcome than early scans.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prognosis
  3. Correlation between histological grade and c-erbB2 oncoprotein overexpression in infiltrating ductal carcinoma of breast
    Looi LM, Cheah PL, Yap SF
    Malays J Pathol, 1997 Jun;19(1):35-9.
    PMID: 10879240
    One hundred and twelve infiltrating ductal carcinoma of breast were studied by the standard avidinbiotin complex immunoperoxidase method on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections, using a monoclonal antibody to c-erbB-2 oncoprotein. The same tumours were assessed and scored according to the Bloom and Richardson criteria into three histological grades. The distribution of tumours according to grade were: 8 Grade I, 34 Grade II and 70 Grade III. Forty-three (38.4%) tumours showed positive membrane staining for c-erbB-2 oncoprotein. These comprised 7 Grade II and 36 Grade III tumours with c-erbB-2 immunopositivity rates of 20.6% and 51.4% respectively. The oncoprotein was not expressed by Grade I tumours. This study shows a good correlation between c-erbB-2 expression and histological grade, a known prognostic indicator of invasive breast carcinoma. Because the c-erbB-2 oncogene has extensive structural homology to the epidermal growth factor receptor gene, its overexpression can be expected to result in more aggressive tumour behaviour. While it may be regarded as another indicator of poor prognosis breast cancers, its value in the selection of carcinomas less responsive to hormonal therapy and those more suitable for immunotherapy than chemotherapy has been mooted but remains to be clarified.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prognosis
  4. Coagulopathy in acute head injury--a study of its role as a prognostic indicator
    Selladurai BM, Vickneswaran M, Duraisamy S, Atan M
    Br J Neurosurg, 1997 Oct;11(5):398-404.
    PMID: 9474270
    The aim of this investigation was to determine the prognostic value of coagulation abnormalities in a defined subset of patients with acute head injury. Prothrombin time, accelerated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin clotting time, fibrinogen assay, platelet count, fibrin degradation products (FDP) were assayed in 204 patients with acute closed head injury. Their values were graded on a score 0-3 and the sum score for each patient regarded as the disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) score. Moderate to severe DIC scores were evident in 38% of the cohort. At least one parameter was abnormal in 71% of patients. The DIC score correlated inversely with the Glasgow coma score (GCS) (p < 0.0001). In the GCS 13-15 subset, FDP scores were significant predictors of poor outcome (p < 0.001). In the GCS 6-12 subset, the APTT score (p < 0.001), and DIC score (p < 0.0001) predicted an adverse outcome. The DIC scores were significantly abnormal in most patients who had a poor outcome, without evidence of adverse predictors on CT. Logistic regression analysis confirmed the independent predictive capacity of APTT, FDP and DIC scores when values for GCS were fixed. Abnormal haemostatic parameters may enhance the predictive ability in subsets of patients with acute head injury defined by clinical or CT predictors.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prognosis
  5. Childhood non-traumatic coma in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Sofiah A, Hussain IH
    Ann Trop Paediatr, 1997 Dec;17(4):327-31.
    PMID: 9578792
    All post-neonatal children with acute non-traumatic coma admitted over an 8-month period were analysed and followed up for 18-24 months to determine the aetiology and outcome of their coma. One hundred and sixteen children, 72 boys and 44 girls, were recruited. Half the children were under 1 year of age and only 16 (14%) were more than 6 years of age. Eighty cases (69%) were due to infection, 15 (13%) to toxic metabolic causes, six (5%) to hypoxic ischaemic insults, four (3.5%) had intracranial haemorrhage, nine (7.8%) were due to miscellaneous causes and in two (1.7%) the cause was unknown. Seven cases were lost to follow-up. Of the remainder, 39 (35.7%) died, 32 (29.3%) developed permanent neurological deficit, and 38 (35%) were discharged well. The outcome was worst in the infectious group. Age of onset and sex did not significantly affect outcome. Our findings are similar to experience in Japan, where infection accounts for 74% of non-traumatic coma, but differ considerably from Western data on childhood coma where only a third of cases are due to infection.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prognosis
  6. Carcinoma of the pancreas: resection outcome at the University Hospital Kuala Lumpur
    Shahrudin MD
    Int Surg, 1997 Jul-Sep;82(3):269-74.
    PMID: 9372373
    Recent studies have demonstrated a reduction in the morbidity and mortality of pancreatic resection and improvement in the actuarial 5-year survival for patients with resected ductal adenocarcinoma. We reviewed the clinico-pathological characteristics of patients who underwent resection with curative intent for ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas between 1980 and 1993.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prognosis
  7. Cardiovascular risk factors in non-insulin-dependent diabetics compared to non-diabetic controls: a population-based survey among Asians in Singapore
    Hughes K, Choo M, Kuperan P, Ong CN, Aw TC
    Atherosclerosis, 1998 Jan;136(1):25-31.
    PMID: 9544728
    Cardiovascular risk factors were compared between 126 people with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and 530 non-diabetics (controls), in a random sample of people (Chinese, Malays, and Asian Indians) aged 40-69 years from the general population of Singapore. Data were adjusted for age and ethnicity. For both genders, people with NIDDM had higher mean body mass indices, waist-hip ratios and abdominal diameters. They also had a higher prevalence of hypertension, higher mean levels of fasting serum triglyceride, slightly lower mean levels of serum high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, and higher mean levels of plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and tissue plasminogen activator (antigen). These factors are components of syndrome X (metabolic syndrome) and increase the risk of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. In contrast, there were no important differences for cigarette smoking, serum total and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, serum apolipoproteins A1 and B, plasma factor VIIc and plasma prothrombin fragment 1 + 2. Females with NIDDM, but not males, had a higher mean serum fibrinogen level than non-diabetics, which could explain why NIDDM has a greater cardiovascular effect in females than males. Serum lipoprotein(a) concentrations were lower in people with NIDDM. Mean levels of serum ferritin, a pro-oxidant, were higher in people with NIDDM than controls, but there were no important differences for plasma vitamins A, C and E, and serum selenium, which are anti-oxidants.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prognosis
  8. Ankylosing spondylitis in Singapore: a study of 150 patients and a local update
    Koh WH, Boey ML
    Ann Acad Med Singap, 1998 Jan;27(1):3-6.
    PMID: 9588266
    This paper presents the results of a clinical study of 150 patients in Singapore with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and reviews recent developments locally with regards to the disease. The patients were predominantly males (ratio 7:1) and Chinese (n = 147). The onset of disease is usually in the early twenties and there was a mean delay of 6.3 years before diagnosis was made. Peripheral joint involvement is common but apart from uveitis (17%), extra-articular manifestations are rare. AS patients have abnormal lipid profiles and lower bone mineral density compared to healthy controls. HLA*B2704 is the predominant subtype in our Chinese patients whilst HLA*B2706 was found only in healthy controls. Intensive group physiotherapy is beneficial for patients with spondyloarthropathy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prognosis
  9. Prognostic significance of retinopathy at presentation in adult acute leukemia
    Reddy SC, Quah SH, Low HC, Jackson N
    Ann Hematol, 1998 Jan;76(1):15-8.
    PMID: 9486919
    Retinal changes are common in adult acute leukemia patients at presentation, but their prognostic significance is controversial. A 5-year study has been carried out with newly diagnosed acute leukemia patients aged 12-77 years. Seventy-seven cases (49 AML, 28 ALL) were studied prospectively for the presence of intraretinal hemorrhages (IRH), white-centered hemorrhages, cotton-wool spots, and macular hemorrhages. They were treated according to standard chemotherapy protocols, and then achievement of complete remission (CR) and the duration of overall survival (OS) were compared between the groups with and without these different retinal features. No association was found between the presence of any retinal abnormality and CR induction rate, although there was a trend to a lower CR rate among patients with IRH. The median OS of those with IRH was 72 days, compared with 345 days among those without IRH (p=0.002). A WBC at presentation greater than 50x10(9)/l and age greater than 40 years were also associated with shorter OS (p<0.0001 and p=0.0045, respectively). However, after regression analysis, IRH remained statistically significant as a poor prognostic indicator (p=0.01). We conclude that the presence of IRH is an indicator of poor prognosis in acute leukemia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prognosis
  10. C-erbB-2 oncoprotein amplification in infiltrating ductal carcinoma of breast relates to high histological grade and loss of oestrogen receptor protein
    Looi LM, Cheah PL
    Malays J Pathol, 1998 Jun;20(1):19-23.
    PMID: 10879259
    Eighty-six infiltrating ductal carcinoma of breast were studied by the standard avidin-biotin complex immunoperoxidase method on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections, for oestrogen receptor (ER) protein and c-erbB-2 oncoprotein expression. They were categorized according to the modified Bloom and Richardson criteria into three histological grades. 21% tumours were ER positive while 44% were c-erbB-2 positive. Of ER positive tumours, 33.3% were c-erbB-2 positive whereas the c-erbB-2 positivity rate was much higher (47.1%) in ER negative tumours. Only 16% of c-erbB-2 positive tumours were ER positive while 25% of c-erbB-2 negative tumours were ER positive. This negative relationship between ER and c-erbB-2 expression was statistically significant (Mc Nemar's test, p < 0.005). The ER positivity rate did not vary significantly with histological grade. However, c-erbB-2 overexpression was significantly more prevalent in grade III tumours compared with grade I and II tumours (Chi-square test, p < 0.005). Since the c-erbB-2 oncogene has extensive structural homology to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene, we expect that c-erbB-2 oncoprotein would share functional similarities with EGFR leading to both loss of oestrogen receptor and poor prognosis in breast cancer. Its overexpression can be expected to relate to more aggressive tumour proliferation and may explain its correlation with high histological grade, a known indicator of aggressive cancer behaviour. As there is no indication that ER protein activity contributes to advancement in histological grade, it would appear that cellular dedifferentiation precedes ER loss during malignant transformation. It has been mooted that ER positive breast cancers which also show c-erbB-2 oncoprotein overexpression have a poorer response to hormonal therapy. The use of this parameter in the routine assessment of breast cancer patients may identify subsets of patients for more aggressive therapy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prognosis
  11. Expression of c-erbB3 protein in primary breast carcinomas
    Naidu R, Yadav M, Nair S, Kutty MK
    Br. J. Cancer, 1998 Nov;78(10):1385-90.
    PMID: 9823984
    Expression of c-erbB3 protein was investigated in 104 primary breast carcinomas comprising nine comedo ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), 91 invasive ductal carcinomas and four invasive lobular carcinomas using two monoclonal antibodies, RTJ1 and RTJ2. Of the 91 invasive ductal carcinomas, seven contained the comedo DCIS component adjacent to the invasive component. An immunohistochemical technique was used to evaluate the association between expression of c-erbB3 and clinical parameters and tumour markers such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), c-erbB2, cathepsin-D and p53 in archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumour tissues. Our results indicated that RTJ1 and RTJ2 gave identical staining patterns and concordant results. It was found that the overexpression of c-erbB3 protein was observed in 67% (6/9) of comedo DCIS, 52% (44/84) of invasive ductal carcinomas, 71% (5/7) of carcinomas containing both the in situ and invasive lesions and 25% (1/4) of invasive lobular carcinomas. A significant relationship (P < 0.05) was observed between strong immunoreactivity of c-erbB3 protein and histological grade, EGFR and cathepsin-D, but not with expression of c-erbB2, p53, oestrogen receptor status, lymph node metastases or age of patient. However, we noted that a high percentage of oestrogen receptor-negative tumours (59%), lymph node-positive tumours (63%) and c-erbB2 (63%) were strongly positive for c-erbB3 protein. We have also documented that a high percentage of EGFR (67%), c-erbB2 (67%), p53 (75%) and cathepsin-D-positive DCIS (60%) were strongly positive for c-erbB3. These observations suggest that overexpression of c-erbB3 protein could play an important role in tumour progression from non-invasive to invasive and, also, that it may have the potential to be used as a marker for poor prognosis of breast cancer.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prognosis
  12. Immunohistochemical analysis of p53 expression in primary breast carcinomas
    Naidu R, Yadav M, Nair S, Kutty KK
    Anticancer Res, 1998 Jan-Feb;18(1A):65-70.
    PMID: 9568057
    Expression of p53 protein was investigated by immunohistochemical techniques in archival cases of 134 primary breast carcinomas comprising 13 comedo ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), 105 invasive ductal carcinomas, 7 contained the comedo DCIS component adjacent to the invasive ductal component, 5 invasive lobular carcinomas, three colloid carcinomas and one medullary carcinoma. Overexpression of p53 gene product was studied to determine the association with clinico-pathological parameters and also its relationship to c-erbB2. Overexpression of p53 protein was observed in 31% (4/13) of comedo DCIS, 37% (39/105) of invasive ductal carcinomas, 57% (4/7) of carcinomas containing both the in situ and invasive lesions and all medullary carcinomas. A significant relationship (p < 0.05) was observed between strong immunoreactivity of p53 protein and absence of estrogen receptor, histological grade and c-erbB2 but not with lymph node metastases or age of patient. These observations suggest that overexpression of p53 protein may play an important role in tumor progression from noninvasive to invasive in some breast carcinomas and may have potential as an indicator for poorer prognosis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prognosis
  13. Congenital coagulation disorders in Malaysia
    Duraisamy, G.
    Malaysian Journal of Child Health, 1998;10(1):62-71.
    MyJurnal
    Congenital Coagulation Disorders (CCD) are inherited and present from birth. Their diagnosis depends on clinical awareness and correct laboratory investigations. The central registry for CCD or Congenital Bleeding Disorders (CBD) is at the Blood Services Centre, Kuala Lumpur Hospital and was established in 1975. There are 871 CCD registered. The commonest CCD are 631 (72%) Haemophilia A, 102 (12%) Haemophilia B and 93 (10.7%) von Willebrand's Disease. The other deficiencies registered are rare, only 45 in total:— Factor 1 (4), FV (4), FVII (21), FX (4), FXII (6), and FXIII (6). Diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion, screening tests namely the Prothrombin Time (PT) and activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) and confirmation of the diagnosis was by doing specific factor assays. Molecular studies were done on FVIII and FXIII. Treatment is by transfusing the deficient factor when there is bleeding and comprehensive care involving the specialities like the neurologist/ neurosurgeon /orthopaedic / physiotherapy/ dental besides the haematologist and paediatrician to manage the complicatioons seen. There are fewer problems now as patients are diagnosed earlier and managed better. There is now a good prognosis and a better quality of life.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prognosis
  14. Fulltext Presenting features and treatment outcome of 78 Malaysian children with neuroblastoma
    Ng SM, Abdullah WA, Lin HP, Chan LL
    Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 1999 Mar;30(1):149-53.
    PMID: 10695803
    To study the distribution of presenting features and their prognostic significance in neuroblastoma treated in a single institution in Malaysia. A retrospective study was made of 78 neuroblastoma cases diagnosed and treated in the University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia between June 1982 and February 1997. Diagnosis was established by standard histological criteria. The presenting features were evaluated for their distribution and prognostic influence. Disease-free survival from diagnosis was the outcome variable of interest. The ages ranged from 0.1 to 11 years old (median: 3 years old). The tumor originated from the adrenal glands in 83% and the majority of cases presented in advanced stage (stage III 22%, stage IV 66%). Bone marrow was the commonest site of distant metastasis occurring in 45% of patients. The main presenting signs and symptoms in decreasing order were pallor, fever, abdominal mass, weight loss, and bone/joint pain. Univariate analysis conferred age, initial stage and Hb level as significant prognostic factors. No influence in disease-free survival was found for sex, race, primary site, urinary vanillylmandelic acid level, white cell count and platelet count. Overall 2-year disease-free survival was achieved in 27 (39%) patients. Four patients underwent bone marrow transplant, three of whom achieved 2-year disease-free survival. The results suggest that age, initial stage and hemoglobin level are significant prognostic factors based on univariate analysis. In addition, more Malaysian children presented with adrenal primary site and advanced disease compared to previous reported studies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prognosis
  15. Fulltext Chronic HCV histology is predictable from HCV RNA and IgM anti HCV results
    Sachithanandan S, Fielding JF
    Med J Malaysia, 1999 Mar;54(1):110-3.
    PMID: 10972013
    The aim of this study was to determine if knowledge of both the serum HCV RNA and serum anti core IgM antibody status enabled one to predict the histological severity in chronic hepatitis C. We studied 45 female patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. The presence or absence of IgM antibodies to HCV and HCV RNA by PCR in each patient's serum was determined. Liver biopsies performed were scored according to a modified Desmet's histological activity index. Negative HCV RNA patients had least histological change. HCV RNA positive patients who were also IgM antibody positive had lower scores than their IgM negative counterparts. The grade of histological severity is more accurately predictable from knowledge of both the HCV RNA and IgM anti HCV status of the patient.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prognosis
  16. Attitudes and information needs of Chinese migrant cancer patients and their relatives
    Huang X, Butow P, Meiser B, Goldstein D
    Aust N Z J Med, 1999 Apr;29(2):207-13.
    PMID: 10342019
    BACKGROUND: The information needs of ethnic minorities often differ from that of the dominant culture, leading to dissatisfaction among both patients and health professionals.

    AIMS: This research project aims to identify attitudes towards cancer and associated information and communication needs of Chinese patients and their relatives in Sydney, thereby providing a framework for the provision of culturally appropriate cancer care for Chinese-Australians.

    METHODS: A qualitative data collection strategy was selected as the most appropriate method, because no validated measures are available and no previous research has examined attitudes and needs of Chinese-Australian cancer patients. Patients were recruited from three major teaching hospitals in Sydney and from a Chinese cancer support organisation. Sampling was discontinued when informational redundancy was achieved. Four focus groups and 26 individual telephone interviews were conducted with a total of 36 cancer patients and 12 relatives born in China, Singapore and Malaysia.

    RESULTS: While individual differences were observed, a majority view was expressed on a range of issues. Non-disclosure of a poor prognosis was favoured, and the role of the family in liaising between health professionals and the patient was emphasised. Patients preferred a confident and clear diagnosis and treatment recommendation. Most patients wished to incorporate Chinese culture-specific treatments into their care. The need for interpreters and psychological and spiritual support was emphasised.

    CONCLUSIONS: Providing information in a culturally sensitive manner will assist doctors in providing optimum care and support for ethnic minority groups in this country.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prognosis
  17. Bronchodilator response to inhaled beta-2 agonist and anticholinergic drugs in patients with bronchiectasis
    Hassan JA, Saadiah S, Roslan H, Zainudin BM
    Respirology, 1999 Dec;4(4):423-6.
    PMID: 10612580 DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1843.1999.00215.x
    OBJECTIVE: An increase in incidence of reversible airflow obstruction and bronchial hyperresponsiveness occurs in patients with bronchiectasis. We conducted a study to assess the efficacy of bronchodilators in the treatment of bronchiectasis.
    METHODOLOGY: Twenty-four patients with confirmed bronchiectasis were studied. Each patient inhaled fenoterol 400 microg administered by metered dose inhaler via a spacer after a baseline lung function and a lung function test was repeated 30 min later. This was followed by a second dose of fenoterol 5 mg via nebulizer and another lung function test 30 min later. A repeat study was done at least 24 h later with ipratropium bromide 40 microg by metered dose inhaler and 500 microg by a nebulizer.
    RESULTS: The results showed a significant improvement from baselines (mean percentage change +/- SD) of peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) by 8.5 +/- 8.72% and 15.3 +/- 11.63%, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) by 8.77 +/- 9.69% and 10.2 +/- 12.2% and forced vital capacity (FVC) by 10.25 +/- 11.61% and 10.09 +/- 10.88% after low- and high-dose fenoterol, respectively. The improvements after low- and high-dose ipratropium bromide for PEE FEV1 and FVC were 9.89 +/- 9.35% and 14.39 +/- 12.82%, 9.38 +/- 10.41% and 13.52 +/- 17.09%, and 8.03 +/- 10.85% and 9.63 +/- 13.85%, respectively. Eleven patients (45.8%) responded to one or both bronchodilators significantly (> 15% improvement in FEV1). Five patients (20%) responded to both, three (12%) to fenoterol alone and another three (12%) to ipratropium bromide alone.
    CONCLUSION: There is significant bronchodilator response in a subset of patients with bronchiectasis and patients with bronchiectasis should therefore undergo bronchodilator testing. Skin prick testing against a panel of nine allergens done on each individual yielded a positive result in 13 patients (54.2%).
    Matched MeSH terms: Prognosis
  18. Diagnostic and prognostic value of an immunofluorescent assay for melioidosis
    Vadivelu J, Puthucheary SD
    Am J Trop Med Hyg, 2000 Feb;62(2):297-300.
    PMID: 10813488
    Melioidosis caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei is endemic in southeast Asia. The clinical manifestations range from wound infections to acute septicemia. In some cases, recurrence can also occur following complete recovery. Case fatality rates are high and a major factor is the delay in the culture and identification of the bacterium. An immunofluorescent assay (IFAT) using whole-cell antigen for the detection of total antibodies to B. pseudomallei was tested with 650 sera. Using a cut-off value of 1:80, 66 sera from culture-confirmed cases were positive with titers > or = 320. In another 523 sera from patients in which no other etiology could be found, 149 (23.4%) were positive. To monitor disease activity, persistence of antibody levels was investigated on 61 serial sera samples collected from 14 other confirmed cases on follow-up visits while on oral maintenance therapy. The IFAT demonstrated a reduction in titers in cases of localized infections, suggesting that either the infection was being resolved or arrested while septicemic patients maintained high IFAT titers on follow-up, suggesting the possibility of continuous sequestration of antigen from an intracellular source.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prognosis
  19. Calanolide looks promising
    AIDS Patient Care STDS, 2000 Apr;14(4):225-6.
    PMID: 10806645
    Matched MeSH terms: Prognosis
  20. [Nipah virus outbreak in Malaysia, 1999]
    Okabe N, Morita K
    Uirusu, 2000 Jun;50(1):27-33.
    PMID: 10998976
    Matched MeSH terms: Prognosis
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