Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UMLS:C0029713 (immaturity)
 4,335 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

HIV infection induces both immune deficiency and immune stimulation. Central to the pathology of HIV infection is reduction in the numbers and function of CD4 T cells. Impaired functions include decreased proliferation, IL-2 receptor expression and production of lymphokines (IL-2 and gamma interferon (IFN]. HIV infection stimulates B cells and CD8 T cells. This is seen relatively soon after HIV infection. Increased activation and immaturity are seen in both these cell groups. In vitro studies confirm HIV stimulation of these cells. Studies have been conducted on patients with AIDS and opportunistic infection (OI) or Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), with AIDS-related complex (ARC) or with persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (PGL), as well as on asymptomatic HIV-seropositive and -seronegative homosexually active men. The latter group has been followed at 6-month intervals for the past 2-3 years. Those who seroconverted (became HIV-infected) were studied to investigate early changes following HIV infection. To delineate the immunopathology of infection with HIV, serial testing of seropositive individuals was carried out to determine the rate of CD4-T-cell reduction. Lowered CD4-T-cell number and percentage and CD4/CD8 ratio correlate with the occurrence of AIDS and with survival after AIDS-KS diagnosis. Seropositive individuals, however, differed markedly in the rate of CD4-T-cell reduction; in some, no reduction in CD4 cells occurred over a two-year period of observation. We propose that, in individuals in which CD4 levels have reached a plateau, effective host resistance to further CD4 cytoreduction has occurred.
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PMID:Immune pathogenesis of AIDS and related syndromes. 295 95

Infection remains a major cause of death and complication in pediatric surgery today. Impaired host resistance from such circumstances as immaturity, cancer chemotherapy, or AIDS predisposes to opportunistic infection by fungi, viruses, mycobacteria, and even protozoa. This review considers recent advances in five areas: 1) sepsis, 2) soft-tissue and wound infections, 3) chest infections, 4) abdominal infections, and 5) miscellaneous (including nosocomial) infections. Of particular importance are the new concepts of sepsis. The new terminology distinguishes stages in the septic process and a complex interaction of inflammatory mediators. The systemic inflammatory response syndrome may progress independently of the original infection to multiorgan dysfunction syndrome, and death. The reports cited herein are, for the most part, retrospective observational studies. There is a great need for prospective, randomized trials to answer questions about the optimal management of, and prevention of, pediatric surgical infections.
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PMID:Surgical infections in children. 806 46

Premature and systemically ill infants have a high risk of developing dermatologic infectious complications, displaying the consequences of skin barrier immaturity. Opportunistic infections are an increasing concern in neonates, with cutaneous fungal infections (Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Mucor, Fusarium) observed more commonly as pathogens. Neonates are especially susceptible due to stresses of the perinatal transition to ex-utero life, stratum corneum immaturity, and medical intervention during early life including intravenous catheters, non-sterile adhesive dressings, broad spectrum antibiotic use, and systemic corticosteroids for lung disease. Cutaneous presentations of these infections encompass a broad set of morphologies: papules, vesicles, pustules, ecchymoses, and necrotic, pupuric plaques. There are many etiologies that present as ecchymoses and scaly or crusted lesions. The presentation, diagnosis, and treatment options in the neonatal patient presenting with ecchymoses and crusts will be discussed.
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PMID:Approach to the neonate with ecchymoses and crusts. 2141 Jun 13