We studied the relationship between the cord serum IgE levels and the obstetrical factors at birth.
The maternal peripheral serum IgE levels at delivery were measured by radio immuno sorbent test (RIST) and the cord serum IgE levels by full automation enzyme immuno assay system, IMx.
1. The mean levels of maternal and the cord serum IgE were 142.3±320.8IU/ml (n=226) and 0.476±0.9IU/ml (n=242) respectively.
2. A significant correlation (r=0.996, n=80) was observed between the levels of arterial and venous cord serum IgE.
3. There was no apparent correlation between the weights of newborn babies and their cord serum IgE levels.
4. There was no difference between the two sexes in the cord serum IgE levels.
5. Although there was no correlation between the gestational period and the cord serum IgE level from 37 to 42 weeks of pregnancy, statistically significant difference in the IgE level was observed between the group of 37-38weeks of gestation and that of over 41weeks.
6. A statistically significant correlation (r=0.1518, n=210) was found between the maternal and cord serum IgE levels, and the group of high maternal IgE levels showed significantly high IgE levels in the cord serum IgE.
These results suggest that the maternal IgE concentration is the most important factor of the cord serum IgE.

View full abstract

Inhaled beta-stimulants, which have arrythmogenic effects, are widely used as a premedication when asthmatic children take swim exercise. Recently, some authors have reported that cardiac arrhythmias have been observed in greater frequency during swimming and diving. To elucidate the possibility that inhaled beta-stimulants induce more frequent arrhythmias during swimming or diving, electrocardiograms were recorded during swimming and apneic diving, with and without an inhaled beta stimulant (isoproterenol). During swimming, electrocardiograms were recorded from thirteen asthmatic children of mean age (±SD) 8.8±6.3 years, with and without isoproterenol inhalation. With isoproterenol inhalation, a higher heart rate was observed just before, during and one minute after swimming. During apneic diving, electrocardiograms were recorded from ten asthmatic children of mean age 10.9±3.5 years, with and without isoproterenol inhalation. Without isoproterenol inhalation, four arrhythmias were observed, while three arrythmias from one patient were observed with isoproterenol inhalation. With isoproterenol inhalation, a smaller decrease in heart rate was observed during diving. From these observations, it is concluded that isoprotereol inhalation as a premedication is not likely to increase the frequency of arrhythmias during swimming or diving. Moreover, arrhythmias associated with increased vagal tone may be suppressed by isoproterenol inhalation.

View full abstract

1-isoproterenol hydrochloride is a strong bronchodilator acting on the β-adrenergic receptors. Efficacy of continuous inhalation therapy with isoproterenol has been approved but the optimal concentration of the drug for inhalation is not standardized. We studied the efficacy and safty of continuous inhalation therapy with low-dose isoproterenol for patients with status asthmaticus. The results were as follows;
(1) Remarkable improvement of clinical symptoms was seen in 9 of 14 patients (64.3%). Significant adverse effects of the drug, which led prompt discontinuation of the thrapy, were recognized in 2 patients but these adverse effects disappeared promptly after stopping the drug.
(2) Significant improvement in heart rate, respiratory rate, PaCo₂, O₂ saturation and pH was seen within 1 hour after initiation of the therapy.
(3) The therapy prevented respiratory failure in most patients at the early stage of the inhalation therapy.
(4) There was no difference in improvement in any of the tested concentrations of 7.5-12.5μg/kg/hr.
Those results suggested that continuous inhalation therapy with low-dose isoproterenol for the treatment of status asthmaticus is effective and safe.

View full abstract

In HIROSHIMA, one of the local cities, there is the tendency that detached houses are lately increasing just like other cities.
We have conducted the investigation on the species (Dermatophagoides, Haplochthonlidas, Cosmochtonlidae, Tyrophagus putaescentiae, Cheyletidae, Tarsonemidae, Mesosligmata, others) and on the number of acarid existing in indoor dust of 16 detached houses, 8 houses of bronchial asthma group and 8 houses of the non-bronchial asthma group.
The number of acarids was almost the same in both of bronchial asthma group and the non-bronchial asthma group throught out the year and many acarids were found in summer. Dermatophagoides was the species that was found most. 48124/m²/I week/4 seasons (Jan., Apr., Jul and Oct, ) of Dermatophagoides in the bronchial asthma group and 40114/m²l week/4 seasons (Jan., Apr., Jul. and Oct.) in the non-bronchial asthma group were found and it was found more in the bronchial asthma group in every season.
It was about 5 times in summer against one in winter. Following orders are Tyrophagus putaescentiae, Haplochthonlidae and Tarsonemidae.
Dermatophagoides was found at the rate of 93.84% on Jul. and 89.40% on Oct. in whole acarids.
There was no correlation between the number of acarids and high RAST value group of Dermatophagoides peteronyssinum and Dermatophagoides farinae in the bronchial asthma group and the non-bronchial asthma group.
The number of detached houses is increasing in local cities nowadays.
Under these circumstances, the investigation on acarids in indoor dust showed that many Dermatophagoides were found in the bronchial asthma group and Dermatophagoides peteronyssinum·Dermatophagoides farinae RAST value of over 3 was 87.5%.

View full abstract