H. influenzae vaccine for infants

Article Abstract:

Two new vaccines effective against the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae type b (H. influenzae type b) have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for use in the immunization of infants. The two new vaccines are HibTITER and PedvaxHIB. Infection with the bacteria can be severe and can cause meningitis, pneumonia, septic (infective) arthritis, and epiglottitis (swelling and closure of the airway). H. influenzae type b is the major cause of bacterial meningitis in children in the US. The peak occurrence is in children between 6 and 12 months of age, while children over five years and adults have generally acquired an immunity to the infection. Children at high risk include those in day-care centers, Native American populations, and those with sickle cell anemia or asplenia (absence of the spleen). Mortality from the infection is about 5 percent, and permanent problems such as retardation, hearing loss, or learning disabilities occur in one-third of infected children. Other vaccines have previously been available, but were ineffective in children under 18 months of age. Infants in large population studies who were given two or three injections by six months of age were effectively protected from infection. Side effects include redness at injection site and occasional systemic reactions such as fever, irritability, and vomiting. HibTITER is generally given at two, four, and six months of age with a booster at 15 months, while PedvaxHIB is given at two and four months with a booster at 12 months. Either vaccine appears to be safe and effective at protecting against H. influenzae type b infections. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Innovations, Evaluation, Product/Service Evaluation, Prevention, Children, Infants, Immunization of children, Immunization, Hemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus influenzae, Immunization of infants, HibTITER (Vaccine), PedvaxHIB (Vaccine)

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Surfactant for premature infants with respiratory distress

Article Abstract:

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) of the premature infant is the severe impairment of respiratory function in the premature newborn, and is the leading cause of death in prematurely born infants. Prematurity, or birth before 30 weeks gestation, is associated with immaturity or lack of complete development of the enzyme system required for the production of surfactant, a phosphate-containing lipid compound that is important in lung function. Infants with moderate to severe RDS require oxygen and assisted ventilation; they may develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia, the abnormal development of lung and bronchial tissue. Two preparations of surfactant, Exosurf and Survanta, have been approved for investigational use in treating RDS in premature infants. The surfactant preparations are injected into the newborn infant's airways either before or after ventilation or breathing. Studies have shown that there was a lower incidence of respiratory distress, death, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and pneumothorax, the collection of air or gas in the chest cavity surrounding the lungs, in premature infants treated with surfactant compared with untreated infants. Adverse effects of surfactant include apnea or lack of breathing, nosocomial or hospital-acquired infections, and patent ductus arteriosus, an abnormality of the heart. Surfactant preparations are effective in preventing and treating RDS in premature infants, but the long-term effects of surfactant preparations on disease and death have not been determined. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Diseases, Infants (Premature), Premature infants

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Pulmonary surfactant therapy

Article Abstract:

Surfactant has been used experimentally to treat premature infants suffering from respiratory distress syndrome since 1989. The effectiveness of surfactant in maintaining inflation of the lungs at low pulmonary pressures was first discovered in 1959. Surfactant is a substance that occurs naturally in the lungs. It is composed of different types of lipids, or fat-containing substances, and proteins. Both natural surfactant and synthetic surfactant are used to treat infants with respiratory distress syndrome. More than 35 clinical trials between 1985 and 1992 have examined the use of surfactant to treat infants suffering from respiratory distress syndrome. Infants suffering from respiratory distress syndrome should be treated with surfactant within six to 24 hours of birth, and most require treatment with more than one dose of surfactant. Some infants with respiratory distress syndrome may not respond to treatment with surfactant.

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