SCID continues to point the way

Article Abstract:

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) includes a variety of genetic defects, characterized by the patient's inability to mount a normal immune response. Victims of SCID usually die within the first year of life. The fact that the syndrome includes disorders of several components of the immune system, however, has allowed investigation to further medical understanding of immunology. Insights gained from studying SCID have contributed to bone marrow transplantation, gene therapy and knowledge of graft-versus-host disease. Most SCID patients have normal or increased numbers of circulating B cells (white blood cells that produce antibody). However, the cells themselves are abnormal. T lymphocytes (the cells that produce cellular immunity) have also been studied in SCID research. It appears that T cells do not undergo normal maturation processes in patients with this disorder; investigation of the reasons for this has led to increased understanding of metabolic pathways. Some children have normal T cells, which cannot respond appropriately. The June 14, 1990, issue of The New England Journal of Medicine contains an article about a patient who could not produce interleukin-2, which is essential for T cell proliferation (a necessary component of the immune response). Other consequences are described. Expression of the interleukin-2 gene is governed by many factors, and abnormalities at several points along the way could lead to SCID. Study of this disorder can do much to increase our knowledge and understanding of the immune system. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Reports, Genetic aspects, Immunological deficiency syndromes, Interleukin-2, editorial

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Managing the interface between medical schools, hospitals, and clinical research

Article Abstract:

Many medical schools are responding to the changes in the US health care system to ensure that clinical research survives. A team of scientists visited 30 health facilities nationwide to see how the institutions were responding to this challenge. They found large governing bodies were bypassed in favor of small groups that could make decisions more quickly. Most institutions had strategic plans that included measurable goals. They also developed integrated information systems and adopted many corporate techniques to ensure that hospitals ran more efficiently.

Management, Planning, Medical research, Medical colleges, Medical schools, Hospitals, Teaching, Teaching hospitals

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Immunodeficiency diseases caused by defects in phagocytes

Article Abstract:

Some children with recurring infections may have defective phagocytes. Phagocytes are immune system cells that help eliminate infectious organisms. A blood sample can reveal phagocyte abnormalities.

Abnormalities, Pediatric diseases, Phagocytes, Immunological deficiency syndromes in children

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