Interferon and interferon inhibitor levels in patients infected with varicella-zoster virus, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related complex, or Kaposi's sarcoma, and in normal individuals
Article Abstract:
Previous studies have reported that healthy individuals do not have measurable levels of interferon, which consists of glycoproteins that exhibit antiviral activity by inhibiting the synthesis of viral RNA (genetic material) and may play a role in the immune system. High levels of interferon have been documented in patients in the early stages of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and in AIDS-related complex (ARC). The presence of interferon and interferon inhibitors was tested in patients with AIDS, ARC, Kaposi's sarcoma (malignant tumors on the skin, usually the legs), varicella-zoster infections (shingles) and healthy adults. Eighty-five of the 86 healthy participants had no significant levels of interferon or interferon inhibitor. Patients with varicella-zoster infections showed measurable levels if they were also in a high-risk group for AIDS. All of the patients diagnosed with AIDS or ARC exhibited measurable circulating interferon levels, but only the AIDS patients had interferon inhibitors. Of the patients diagnosed with Kaposi's sarcoma unrelated to AIDS, some were found to have measurable levels of interferon. The interferon inhibitors are probably not antibodies or gamma globulins, both of which fight infection. They may have an important function in promoting progression from ARC to AIDS. The role of interferon inhibitors and their interaction with interferon therapy requires further study.
Publication Name: American Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0002-9343
Year: 1989
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POEMS syndrome with idiopathic flushing mimicking carcinoid syndrome
Article Abstract:
POEMS syndrome is a condition characterized by polyneuropathy, disease of several nerves; organomegaly, enlargement of organs; endocrinopathy, disease of the endocrine glands; monoclonal protein; and skin changes. Severe disease of the sensory and motor nerves and plasma cell disorders are frequently observed with this condition. A case is described of a 50-year-old woman with POEMS syndrome who developed flushing. The disorder was initially mistaken for carcinoid syndrome, a disorder caused by the spreading of carcinoid tumors, which release factors that control blood vessel constriction and dilation. The patient's flushing occurred intermittently, and involved the face and upper portion of the trunk. The flushing was associated with hypotension, or abnormally low blood pressure, and bronchospasm, or uncontrolled contraction of the airways. Examination of a biopsy specimen from an underarm lymph node revealed angiofollicular hyperplasia, or overgrowth. The patient had many of the symptoms of POEMS syndrome, with the exception of the flushing. Steroid therapy improved the flushing and other clinical features. This case is the first report of flushing associated with POEMS syndrome; the symptom should perhaps be added to the list of skin changes associated with POEMS syndrome. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0002-9343
Year: 1991
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