Related Experiment Videos
Delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity in children with severe multiple handicaps treated with phenytoin
European Journal of Pediatrics
|December 1, 1978
Summary
Severe handicaps in children may impair immune responses, particularly skin reactions. Phenytoin treatment in these children further depressed these immune responses compared to untreated handicapped children.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Clinical Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Children with severe handicaps may exhibit altered immune function.
- Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant medication with potential immunomodulatory effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess immune status in children with severe handicaps.
- To investigate the impact of phenytoin on immune responses in this population.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated peripheral lymphocyte counts, T-cell and B-cell populations.
- Assessed DNCB and Mantoux skin reactions.
- Measured mitogenic transformation with PHA and serum phenytoin levels in 45 children.
Main Results:
- Handicapped children showed significantly depressed skin reactions compared to controls.
- Phenytoin-treated handicapped children had more impaired skin reactions than untreated ones.
- No significant correlation found between skin test results and other immunological parameters.
Conclusions:
- Severe handicaps can compromise cell-mediated immunity in children.
- Phenytoin therapy may exacerbate immune depression in handicapped children.
- Further research is needed to understand the specific mechanisms involved.