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Background: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) accounts for 5-10% in all congenital heart diseases in term infants. It is one of the most prevalent congenital heart problems. PDA is more common in preterm newborns and has an inverse relationship with gestational age and weight. The fetus's normal development depends on the preservation of ductal patency. On the other hand, prolonged patency of the ductus arteriosus (DA) in a newborn is linked to a high rate of morbidity and death. Normally, the DA constricts at birth, causing intraluminal ischemia hypoxia, which ultimately causes the ductus to close and remodel. PDA is typically linked to immaturity in preterm infants, although it is typically associated with a functional impairment in mature infants. Prematurity modifies the normal physiological factors that contribute to closure, such as reduced prostaglandins and oxygen tension. Murmurs, tachycardia, bounding peripheral pulses, congestive heart failure, and its accompanying symptoms are clinical indicators of ductal patency. Since symptoms may not usually manifest, diagnostic imaging is essential if a PDA is suspected based on clinical criteria. Conclusion: There are now three approaches for managing PDA: medicinal intervention, surgical ligation, and fluid restriction and diuretics (when clinically appropriate). The administration of intravenous indomethacin or ibuprofen lysine can result in pharmacologic closure. While the efficacy of both medications is comparable, ibuprofen lysine has shown a better safety profile than indomethacin, especially when it comes to renal consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anemia is common complication in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) mainly anemia of chronic disease (ACD), but iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is also common. Soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) is important marker for IDA. This study aims to evaluate the utility of soluble transferrin Receptor-Ferritin Indices as markers of IDA and for differentiation ACD from IDA in childern with chronic kidney disease. Methods: cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Pediatric Nephrology at Zagazig University Hospital including 45 anemic children (19 ACD, 13 IDA and 13 mixed). The duration of the study ranges from 6 to 12 months, Soluble serum transferrin receptor and Soluble serum transferrin receptor index were measured. Results: There was significant difference regard sTfR and sTfR index IDA group were significantly higher than other two groups then mixed and finally ACD were significantly lower. Conclusion: sTfR value was useful tool for assessment of iron status in patients with CKD, however, they are at best complementary to the existing indices of serum ferritin and TSAT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) have a higher risk of cardiac problems, such as left heart failure. Clinical prognostic significance can be found in the examination of the left ventricle utilising conventional two-dimensional echocardiography, tissue doppler and two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography along with monitoring NT-proBNP level. Objectives: This study aimed to accurately evaluate of cardiac functions in children with JIA compared to matched healthy controls. Subjects and methods: This case control study was conducted at Department of Pediatrics, Cardiology Unit, Rheumatology clinic and Clinical Pathology Department at Zagazig University Hospital on forty children who were allocated into two groups: control group: Twenty apparently normal, healthy children matched to case regarding to age and sex and case group: Twenty children with Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and on regular follow-up once/month. NT-proBNP and echocardiography were assessed for all children. Results: There was significant variations were detected between case and control groups for TAPSE and TAPSE/RVSP ratio, which were lower in the case group, and RVSV, LVEDD, LVESD, LVEDV, and LVESV, which was higher in the case group. No remarkable variations were observed for TR. There was no marked variations between both groups concerning LV longitudinal strain, LV size, right and left ventricle free wall longitudinal axes strain velocities using 2D speckle tracking except Rv4csl that was significant higher in cases than control (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Regular cardiac monitoring is crucial in the early detection and management of heart disease in JIA cases, findings from an echocardiogram can help justify aggressive treatment for young cases diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and assess the progression of the disease in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) is the most common form of podocytopathy in children. Although the dramatic response to steroid therapy, steroid resistance occurs in 10% to 30% of cases. Hemopexin is a plasma β-1 glycoprotein circulating in serum. Hemopexin has been discovered to influence glomerular basement membrane permeability to albumin. This study aimed to examine the relation between plasma hemopexin (Hx) and the course of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome and assess the relation between plasma hemopexin levels and steroid insensitivity. Patient and methods: This a case control study, included 39 children which were allocated to two groups A and B, in addition to the control group C. Group (A) included 13 newly diagnosed patients with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS). Group (B) included 13 new patients with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS). The control group (Group C) included 13 normal children. All participants underwent full history taking, clinical examination, laboratory investigations, then whole blood samples were taken to estimate plasma hemopexin levels by ELISA technique. The statistical analysis done to interpret the results. Results: The plasma hemopexin level was higher in steroid resistant cases than in the steroid sensitive with a Signiant difference<0.001.Conclusions: Serum hemopexin level gives a predictive information about the course of INS, and produces a guide for nephrologists to prevent excessive glucocorticoid-induced toxicity and earlier switching to more effective substitute therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Congenital heart diseases (CHD) account for one third of all congenital anomalies. Doppler and Tissue Doppler evaluate cardiac performance and diagnose CHD. Study aim: evaluation ventricular functions in congenital heart diseases using tricuspid plane systolic excursion TAPSI and tissue Doppler-derived left ventricular myocardial performance index MPI. Methods: The study was performed at Pediatric Cardiology Unit of Zagazig University Hospitals on 70 age and sex matched children classified into case group included 35 patients with CHD and control group included 35 healthy children underwent complete history, conventional echocardiographic and tissue Doppler examination. Results: There was increase in cases regarding interventricular septum (IVS) and decrease in left ventricular diameter at end diastole (LVDd), left ventricular diameter at end systole (LVDs), right pulmonary artery diameter (RPA) and left atrium diameter more than control group with no difference in between regarding: posterior wall diameter (PW), fractional shortening (FS), main pulmonary artery diameter, left pulmonary artery diameter (LPA) and aorta diameter. There was a highly significant decrease in TAPSE in case more than control group and significant decrease in ejection time (ET) with no significant difference between case and control group regarding LV MPI. Conclusions: TAPSE is lower in cases compared with control group indicating longitudinal RV dysfunction. The value of LV MPI was slightly higher than that of control that need further studies with a larger number of patients.LV FS did not show any abnormality in cases pointing out ability of tissue Doppler echocardiography to measure segmental LV dysfunction compared to conventional echocardiography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Incidences of death and morbidity are high worldwide for acute neuroinflammatory disorders like encephalitis. The most helpful fluid for examining brain metabolism is cerebral spinal fluid, which also offers a crucial chance to identify neuro-inflammation in conditions affecting the human central nervous system. This study aimed to assess the role of nitric oxide as a cerebrospinal fluid metabolomics in diagnosis of neuroinflammatory diseases. methods: This case-control study was conducted in the neurology unit in the pediatric and clinical pathology departments of Zagazig University Hospital on 52 cases with neuroinflammatory conditions, they were equally divided into two groups; Control group included 26 patients (16 males and 10 females) with gray and white matter diseases and a case group of 26 patients (12 males and 14 females) with inflammatory neurological diseases. Cerebrospinal fluid was analysis by ELISA to assay the level of Nitric oxide in samples. Results: This study revealed that cerebrospinal fluid Nitric oxide levels, along with CSF Protein and CSF Cell Count, were significantly elevated in children with inflammatory neurological diseases compared to those with grey and white matter neurological conditions p<0.05. CSF Nitric oxide, with a cut-off level of ≥60.38 (mol/l), emerges as a highly sensitive (100%) and reasonably specific (88.5%) biomarker for discriminating neuroinflammatory diseases in children from other neurological conditions. Conclusions: Can be used CSF Nitric oxide as a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring neuroinflammatory disorders in pediatric patients, offering a potential avenue for early intervention and improved patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Over 300 million individuals worldwide suffer from asthma. Furthermore, during the past three decades, western nations have demonstrated increased prevalence. 7.7% of people in Egypt's Nile Delta were found to have bronchial asthma. Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) may be crucial for the respiratory system, according to several studies. FSTL1 controls the maturation of alveoli, cartilage, and the development of the lungs. This study aimed to evaluate follistatin like protein 1 level in the serum of pediatric patients with asthma and determine its association to asthma severity. Methods: This case-control study was carried out on 60 children at pulmonology unit in pediatric department and clinical pathology department, Zagazig University Children Hospital in the period from May 2020 to June 2022. They were divided into group A: Consisted of 45 asthmatic children subdivided into 3 groups (mild -- moderate -- severe) and group B: consisted of 15 age and sex matched healthy children. Results: There was highly statistically significant increased FST level in severe group when compared with moderate group, mild group, and control group. Conclusion: In asthmatics, plasma FSTL1 levels were higher and positively correlated with severity of asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nephrotic syndrome is a common pediatric kidney condition t. It happens in young children and adolescents. The goal of this research was to investigate the diagnostic value of urinary MCP-1 in pediatric patients with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Methods: At the pediatric nephrology outpatient clinic and the pediatric nephrology unit, this case-control study was carried out at Zagazig University hospitals on children attending at pediatric inpatient and outpatient clinics. They were divided into three groups: group A, which consisted of 27 nephrotic patients in remission; group B, which consisted of 27 nephrotic patients who were active and experiencing either their first attack or relapses; and group C, which consisted of 27 sex- and age-matched healthy children who were present at a general pediatric clinic. Results: There is a statistically significant difference in urinary monocyte chemotactic Protein 1. The best cutoff of urinary monocyte chemotactic protein 1 in the diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome is ≥79 with the area under curve 1, sensitivity 100%, specificity 96.3%, positive predictive value 98.2%, negative predictive value 100%, and overall accuracy 98.8%. The best cutoff steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome by using urine monocyte chemotactic protein 1 as a diagnostic marker is ≥512 with area under curve 0.992, sensitivity 96.3%, specificity 88.9%, positive predictive value 89.7%, negative predictive value 96%, and overall accuracy 92.6%. Conclusions: The findings imply that urine MCP-1 levels can differentiate between patients with active disease and those who are in remission, as well as between cases of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome and cases of steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The newest coronavirus-caused SARS outbreak was first reported in December 2019 (COVID-19). The Director-General of the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic of COVID-19 three months after the first cases were identified. It is still not apparent how exactly COVID-19 causes coagulopathy, they may be similar to those which cause septic coagulopathy/disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) when bacteria are present. Endothelial cells have an abundance of the receptor Tyrosine Kinase Tie2. Additionally, it is expressed by a certain subpopulation of macrophages and has been shown to facilitate angiogenesis. Objective: Review of coagulopathy with COVID19 and Tyrosine Kinase Receptor Tie2. Methods: We scoured scholarly papers and databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct for information on COVID19 and Tyrosine Kinase Receptor. Between March 2016 and February 2023, however, only the latest or most comprehensive study was considered. The authors also assessed the usefulness of references taken from similar books. Documents written in languages other than English have been overlooked because of a lack of funding to translate them. Unpublished articles, oral talks, conference abstracts, and dissertations were all generally agreed upon not to constitute valid scientific investigation. Conclusion: Extreme cases of COVID-19 are characterized by microvascular thrombosis and accompanying endothelial dysfunction. Signaling through the Tie2 receptor helps keep the endothelial surface anticoagulant in a constitutive state. Angiopoietin-2 (Angpt-2) is a prothrombotic phenotypic switch induced by the Tie2 antagonist produced from endothelial cells during inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pediatric acute heart failure is now being increasingly recognized as an important source of healthcare resource utilization. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) continues to be the dominant biomarker in pediatric heart failure. This study aimed to prove the role of BNP in diagnosis and prognosis of congestive heart failure in children. Method: This case-control study was performed in Zagazig University Hospitals and include 60 infants and children who were divided into 2 groups: group 1 consisted of 30 children diagnosed by congestive heart failure, and group 2 consisted of 30 age and sex-matched apparently healthy children. Serum BNP levels were measured for both groups with assessment of the cardiac function, CBC, CRP and serum creatine level. Results: BNP is significantly higher among CHF patients compared to controls. BNP is found to be higher in patients with severe heart failure compared to moderate and mild HF patients with significant correlation. BNP is found to be higher among congestive heart disease patients with sensitivity of 93.3% and specificity of 76%. BNP is a significant independent diagnostic parameter for CHF. BNP is found to be non-significant prognostic factor for children with CHF. Conclusions: BNP continues to be the dominant biomarker in pediatric heart failure. BNP is a significant diagnostic marker in diagnosis of heart failure, while it found to be non-significant prognostic factor in CHF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pediatric Heart Failure Index (PHFI) and Modified Ross Score are a validated rating measures for evaluating pediatric heart failure that are useful because they can promote the assessment of treatment and analysis of outcomes. The present work aimed to evaluate the specificity and sensitivity of Modified Ross and Paediatric Heart Failure Index for quantifying severity of heart failure using pro-B-type Natriuretic peptide. Methods: A comparative study was conducted on 48 patients (26 males and 22 females) with congestive heart failure whose ages ranged from 4 months till 2 years, all cases have the Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) inclusion criteria. They were submitted to complete history taking, physical examination, X- ray chest and heart, ECG, echocardiography, classification of CHF severity according to PHFI Score, Modified Ross Score and laboratory investigations. The laboratory investigations were a routine such as: CBC and a special investigation as NT-pro-BNP serum level using NT-pro-BNP ELISA kit Results: our study showed a statistically significant positive correlation between M-ROSS scale and pro-BNP levels. There was a high statistically significant positive correlation between PHFI diagnostic scale and pro-BNP level and HR among studied patients. There is a positive correlation between PHFI score and modified Ross score According to modified Ross score. BOTH scores showed high ability to detect severe cases, as PHFI accuracy reaching up to 94.5% and, while accuracy of M-Ross was 90.5%. Conclusion: The study revealed that PHFI was more significant correlation with NT-proBNP than M-ROSS, so PHFI seems more accurate and sensitive to severe cases than M-ROSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anemic pregnant women, especially those with severe anemia, will be at risk of low physical activity, increased maternal morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, both pregnant women and their neonates have negative effects including fetal anemia, low birth weight, premature delivery, restriction of intrauterine development, and perinatal mortality. Anemia can be effectively avoided and easily detected in a timely manner. The aim of this work was early detection and treatment of iron deficiency anemia among pregnant women attending Diarb Negm centeral hospital. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted in Obstetrics and Gynecology and clinical pathology department Diarb Negm Central Hospital from January 2018 till June 2018 at on 269 pregnant women C.B.C was done for them non iron deficiency anemia was 164 pregnant women (61%) Iron deficiency anemia was 105 pregnant women (39%) mild cases 62 maderate cases 41 and sever cases 2 oral treatment was given for mild cases IV & Im Iron was given for moderate cases and Blood transfusion for sevener cases. Results: In our study, prevalence of IDA in study participants was 18.6%. Nearly half of anemic patients had moderate anemia, which is higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) median prevalence rate of 32.6 percent. Conclusions: The majority of cases of anemia are this research, socioeconomic determinants. Therefore, in women attending for delivery at term, they should be considered as major risk factors of anemia. These women should be encouraged to start antenatal care early after conception in order to allow enough time to restore iron stores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is a significant cause of pregnancy mortality and maternal and fetal morbidity. The aim of this work was to assess whether mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width during pregnancy could be used as markers for prediction of development of preeclampsia. Methods: A prospective cohort study was carried out to assess the probability of development of preeclampsia =13week with changes in platelet volume and distribution width in pregnant women, at maternity unit of obstetric and gynecology department, Zagazig University hospitals during the period from May 2017 till February 2018. 40 Pregnant women =13 week of gestation were invited to participate; 40 women accepted. At their 1st antenatal care visit, complete blood count test was taken for measurement of platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), blood pressure was measured as well as urine albumin test by urinary dipstick was taken. Results: The correlation between high MPV and development of preeclampsia was highly significant; it showed a high specificity of 86.7% and a sensitivity of 100% with a p < 0.0001, the correlation between high PDW and development of preeclampsia was highly significant and the cut-off value of MPV was 9.2fl and above and PDW was above 17.7, it showed a high specificity of 93.3% and a sensitivity of 96% with a p < 0.0001. Conclusions: Among platelet indices, the PDW are higher in pregnant women who developed later preeclampsia. Therefore, MPV& PDW measurement may contribute significantly in the identification of at-risk women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common eczematous skin disease that is chronically relapsing. Interleukin - 1-beta (IL-1β) is a pivotal agonist member of the IL-1 family that plays a master role in the induction of an adequate immune response to regulate the sweeping of the diseased cells physiologically. Objective: The aim was to clarify the possible participation of a certain IL (IL-1 beta) in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. Patients and Methods: This case-control study has been conducted in the Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology Department at Zagazig University Hospitals. Our present study included 30 atopic patients and 30 apparently healthy control subjects of matched age and sex. Serum IL-1β level was measured. Results: Gender had no significant effect on serum Il-1β in all groups. Duration of the disease showed a non-significant positive one in atopic patients. The severity of the disease showed a significant positive correlation in atopic patients and similarly, the disease score did. There was a significant difference in serum IL-1β among the three degrees of severity in a topic patients. Conclusion: IL-1β serum level was found in patients with moderate to severe cases of atopic dermatitis, marking the systemic inflammatory nature of these diseases. On the other hand, IL-1β serum level was around normal values in the control group. These mentioned findings were supported by the statistical evaluations on the relationship between serum IL-1β level, severity scores of AD (SCORAD score) and clinical observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lupus nephritis is clinically evident in 50-60% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and it is histologically evident in most SLE patients, even those without clinical manifestations of renal disease. (See the image below.) Evaluating renal function in SLE patients is important because early detection and treatment of renal involvement can significantly improve renal outcome. Lupus nephritis (LN) appears to be one of the most common and serious complications of SLE, and it is associated with increased rate of morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis of SLE and also LN at very early stage and obtaining a correct assessment of renal flaring remain great challenges because of the serological and clinical heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psoriasis is a common chronic immune mediated papulosquamous disease that affects 2-3% of the population. The exact cause of psoriasis is still unclear, but it is considered a disease of dysregulated inflammation which is driven and maintained by interaction among multiple components of immune system in genetically predisposed individuals. Adipose tissue is an active endocrine organ contributing to the regulation of multiple metabolic pathways via self-produced bioactive products called adipokine. Adiponectin of adipose origin has the highest circulating concentration among the known adipokines. Adiponectin regulates skin inflammation especially IL-17-related psoriasiform dermatitis. Objective: This study was aimed to estimate the serum level of Adiponectin and detect its correlation with activity of psoriatic patients. Patients and Methods: This case control study included a total of 50 patients with psoriasis and 50 healthy individuals, attending at Outpatient Clinic, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology in collaboration with Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University Hospitals. This study was conducted between November 2019 to November 2020. Psoriasis severity was classified according to psoriatic area and severity index (PASI) score. Serum level of adiponectin was determined by ELISA for both groups. Results: The results revealed that control group had significantly higher level of adiponectin than psoriasis patients. There was a negative significant correlation between adiponectin and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI score) (p <0.001**). Sensitivity of adiponectin in diagnosis of psoriasis was 94%, specificity was 90% and accuracy was 92%. Conclusion: Adiponectin measurement in serum of patients with psoriasis provides a tool for monitoring disease activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Platelets are heterogeneous in size, density, metabolic, functional, and biochemical properties. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a measure of the average size of platelet in a blood sample. Aim: We aimed to evaluate the mean platelet volume as a marker for disease activity in children with systemic lupus erythematosus. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective case-control study, which included 50 patients with SLE and 50 age and sex, matched healthy controls. All subjects were subjected to history taking, physical examination and laboratory parameters in active and remission phases of the diseases. Results: The MPV value in the SLE group was significantly higher than control group (9.6 ± 1.3 fL, 9.1 ± 0.57 fL, respectively, p = 0.04). There was a significant increase of weight, blood pressure, urea, creatinine, proteinuria, CRP, ESR, cholestrol, MPV values, SLEDAI-2K scores and significant decrease of HB, albumin, C3, mean platelet volume (MPC) in the active stage than in the remission stage. There was a significant negative correlation between MPV and MPC in active stage of the disease but the correlation was insignificant in remission stage. Conclusion: MPV increased in active phase of patients with SLE and can be an easy, rapid, inexpensive and simple method to assess disease activity in children with SLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Warts are benign epithelial proliferations of the skin and mucosa caused by infection with HPV. Low IL‐17 levels may contribute in occurrence, maintenance, severity, and recurrence of different types of cutaneous wart that depend mainly on the cell‐mediated immunity defect. In a majority of the patients, zinc deficiency was associated with persistent, progressive, or recurrent viral warts. A careful dose of oral zinc sulfate may be helpful in the management of such patients. Zn deficiency negatively affects the Th17 cells. IL 6 induced STAT3 activation during chronic inflammation and Th17 development suppressed by Zn via attenuating this activation critically controls Th17‐cell development. Objectives: To evaluate the role of interleukin 17 and zinc in recalcitrant warts. Patents and methods: All studied patients were subjected to history taking and dermatological examination. The evaluation of serum IL‐17 level was done by ELISA in 25 recalcitrant wart patients and 25 wart patients. The measurement of serum zinc level was determined by colorimetric methods, using Au 480 Beckman coulter chemistry analyzer. Results: The results revealed a significant decrease in serum IL‐17 and zinc levels in recalcitrant wart patients. Conclusion: Both IL‐17 and zinc deficiency have a role in the pathogenesis of recalcitrant warts through the imbalance of immune system and deficiency of immune cells. There is no significant correlation between serum levels of IL‐17 and zinc, suggesting that they have different mechanisms in affecting the immune system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Burkitt lymphoma (BL) represents the most common pathological type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in our region. Recently, high success rates have been achieved in BL treatment. Little is known about long-term renal dysfunction in this vulnerable group. In the present study, we tried to detect early chronic kidney diseases (CKD) among BL survivors by using novel screening modalities. Patients and methods:we investigated 53 children (aged 10 ± 2.8 years, 34 boys) who successfully treated for Burkitt lymphoma, based on LMB96 protocol, as “patient group” and 30 children as control. All eligible participants were subjected to history taking, physical assessment, and routine laboratory investigations including urine analysis, serum creatinine. Estimated glomerular filtration rates using new Schwartz formula (GFRCKD) were calculated and chronic kidney disease prevalence was diagnosed accordingly. Also, serum Cystatin-C (Cys-C) and neutrophil-gelatinase-associated Lipocalin (NGAL) were determined as novel markers aiming at early and accurate detection of CKD in BL survivors. Results:After 18.3 ± 5.2 months of BL cytotoxic therapy completion, almost one fifth of asymptomatic BL survivors showed evidence of subclinical CKD when estimated GFRCKD(16.9%), serum Cystatin-C (15%) and serum neutrophil-gelatinase-associated Lipocalin (18.8%) were used for kidney function monitoring. This prevalence was four to fivefolds higher than that detected by routine serum creatinine screening (3.7%). Significant persistent albuminuria was diagnosed at 4/53 (7.5.3%) of BL survivors and asymptomatic hypertension was reported in 1/53 (1.9%) of them compared to none of the controls. Positive correlation could be displayed between serum Cys-C and serum NGAL. Conversely, negative correlations between both of them and estimated GFRCKDwere documented. Conclusion:Novel modalities such new Schwartz formula (GFRCKD) estimation, serum Cys-C, and serum NGAL assessment should be incorporated in the routine follow-up screening for CKD among BL survivors for accurate diagnosis of such detrimental morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Neonatal sepsis is defined as a clinical syndrome of bacteremia with systemic signs and symptoms of infection in the first 4 weeks of life. Alpha-1 acid glycoprotein is one of the lipocalin family and members of acutephase protein; it appears to function in modulating the activity of the immune system during the acute phase reaction. Objective: This study aimed to assess α-1AGP as a marker in the diagnosis of EOS. Patients and Methods: This study was a prospective case-control study conducted on full-term neonates up to 7 days of life, admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Zagazig University Hospitals. The studied neonates were divided into 3 groups first confirmed cases (20) of early-onset sepsis, confirmed clinically and with a positive blood culture. Second suspected cases (20), with clinical features of sepsis and non-specific lab markers. Third group control (20), are apparently healthy term newborns, delivered in the Zagazig University Hospital. Alpha-1 acid glycoprotein was measured for all neonates. Results: There was a statistically significant difference among the studied groups as regard alpha one acid glycoprotein. It is a good diagnostic marker detection of cases. Conclusion: Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein appeared to be a useful marker for the early detection and diagnosis of earlyonset neonatal sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: When melanocytes cease to operate, vitiligo develops. It is a skin and mucosa depigmentation condition. Any area of the body can develop well-circumscribed white macules or patches in this disease. Approximately 1-2 percent of the population is affected by Vitiligo. Suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2), a newly discovered member of the interleukin-1 (IL-1) family, acts as a receptor for the IL-1 receptor-like 1 protein (also known as IL-1RL1) while also acting as a ligand for the interleukin-1 receptor-like 1 protein (also known as IL-1RL1) and suppressing tumorigenicity 2. Objective: To study Interleukin 33 (IL-33) in generalized and localized vitiligo patients and to assess their relationship with disease activity. Conclusion: Vitiligo could be associated with increased serum levels of IL-33, which could help as predictor marker of disease activity in vitiligo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Monocytes play an important role in antigen presentation and cytokine production to achieve a proper immune response and are therefore largely implicated in the development and progression of autoimmune diseases such as Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Objectives: To determine the significance of expanded intermediate monocytes as a predictive factor for the poor residual islet β−cell function in children with recent-onset Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Subjects and methods: This study was a case- control study carried out at Pediatric Endocrinology Outpatient Clinic and Clinical Pathology Department, Zagazig University Hospital. It included 20 patients with recent onset T1DM and 20 age and sex matched healthy children as a control group. All studied groups were subjected to full history taking, thorough clinical examination and laboratory investigations in the form of CBC, fasting blood glucose, C-peptide and serum HbA1c levels. Cell-surface monocyte phenotypic analysis was performed after staining with human anti-CD14 and anti-CD16 by flow cytometry. Results: There were highly significant increase in the ratio of intermediate monocytes and significant increase in the ratio of classical, non-classical monocytes in T1DM group compared to control group. Conclusion: The intermediate monocyte population was expanded in pediatric patients with T1DM. As these cells were shown to have pro-inflammatory activity, they are likely to be implicated in the impaired function of β-cells, with deleterious consequences for the development of T1DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]