Serum Levels In Children Research Articles

Genetic Variations and Serum Levels of Leptin and Ghrelin in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

This study aims to examine leptin and ghrelin gene polymorphisms and serum levels in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study comprised a case group of 40 children aged 2-7 diagnosed with ASD and a control group of 40 healthy children. The severity of ASD symptoms was assessed using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale and the Autism Behavior Checklist. Leptin and ghrelin gene variants were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) methods. Serum ghrelin and leptin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. In this study, gene polymorphisms and allele frequencies were examined, and no significant difference was found (P > .05 for all). Our findings indicated no significant difference in leptin serum levels between the groups (P = .584). However, ghrelin serum levels were significantly lower in the ASD group (P = .027). Receiver operating curve analysis to determine the cutoff value of serum ghrelin level as a diagnostic indicator for ASD resulted in a cutoff value of 885.7 pg/mL with 42.50% sensitivity and 85% specificity (P = .021). No significant relationship was found between leptin and ghrelin serum levels and the severity of ASD (P > .05 for all). Our study is the first to evaluate leptin and ghrelin gene polymorphisms in ASD. Our findings indicate no association between leptin and ghrelin gene polymorphisms and ASD. However, our study suggests that ghrelin serum levels may potentially contribute to the etiology of ASD. More research is needed to understand the role of leptin and ghrelin in ASD.

Evaluation of serum zinc levels in hospitalized children with bacterial pneumonia, Urmia, Iran

Background: Pneumonia in children causes 30% of deaths worldwide, and the role of zinc as a micronutrient in treating pneumonia is unclear. Zinc improves immune system function and deficiency increases infectious disease risk and growth. This study aims to determine zinc serum levels in children hospitalized with pneumonia and compare them with those without pneumonia. Methods: A case-control study was conducted on 100 children aged 1 to 59 months between January and July 2022. 50 children were admitted to Urmia Motahari Hospital in Iran with pneumonia, while 50 other children were studied as a control group. Zinc levels were measured in two groups, and the data was analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The study found that the average zinc level in the case group was 67.35 ± 42.03, while in the control group it was 93.26 ± 41.80. The control group had a significantly higher zinc level. Hospitalization for more than 10 days was significantly lower than hospitalization for less than 10 days. Patients with complications had lower serum zinc levels, with significant differences in empyema, pleural effusion, and ventilation. Patients with wheezing, stridor, cyanosis, sleep disorder, and lethargy also had lower zinc levels. Conclusion: The average level of zinc in children with pneumonia was significantly lower than the control group.

Assessment of Brain Natriuretic Peptide Serum Levels in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease

Assessment of Brain Natriuretic Peptide Serum Levels in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease

Serum vitamin D levels in children with vernal keratoconjunctivitis - A study from a tertiary care pediatric hospital of North India.

To study the levels of vitamin D serum levels in children with vernal keratoconjuctivits (VKC) and comparing vitamin D levels in after giving vitamin D supplements between intervention and control group. The study was conducted in population between 1 to 12 years in tertiary care hospital in North India. Amongst children with VKC, full ocular examination along with Boninis clinical grading of VKC and serum vitamin D levels were assessed. Whole study group was randomly divided into two groups. Intervention group had received vitamin D powder while control group kept under observation. A total of 88 children received vitamin D supplementation and 39 kept in control group. Our study suggests that children in intervention group showed improvement in serum vitamin D levels with the clinical improvement in VKC grading too.

Creatine kinase serum levels in children revisited: New reference intervals from a large cohort of healthy children and adolescents

BackgroundCreatine Kinase (CK) has become increasingly important in pediatrics as a commonly used laboratory screening parameter for neuromuscular diseases. Recent research suggests that hyperCKemia in children is not always associated with pathology and can occur due to several reasons. Little is known of various clinical factors that may influence CK throughout child development. ObjectiveThis study aimed to establish reliable age- and sex-specific reference ranges for serum CK levels in healthy infants, children, and adolescents. In addition, the effect of puberty, oral contraceptive (OC) use as well as steroid hormones on CK was examined. Materials and methodsThe data was collected from subjects of the longitudinal population-based “LIFE Child”-cohort between 2011 and 2016 in Leipzig, Germany. 5238 blood samples of 2707 healthy children, aged between 0.14 months and 18 years, were analyzed. ResultsSerum CK levels raised during the first year of life, peaking shortly after age one (P50girls = 2.7 µkat/L, P50boys = 2.90 µkat/L). There was a pronounced difference in the 97.5th percentile between boys and girls during adolescence with its maximum at age 18 (P97.5girls = 5.74 µkat/L, P97.5boys= 14.48 µkat/L). Also, mean CK serum levels were significantly higher in boys (bboys = 0.29, pboys < 0.001). Intake of oral contraceptives (OC), extreme underweight, underweight and obesity revealed a significant inverse correlation with CK serum levels. ConclusionAge, sex, OC intake and weight status affect serum CK levels, particularly during infancy and puberty. We recommend the use of age- and sex-specific reference values for CK serum levels to assess the clinical relevance of measurements.

Evaluation of copeptin in children after stimulation with clonidine or L-Dopa.

Arginine-stimulated serum copeptin has been proposed as a new method to diagnose arginine vasopressin (AVP) deficiency in children and adolescents. Herein we investigated the secretagogic potential of clonidine or L-Dopa on the copeptin serum levels in children. Eight stimulation tests (4 with clonidine and 4 with L-Dopa) were performed in eight children (5 boys and 3 girls) with a median age of 6.5 years-old, evaluated for short stature due to possible growth hormone deficiency. Serum copeptin levels were measured at 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after administration of clonidine or L-Dopa. Copeptin levels in serum did not show any significant change in either test (clonidine or L-Dopa). The values of copeptin levels compared to the baseline value did not deviate more than 5 % in the clonidine arm (p=0.60) or 8 % in the L-Dopa arm (p=0.75) respectively. Data do not support the use of L-Dopa or clonidine as stimulants for evaluating AVP relating disorders in clinical pediatric practice.

Abnormal Changes in IL-13 and IL-17A Serum Levels in Children with Adenovirus Pneumonia and their Diagnostic Value.

Human adenovirus (HAdV) is an enveloped icosahedral DNA virus. HAdV infection can lead to immune system damage, resulting in decreased numbers and compromised function of T cells and B cells. It can also cause an imbalanced Th1/Th2 ratio and dysregulation of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. To investigate the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-13 and IL-17A in children with HAdV pneumonia. Pediatric patients diagnosed with HAdV pneumonia were divided into a non-severe group or a severe group based on the severity of their condition. Patients in the severe group were further classified into good and poor prognosis subgroups. We collected 2-2.5 mL of venous blood from each patient, which was then centrifuged. Using an ELISA detection kit, we determined the concentrations of IL-13 and IL-17A. Patients with a severe condition exhibited significantly higher serum concentrations of IL-13 and IL-17A than the non-severe cases. Out of 50 severe cases, 32 had good prognoses, while 18 cases showed poor prognoses. Patients with poor prognoses showed significantly higher serum concentrations of IL-13 compared to those with good prognoses. Serum concentrations of IL-13 and IL-17A are potential diagnostic markers for pediatric patients with severe HAdV pneumonia. Additionally, they demonstrate good predictive value for a poor prognosis in severe pneumonia cases.

Vitamin D3 Supplementation and Aquatic Exercise Combination as a Safe- Efficient Therapeutic Strategy to Ameliorate Interleukin-6 and 10, and Social Interaction in Children with Autism.

Increasing evidence demonstrated that there are altered levels of both pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and pointed out that immune dysfunction may also relate to social deficits. This study aimed to investigate the effect of aquatic exercise combined with vitamin D supplementation on social interaction and two related cytokines (Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-10) in children with ASD. Forty boys with ASD (mean age: 10.90; age range: 6-14 years) were randomly assigned to the three interventions (groups 1, 2, and 3) and one control group (each 10 participants). Participants in the group 1 and 3 received a 10-week aquatic exercise program. Subjects in groups 2 and 3 took orally 50,000 IU of vitamin D3/week. This study evaluated the serum levels of IL-6 and IL-10, as well as the participants' social interaction at baseline and post-intervention. Compared to the control group, all three interventions improved social skills scores (p< 0.001). Surprisingly, the combination strategy could significantly reduce IL-6 and increase IL-10 serum levels in children with ASD. Aqua-based exercise programs combined with vitamin D supplementation are recommended to benefit children with ASD and improve social and communication dysfunction.

Importance of Determining Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Serum Levels in Children with Infantile Hemangioma.

Background and Objectives: A potential role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the pathophysiology of infantile hemangiomas (IH) is thought to be plausible. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the importance of determining VEGF serum levels at various stages of IH growth in children. Materials and Methods: A nested case-control study was conducted. For the purposes of the researched target group, samples of fifty (N = 50) children with IH without associated diseases at different stages of hemangioma growth (proliferative and involutional stages) were used. The control group consisted of one hundred (N = 100) healthy children comparable in terms of age and sex, in whom the existence of IH and vascular malformations was ruled out via clinical examination. An immunoassay (ELISA) was used to determine VEGF serum levels in hemangioma growth's proliferation and involution phases. Results: A comparison of serum levels of VEGF in the phases of proliferation and involution in the group of patients with IH did not show a statistically significant difference (p = 0.171). The control group had significantly higher serum VEGF levels than the patient group in both the proliferation phase (p = 0.009) and the involution phase (p = 0.019). In the proliferation phase, a multivariate regression model explained 15% of the variance in the dependent variable, without significant predictor variables, while in the involution phase, it explained 21% of the variance in the dependent variable, and the history of invasive prenatal procedures stood out as a significant predictor variable positively associated with serum VEGF levels (beta coefficient = 0.33; p = 0.043). Conclusions: Although IH is thought to be the result of the dysregulation of angiogenesis and vasculogenesis under the influence of angiogenic factors, especially VEGF, this study did not demonstrate that VEGF serum levels in the proliferation phase of hemangioma growth were higher than those in the involution phase, or in relation to the control group.

VEGF, IGF-1 and FGF-2 Serum Levels in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder with and without Bipolar Disorder.

To investigate serum levels of VEGF, IGF-1 and FGF-2, and relationships with several clinical characteristics in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with and without bipolar disorder (BD). 40 subjects with ASD + BD as study group, and 40 subjects with ASD as control group were included. Serum levels of VEGF, IGF-1, and FGF-2 were measured using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The study group was significantly higher than the control group in terms of ASD severity, self-harming behavior and sleep disturbance. Serum VEGF and FGF-2 levels were significantly higher in the ASD + BD group than in the control group. There was no significant difference in serum IGF-1 levels between the two groups. There was no correlation between VEGF, IGF-1 and FGF-2 serum levels and ASD severity in the study group. However there was a negative correlation between VEGF levels and age at first diagnosis of BD, and a positive correlation between IGF-1 levels and the number of bipolar episodes in the study group. Growth factors like VEGF and FGF-2 may be potential biomarkers of bipolar disorder in young subjects with ASD. Given the difficulty of clinical management of BD in young subjects with ASD, potential biomarkers would help clinicians in the diagnosis and follow up of BD in this special population. Further research is needed whether VEGF and FGF-2 can be potential biomarkers in the clinical management of young subjects with ASD and BD.

549: ANALYSIS OF NEUROPROTECTIVE COLD SHOCK PROTEINS IN A MULTICENTER STUDY OF PEDIATRIC CARDIAC ARREST

Introduction: The efficacy of hypothermic neuroprotection varies by age. Cold exposure stimulates production of cold stress hormones (CSHs) which trigger thermogenesis and may be neuroprotective. FGF21 is a neuroprotective CSH that requires the Beta-klotho (KLB) co-receptor to signal. KLB is abundant in the newborn brain, decreases with age, and is virtually absent in adults. Thus, infants and young children may uniquely benefit from FGF21/KLB mediated neuroprotection. In vitro studies revealed that FGF21 upregulates the powerful neuroprotectant RNA-Binding Motif-3 (RBM3) in developmentally immature neurons (but not mature neurons). We sought to characterize FGF21 and RBM3 serum levels in children after cardiac arrest (CA) and evaluate their interdependence. Methods: Secondary analysis of serum samples collected in a multi-institutional prospective observational study evaluating biomarkers after pediatric CA. We measured FGF21 (Luminex) and RBM3 (ELISA) levels. All patients with serum from at least two timepoints (0-24h, 24-48h, 48-72h) were included. We also included serum from healthy controls. FGF21 and RBM3 levels at each timepoint were compared to controls (Wilcoxon-Ranksum); the relationship between FGF21/RBM3 at each timepoint was also evaluated (Spearman). Results: A total of 296 samples from 111 post-arrest patients were analyzed, and 20 samples from controls. Median age of the post-arrest cohort was 31.3 months (IQR: 6.9-129.9); 37.3 months (IQR: 18.6-63.6) for controls. Median FGF21 levels in the controls was 282pg/mL (IQR: 64-736), and did not differ significantly at 0-24h, 24-48h, and 48-72h (383 [IQR: 72-867], 723 [IQR: 167-1,688] and 552 [IQR: 210-1,225], respectively, P>0.05). Median control RBM3 was 2,944pg/mL (IQR: 969-8,241), and did not differ significantly at 0-24h, 24-48h, and 48-72h (1,538 [IQR: 757-4,146], 1,454 [625-3,543] and 1,526 [IQR: 613-3,591], respectively, P>0.05). FGF21 and RBM3 were correlated at 0-24h and 48-72h (Spearman’s coefficient of 0.384 and 0.223, respectively; P< 0.05 for both). Conclusions: After pediatric CA, serum FGF21 levels trend upward and RBM3 levels downward and correlate at early and late timepoints. Ongoing studies are examining their relationship to age, demographics, CA endophenotype, use of hypothermia, other serum biomarkers, and outcomes.

Vascular endothelial growth factor C gene expression and its serum level as potential biomarkers for obesity in Egyptian children

Background and objectivesObesity is a serious health issue among children, and it's linked to a higher risk of chronic illness. Increased adipose tissue, which is highly vascularized due to angiogenesis, causes adverse health problems. Angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis are regulated by vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C), and poor lymphatic vessel function is linked to increased adipocyte accumulation. Therefore, our study analyzes VEGF-C gene expression and its serum level in children with obesity in Egypt and correlates them with metabolic, clinical, and biochemical parameters. Subjects & methodsWe compared VEGF-C gene expression in blood and its serum level from 50 unrelated children with obesity and 50 normal healthy controls chosen randomly of matched age and gender recruited from Pediatric Clinics, both inpatient and outpatient, Menoufia University, Egypt, from March to June 2021, in a case-control study. The expression levels of VEGF-C mRNA were evaluated using a real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and the serum VEGF-C level was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsFasting plasma glucose, fasting insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triacylglycerol (TAG), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), serum VEGF-C, and VEGF-C expression levels were significantly higher in obese children group compared with the control (P < 0.001). In addition, serum VEGF-C levels were significantly inversely correlated with FT4 (P = 0.009) and significantly directly correlated with total cholesterol (P = 0.005) and LDL-C levels (P = 0.006) in the obese children group. Moreover, VEGF-C expression levels were also significantly inversely correlated with HDL-C levels (P = 0.001) and significantly directly correlated with fasting insulin (P = 0.002) and HOMA-IR (P = 0.001) in the obese children group. ConclusionVEGF-C gene expression and its serum levels could be used for follow-up of obese children with metabolic abnormalities.

Bcl-2 and caspase-9 serum levels in children and adolescents with idiopathic epilepsy and active seizures.

In the present study we investigated the levels of proapoptotic caspase-9 and antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins in the sera of children and adolescents with idiopathic epilepsy and tried to relate the findings to the patients' clinical parameters. This retrospective study consisted of 118 children and adolescents with idiopathic epilepsy, categorized according to type and number of seizures, duration of the disease and the control of seizures and 30 age- and sex-matched controls. The relapse of seizures was taken into consideration. Mean serum level between Bcl-2 and caspase-9 was significantly higher only in Bcl-2 patients, compared to controls (P≤0.0001) and (P=0.987) respectively. Significant difference in Bcl-2 level was found among the different types of focal seizures. Caspase-9 level was statistically different in patients with two or more seizures per month compared to those with one seizure per month (P=0.048). No correlation was found between Bcl-2 and caspase-9 levels and age, gender, seizure frequency, total number of seizures and the duration of epilepsy. No significant difference was found in patients with and without drug treatment. Bcl-2 displays an association with apoptosis and highlights the potential of being a surrogate biomarker for active seizures and epilepsy. There is a significant difference in Bcl-2 serum level among the different types of focal seizures. Proapoptotic caspase-9 cannot act as a marker of active seizures and epilepsy. Caspase-9 serum level is increased acutely in controlled cases after a single relapse.

Analysis of Soluble Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transition Factor and Hepatocyte Growth Factor Serum Levels in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Background: Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) and its receptor, Mesothelial-Epithelial Transition (cMet) factor signaling, play an essential role in controlling synaptogenesis. Objectives: Because of the vital role of HGF and Met signaling in synaptogenesis and spatial learning function of the brain’s hippocampal region, we aimed to study the HGF and soluble cMet (s-cMet) serum levels in children with different stages of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Materials &amp; Methods: A total of 189 ASD patients (mild; n=69, moderate; n=63 and severe; n=57) and 82 control were enrolled in this project. Blood samples were collected from ASD patients referred to Pediatric Neurology Clinic, 17 Shahrivar Hospital, Rasht City, Iran, and serum concentrations of s-cMet and HGF were measured by ELISA. The control children with no clinical characteristics of ASD attended routine blood tests. Results: HGF Mean±SD serum concentration in ASD patients was 239±52.02 pg/mL compared to controls which was 360.04±71.15 pg/mL (P=0.004). Also, the Mean±SD serum concentrations of HGF in mild, moderate, and severe ASD patients were 297.54±69.82, 232.81±56.41, and 189±33.25 ng/mL, respectively, compared to control, which was 360.18±57.40. Besides, the s-cMet Mean±SD serum concentrations in ASD and controls were 143.54±32.50 and 200.25±31.16 pg/mL, respectively (P=0.005). The Mean±SD serum concentrations of s-cMet in the mild, moderate, and severe ASD patients were 172.81±37.69, 129.81±45.55, and 85.18±22.95 ng/mL, respectively, as compared to the control, which was 214.54±34.17 ng/mL. Conclusion: Serum HGF and s-cMet concentration decreased in ASD patients corresponding to disease severity. Also, detecting serum HGF and s-cMet may help classify ASD.

The Relationship Between Serum Level of Interleukin-33 and Allergic Rhinitis and Its Severity in Children

Background: T helper type 2 (Th2) cells are critical cellular elements in allergic rhinitis. Interleukin-33 (IL-33) produces Th2-related cytokines and binds to the ST2 receptors. This is expressed strongly in mastocytes and discerningly in Th2 cells. Through Th2 cells, IL-33 may also have partly involved in immune responses. Objectives: This study aimed to measure the IL-33 serum levels in children suffering from allergic rhinitis and investigate its relationship with the disease. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on a population with the age range of 7-18 years, who referred to the Pediatric Clinic of the Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Kashan, Iran, in 2017. The study sample encompassed 57 patients with allergic rhinitis (case group) and 57 subjects with no allergic rhinitis (control group). The ELISA assay was used to measure the serum level of IL-33 in the case and control groups. Allergic rhinitis was diagnosed by a pediatric immunologist considering the patient’s history and the guidelines set out by the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA). All study data were analyzed with SPSS software version 22. Results: There were significant differences between the two groups in terms of age (P = 0.001), gender (P = 0.0144), family history of atopy (P &lt; 0.001), symptoms duration (P &lt; 0.001), and comorbidities (e.g., atopic dermatitis and asthma) (P &lt; 0.001). Furthermore, compared to the control group, the case group exhibited significantly higher IL-33 serum levels (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: The high serum levels of IL-33 exhibited in patients with allergic rhinitis indicate its involvement in the pathogenesis of the concerned disease.

Корекція рівня забезпеченості вітаміном D у дітей раннього віку з повторними епізодами бронхообструктивного синдрому

Актуальність. Схильність до частих гострих респіраторних вірусних інфекцій (ГРВІ) і, зокрема, повторного перебігу бронхообструктивного синдрому (БОС) у дітей раннього віку залишається актуальним питанням педіатрії. Останнім часом серед факторів ризику повторних епізодів БОС особлива увага приділяється вивченню рівня забезпеченості вітаміном D (VD, 25-гідроксивітамін-D (25(ОН)D). Нещодавні дослідження демонструють зв’язок між низьким рівнем VD і підвищеною сприйнятливістю до вірусних інфекцій. Водночас питання щодо вивчення необхідності корекції статусу VD у дітей із повторним БОС є досі не вивченим. Мета. Вивчення рівня забезпеченості VD та ефективності корекції його порушень у дітей раннього віку з повторними епізодами БОС. Матеріали та методи. Обстежено 120 дітей віком від 6 місяців до 3 років із клінічним діагнозом «гострий обструктивний бронхіт». Пацієнти були розподілені на дві групи (1-ша група — 60 дітей з епізодичним БОС (менше 3 епізодів протягом року), 2-га група — 60 дітей із повторним БОС (3 і більше епізодів протягом року)). Групу контролю становили 30 клінічно здорових дітей віком від 6 місяців до 3 років. Усім хворим проводили оцінку анамнестичних даних і в тому числі тих, що впливають на рівень забезпеченості VD. Визначали концентрацію 25(OH)D у сироватці крові електрохемілюмінесцентним методом на аналізаторі Cobas e411 (серійний номер 1041-24, виробник — Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Німеччина). Методом простої рандомізації із групи з повторним БОС обрано 30 пацієнтів (2а група), яким призначали препарат вітаміну D3 у дозі 1000 МО щодня протягом року, за винятком літніх місяців. Тривалість катамнестичного спостереження — 12 місяців. Ефективність застосування вітаміну D3 оцінювали на підставі динаміки респіраторної захворюваності, частоти епізодів БОС, а також за динамікою показників сироваткового рівня 25(OH)D. При аналізі отриманих даних використовували непараметричні статистичні критерії. Різниця між показниками, що порівнювались, вважалась вірогідною при р &lt; 0,05. Результати. Більшість пацієнтів із повторним перебігом захворювання (56,6 %) мали 4 епізоди БОС за останні 12 місяців. Середній вміст 25(OH)D у сироватці крові в дітей 1-ї групи становив 33,0 (28,19; 41,97) нг/мл, 2-ї групи — 13,68 (7,96; 19,51) нг/мл (p &lt; 0,001). Аналіз анамнестичних показників, які впливають на рівень VD, виявив, що ймовірність недостатності або дефіциту VD у дітей раннього віку з БОС, які не отримують вітамін D, набагато вища, ніж у дітей, які приймають його щодня в дозі 500–1000 МО (OR = 0,047; 95% СІ 0,018–0,126; р &lt; 0,001). Виявлено зворотну залежність між рівнем VD як із частотою БОС (r = –0,27, р = 0,002), так і з віком обстежених пацієнтів (r = –0,33, р = 0,009). У дітей 2-ї групи середня частота епізодів ГРВІ за останній рік була вище, ніж у пацієнтів 1-ї групи (4,5 (3,0;5,5) і 3 (2,0;5,0) відповідно, р &lt; 0,001), при цьому виявлено, що середній рівень 25(OH)D у сироватці крові мав тенденцію до більш низьких показників за наявності 5 і більше епізодів ГРВІ на рік. Після прийому препарату вітаміну D3 у більшості пацієнтів відзначалось зменшення частоти БОС до 1–2 епізодів протягом року, а також зниження респіраторної захворюваності на 50 %. Ми виявили, що після застосування вітаміну D3 спостерігалось вірогідне зростання концентрації сироваткового рівня 25(OH)D порівняно з його рівнем, визначеним на початку дослідження (25,11 (12,14; 42,47) нг/мл і 13,93 (9,60; 20,5) нг/мл відповідно, p = 0,002 за Т-критерієм Вілкоксона). Висновки. Преважна більшість пацієнтів із повторним перебігом БОС мають дефіцит VD, що може розглядатись як предиктор повторних епізодів захворювання. На рівень забезпеченості VD найбільшою мірою впливає рівень його саплементації. Дітям раннього віку, які часто хворіють на ГРВІ, і в тому числі з повторним БОС, важливо оцінювати анамнестичні дані щодо застосування вітаміну D та при необхідності визначати рівень 25(OH)D у сироватці крові. Встановлено, що при зниженні сироваткової концентрації 25(OH)D кількість епізодів БОС і ГРВІ зростає. Також рівень VD має тенденцію до більш низьких показників при збільшенні віку пацієнтів. Щоденний прийом 1000 МО вітаміну D3 протягом 12 місяців сприяє зменшенню частоти ГРВІ і в тому числі епізодів БОС у дітей раннього віку.

Neurotransmitter serum levels in children with recurrent upper respiratory tract infections

Background. Schoolchildren are prone to frequent respiratory tract diseases. In the structure of general morbidity, this pathology ranks first. Its prevalence is more than 60 %, which leads to frequent school absenteeism, lack of active games and outdoor walks. So, there is an increase in the amount of time that a child spent on means of mass electronic communication and electronic games, resulting in high affection and addiction, forming hypodynamia, which in aggregate has a negative impact on the regulatory systems functioning. Recurrent upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) contribute to the strain of neuro-endocrine-immune regulation, causing an imbalance of neuropeptides — mediators of neurogenic inflammation. The purpose of this work is to study the neurogenic inflammation parameters in schoolchildren with functional disorders of the cardiovascular system and recurrent respiratory tract diseases. Materials and methods. We surveyed 130 children with URTI aged 6 to 9 years in the somatic well-being period. The analysis of the contents of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), substance P and final stable metabolites of nitric oxide (FSM NO) in serum was carried out. An increase in substance P level in children with recurrent URTI was found, which had statistically significant differences with the healthy children indices (p &lt; 0.05). Results. It has been found that high concentration of substance P increases the risk of recurrent URTI. It has been proved that in children with recurrent URTI due to increased FSM NO serum content that has a pro-inflammatory orientation, there is an increased neurogenic inflammation activity. It was found that the reliable reduction in the content of VIP as an anti-inflammatory transmitter in children with recurrent URTI can not suppress the activity of neurogenic inflammation, resulting in its excessive stimulation. Conclusions. Children with recurrent URTI in the somatic well-being period have increased serum levels of substance Р and FSM NO. In the somatic well-being period in schoolchildren with recurrent URTI, a decrease in the concentration of anti-inflammatory neuropeptide VIP is observed.

Myostatin serum levels in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) can cause several complications, among them myopathy, which can appear even in adolescents. This is of importance, since skeletal muscle is the largest of the insulin-sensitive tissues and thus plays a significant role in glucose homeostasis. A prime regulator of skeletal muscle mass is myostatin, a protein which has a negative role in skeletal muscle development but also in glucose homeostasis, causing insulin resistance. Since myopathy is a complication of T1DM and myostatin is a fundamental regulator of skeletal muscle and is also involved in glucose homeostasis, we investigated the serum levels of myostatin in children with T1DM. We determined myostatin serum levels using ELISA in 87 children with T1DM aged 10.62 ± 3.94years, and in 75 healthy children aged 10.46 ± 3.32years old. Myοstatin was significantly elevated in T1DM compared to the healthy control children (23.60 ± 7.70 vs 16.74 ± 6.95ng/ml, p < 0.0001). Myostatin was not correlated with body mass index (BMI) SD or hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Children with T1DM have significantly higher serum levels of myostatin compared to healthy children of the same age and BMI SD. The elevated myostatin in T1DM could reflect impaired muscle function and/or glucose metabolism, or could represent a homeostatic mechanism.

Effect of acute and chronic liver diseases on the thyroid function in children

BackgroundThyroid hormones modulate hepatic function through regulation of basal metabolic rate in addition; the liver metabolizes the thyroid hormones and regulates their endocrine effects.ObjectivesTo assess thyroid functions in children with acute and chronic liver diseases.Methods85 studied children were divided into 4 groups; group 1 (20 children) with acute hepatitis (AH), group 2 (20 children) chronic liver disease1 (CLD1; relatively preserved liver functions including Child-Pugh stage A), group 3 (20 children) chronic liver disease2 (CLD2; includes Child-Pugh stage B or C), group 4 (25 children) controls. All groups were subjected to detailed history, physical examination, Complete blood count, liver, renal function tests, viral markers, and thyroid functions (FT3, FT4, TSH).ResultsFree T3 levels were lower in children with AH, CLD1 and CLD2. There was significant increase in TSH serum levels in CLD2.In acute hepatitis a negative correlation between serum free T4 and AST (r = -0.991), positive correlation between serum TSH and AST, VLDL, and cholesterol levels (r= 0.503, 0.533 and 0.498). A positive correlation between free T3 levels and prothrombin concentration (r= 0.991). Negative correlations between free T3 levels and PT, serum bilirubin and LDL serum levels in children with CLD2 (r= -0.992) (r= -0.902) and (r= -0.946)ConclusionAcute and chronic liver diseases affect thyroid function in children and is correlated with the disease severity.

Assessment of Interleukin-34 Serum level In Children with Systemic lupus Erythematosus

Assessment of Interleukin-34 Serum level In Children with Systemic lupus Erythematosus