Serum Hepcidin Level as a Marker of Iron Status in Children with Cystic Fibrosis.

INTRODUCTION: Iron deficiency is common in patients with cystic fibrosis. Conventional iron status markers are often abnormal in patients with CF, reflecting inflammation and/or infection, rather than actual iron stores. The aim was to evaluate serum hepcidin levels against selected iron status markers, assuming that hepcidin may be a more sensitive indicator of iron management in patients with active inflammation, such as those with CF. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 46 children with cystic fibrosis and 31 healthy controls were enrolled. Hepcidin concentration was evaluated, along with the following other blood assays: full blood count, Fe, ferritin, transferrin, TIBC, liver markers, and CRP. RESULTS: Higher ferritin and CRP levels as well as lower TIBC levels significantly predicted hepcidin levels in the study group, control group, and the entire sample. There was no significant difference in hepcidin levels between the patients and controls. Children with exacerbations had significantly higher hepcidin levels than those with stable disease. These findings support the serum hepcidin level as useful in assessing iron status in children with cystic fibrosis. It may also be useful in early detection and monitoring of treatment of exacerbations.

[The analysis of the clinical symptoms and social conditionings of the tic disorder in children]. / Analiza przebiegu klinicznego oraz uwarunkowan spolecznych tików u dzieci.

UNLABELLED: A tic is a rapid, involuntary and stereotypical motor movement or vocalization. The exact cause of tic disorder is unknown, but it is well established that both genetic and environmental factors are involved. Tic occurence in population was estimated on 5-100/10 000. AIM: The purpose of the research was to analyze the clinical symptoms and social conditionings of tic disorder in children. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The analysis was conducted on a group of 42 patients (8 girls, 34 boys) at the age of 3 to 15 years, admitted to Department of Neuropediatric of Medical University of Silesia to diagnose and treatment of tic disorder. The children's family history was analyzed. The patients were physically, neurogically, radiologically and psychologically examined. RESULTS: The majority group were boys and the time of the symptoms appearance was an early school age. The tics were associated with emotional and anxiety disorders, compulsive behavior, psychological obsession. 9% of patients had family history of tic disorder. Pregnancy-birth history was complicated in 24% of cases. There were not abnormalities in physical, neurological and radiological examination in most cases. The majority group (83%) lives in the cities. The most parents have vocational training. CONCLUSION: In case of appearance of twitching during suspicious behavior of child, we need to carry out a inquiring research targeted to widely understated social issues.