The liver is the main metabolic organ, having complex physiological and biochemical roles, many of these functions being in a close relationship. It is also well known that hepatitis C virus infection is associated with changes in lipid metabolism. This is evident in liver dysfunctions, when liver functions are disturbed simultaneously. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of antiviral therapy on serum lipid level in patients with viral hepatitis C before and at the end of the 48 weeks of treatment compared patients treated with Interferon vs Interferon + Ribavirin and relation with sustained virological response, from North East Romania. We evaluated patients hospitalized in Emergency Hospital for Children St. Mary Iasi between 2009-2017. The result of our study show that the mean age of patients from goup 1 was 11.85±3.65 years, vs 11.5±3.1 years in group 2 (p=0.171). We found changes in cholesterol metabolism in both groups of patients, increases in total cholesterol level, 21.43% of patients in the group 1 vs 32.3% in goup 2 (p=0.258) and decreases 17.86% vs 14.7% (p=0.131). At initiation of antiviral therapy mean serum cholesterol level were 155.78±36.30 mg/dL, in group 1 vs 149.88±47.22 mg/dL, for group 2. At 48 weeks of treatment in the both goups revealed significantly decreased of total cholesterol levels 136.46±41.63mg/dL, for group 1 vs 109.26±41.05, for patients in group 2 (p=0.003). Triglycerides, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol did not show significant changes in the patients of the two groups. Total cholesterol level after antiviral therapy were significantly different between patients who achieved SVR and non SVR (p=0.014), group 1 vs (p=0.001), group 2. Total serum cholesterol level showed significant changes during the antiviral therapy in both monotherapy and combination therapy group.

Cholestasis is a multifactorial disorder with various biological, infectious, toxic, genetic and metabolic manifestations, its principal feature presented as reduced bile flow or abnormalities in bile formation. It has lately been accepted that some specific biological markers would shorten the period needed to establish a positive diagnosis, as currently it is necessary to navigate through a complex diagnostic protocol for this disorder. The purpose of this study was to establish some biological parameters and biomarkers useful for cholestasis management in children. Two hundred thirty-two children with cholestasis were selected, during a six-year study. The biological indicators followed were serum bilirubin, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, serum cholesterol and triglycerides. Our data showed that certain biological parameters are more often involved in the various forms of cholestasis, and the conclusions of this study could be useful in the early detection of cholestasis and appropriate disease management.

Creierul este un organ special care funcţionează armonios numai printr-un aport echilibrat de substanţe biologic active. Expresia „alimente pentru creier“ exprimă rolul important al nutriţiei în formarea şi alimentarea cu energie a creierului. Sunt prezentate succint date cu privire la dezvoltarea creierului, la existenţa şi funcţionalitatea axei microbiom – intestin – creier şi impactul principalilor nutrienţi în aceste procese complexe. Autorii concluzionează că asistenţa nutriţională a gravidei încă de la debutul sarcinii, profilaxia prematurităţii, menajarea precoce a microbiomului intestinal al sugarului prin încurajarea naşterii naturale şi a alăptării sunt condiţii necesare pentru dezvoltarea creierului.

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Mother and Child Medicine Department2‘Gr.T.Popa’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iaşi, RomaniaPublic Health and ManagementBackground and aimsThe restriction in dietary management of phenylketonuria (PKU) can lead to essential element’s deficiency, anaemia and failure to thrive. The aim of our retrospectiv study was to determine the incidence of iron deficiency in children undergoing specific nutritional therapy for PKU. Methods: The studied lot was formed by 15 children diagnosed with PKU in the Regional Centre for the diagnosis and treatment of PKU from Iasi-Romania and who were at least 12 months under dietetic treatment. Nutritional status, nutrient intake and the laboratory tests (haemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, red blood cells count, iron, reticulocytes) were assessed at baseline and every 3 months. We also made correllation with the nutritional status of the patients. The patients diagnosed with iron deficiency anaemia were treated with iron 5 mg/kg/day for 3 months. Results: The clinical exam showed presence of palor in 7 cases, anorexia in 6 cases, irritability in 4 cases. Anaemia was confirmed in 10 PKU patients. Haematological parameters correlated with nutritional status revealed more severe anaemia in patients with malnutrition or obesity. After 3 months of treatment, the haematologic parameters normalised in 9 cases. Conclusions: We suggest that the clinical management of patients with PKU include routine evaluation of iron status indices. Prevention or early treatment of iron deficiency may improve cognitive development and behaviour of children with PKU.