No abstract

Background Anaemia is a common presenting feature among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and associated with poor clinical outcomes. We evaluated the diagnostic validity of growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) and hepcidin as it is not clear if they are useful as a biomarkers of anaemia among non-dialysis CKD egyptian patients. Method An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among non-dialysis CKD patients (n = 60) and apparently healthy controls (n = 28) at Minia University maternity & children Hospital. Serum levels of GDF-15 and hepcidin were determined. Predictive logistic regression models were built and post estimation receiver operator characteristics were determined to evaluate diagnostic validity of hepcidin and GDF-15 for iron deficiency anaemia. Results Hepcidin and GDF-15 are significantly higher in cases than control p value (0.047,<0.0001) respectively. The predictive value of diagnosing anaemia among CKD patients using hepcidin and GDF-15 was 72.0%, 70.0%.There was a weak negative correlation between hepcidin levels and glomerular filtration rate GFR (r-175 =, p = 0.105) in CKD patients, and significant correlation between serum GDF-15 and haemoglobin (r = -0.897, p < 0.0001), ferritin (r = 0.489, P < 0.000), Iron (r=-0.314, P = 0.002), CRP (r = 0.409, P < 0.0001). Conclusion Hepcidin and GDF-15 is a potential biomarker for predicting anaemia connected with inflammation among CKD Egyptian patients.

Background: Early identification and disease monitoring of secondary osteoporosis(OP) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are challenges for rheumatologists, identification of biomarkers predictive to bone mineral density (BMD) change is crucial in management. Serum 14-3-3η protein is validated as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in RA. Meanwhile the exact mechanism by which 14-3-3η intervenes osteoporosis is still unclear and few studies have been focused on it. Our aim was to evaluate the association among 14-3-3η protein, inflammation, bone remodeling, osteoporosis risk and disease activity in RA patients. Methods: Bone mineral density was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, serum samples were collected for all participants. Quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine 14-3-3η, TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Meanwhile, B-CTX and PINP were measured using electrochemical luminescence immune-analyzer. The diagnostic value of each marker was determined via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and the association between 14-3-3η and osteoporosis was assessed using multiple logistic regression which identified 14-3-3η as an independent risk factor for RA-related osteoporosis. Results: Seventy-two RA patients and twenty five controls. Patients were divided into three subgroups, normal BMD, osteopenia, and osteoporotic. Serum 14-3-3 η, TNF-α, B-CTX and IL-6 level were the highest and PINP is the lowest in osteoporosis group, There were significant differences among the subgroups (p<0.05). Also, there were significant positive correlation between 14-3-3 η and TNF-α,B-CTX ,IL-6 (p<0.05) while it had significant negative correlation with both BMD, PINP (p<0.05). Conclusion Serum 14-3-3η is independent risk factor for RA-related osteoporosis. Serum 14-3-3η detection by itself or combined with other indices was helpful in predicting osteoporosis. Its effect on osteoporosis may be due to its role in adjusting inflammation and bone remodeling.

Background: Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders affecting children, as a chronic disease, it affects not only the child but also the entire family. Approximately seventy five percent of epilepsy begins during childhood. Parents play the most significant role in caring for their children and helping them adapt to their conditions especially mothers. Aim: The study aimed to assess the parent`s awareness regarding their epileptic children in Minia University Maternal and Children Hospital. Study design: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used to conduct this study. Subject: A convenience sample of 250 parents have epileptic children was selected.Setting: This study was carried out at the neuro-psychiatric outpatient clinic at Minia University Maternal and Children Hospital. Tools: Four tools were utilized in this study; The First tool: socio-demographic data questionnaire. The Second tool: assessment questionnaire of parents' knowledge about epilepsy. The Third tool: assessment scale of parents' attitude towards their epileptic children. The Fourth tool: assessment questionnaire of parents' practices towards their epileptic children. Results: The results showed that fifty-nine point two percent of parent had poor knowledge about epilepsy, ninety-three point two percent had positive attitude and seventy-two point eight percent of them had poor practices. Conclusion: This study has revealed deficiencies in the knowledge, practices and positive attitude among the parent of children with epilepsy. Recommendations: From our study we have some recommendations: Establishment of national guidelines for diagnosis and management of seizures either in hospital and in outpatient or home management. Health education for parents about seizure precautions and home management of seizures through clear and applicable guidelines.