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Introduction There are large numbers of inflammatory molecules and humoral mediators that can be involved in the epileptogenesis such as cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), and high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1). We aimed to evaluate serum levels and the diagnostic value of MMP-2 and HMGB1 in Iraqi patients with epilepsy. Methods One hundred epileptic patients comprised 60 controlled epileptics and 40 refractory patients to treatment with multi antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Other 50 family-unrelated age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were selected to represent the control group. Serum levels of MMP-2 and HMGB1 were estimated using ELISA. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of these markers when required. Results MMP-2 level was significantly higher in controls than epileptic patients in general (controlled and refractory patients). ROC curve, showed poor diagnostic value of MMP-2 in discriminating epileptics into responsive or refractory to treatment from controls (AUC = 0.679 (95% CI = 0.536-0.823), and AUC = 0.77 (95% CI = 0.637-902), respectively). Serum HMGB1 level in epileptic patients and controls was in close approximation to each other. Conclusions MMP-2 is significantly decreased in patients particularly those with refractory epilepsy (RE); however, it has poor diagnostic value. No difference in the serum HMGB1 level between epileptic patients and controls.

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Introduction and Aim: It is crucial to identify and start treating the COVID-19 patients who are most at risk of becoming seriously ill as soon as possible. There is some evidence that prognostic nutritional index (PNI) could predict the outcome of some diseases. The study objective was to determine whether PNI is a useful prognostic tool for predicting the outcome of COVID-19-positive patients.   Patients and Methods: At Al-Shifaa Hospital in Baghdad Medical City, a total of 160 patients with COVID-19 participated in a study that was designed as a cross-sectional. At the time of admission, information was collected on the patient's history, including clinical, laboratory, and demographic details. The PNI score was determined by 10 × serum albumin (g/dL) + 0.005 × total lymphocyte count (/mm3). Patients were followed up for survival.   Results: The mortality rate was 14.37%. Survived patients had a mean age of 55.85±16.03 years compared with 64.30 ±14.76 years for died patients with a significant difference. Diabetes was more common among died (39.13%) than survived patients (15.33%) with a significant difference. The median serum level of C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer and ferritin in deceased patients was 84 mg/L, 2208 ng/ml and 650 ng/ml, respectively compared with 48 mg/L, 858 ng/ml and 550 ng/ml in survived patients with highly significant differences. The mean PNI in survived and non-survived patients was 40.89±5.9 and 37.86±4.36, respectively with a significant difference. The area under the curve (AUC) for PNI was 0.888, 95%CI = 0.827 and 0.939, p = 0.002 At an ideal cutoff value of 39.08, the test's sensitivity and specificity are 80 % and 74 %, respectively.   Conclusion: The PNI score is an easy-to-use, speedy, and cost-effective tool that has the potential to be utilized on a routine basis to predict mortality in patients with COVID-19.

The coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has recently emerged as a cause of severe infection in a considerable percentage of infected persons. Predicting the risk factors for severe disease can greatly help manage critical cases and save lives. This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of the platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with COVID-19. This cross-sectional study enrolled 160 confirmed cases with COVID-19 by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Demographic data (age, gender, smoking status, body mass index (BMI)) and comorbidity were collected through direct interviews. Laboratory investigations, including total leukocyte count, absolute neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet count, serum level of C-reactive protein, and hemoglobin, were obtained from the patient's records. The platelets-lymphocyte ratio was calculated by dividing absolute platelet count by absolute lymphocyte count. According to their outcome, patients were categorized into two groups: those discharged well and those who required intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Out of 160 included patients, 32 (20%) needed ICU admission due to the deterioration of their status. Age (64.28±13.08 years versus 57.43±13.15 years), hypertension (40.63% versus 20.31%) absolute neutrophil count (median = 12.9×103/ml, range 3.83-22.8×103/ml versus median=6×103/ml, range 2.17-22.8×103/ml) and PLR ((median= 257.27, range= 62.72-1072 versus median= 191.54, range= 17.85-919.12) were significantly higher in patients required ICU admission than those discharged well, and associated significantly with the severity of the disease. Advanced age, hypertension, neutrophilia, and PLR at admission are predictors of severity and need for ICU admission in patients with COVID-19. PLR is an inexpensive, easy-to-be-calculated parameter that can be used routinely to predict the severity of COVID-19. Keywords. COVID-19, intensive care unit, platelet-lymphocyte ratio