Background Most Hepatocellular Carcinomas (HCCs) are diagnosed at an advanced stage. However, HCC early diagnosis is complicated by the coexistence of inflammation and cirrhosis. The unsatisfactory sensitivity and specificity of Alpha-fetoprotien (AFP) for screening of early-stage HCC paved the way for new novel biomarkers to complement AFP such as AFP-L3. The aim of this study was the Evaluation of alpha fetoprotein-L3 (AFP-L3) as earlier marker in diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in Egyptian patients. This study was conducted on 80 patients categorized into 2 groups; group 2 (40 patients with chronic active hepatitis) and group 3 (40 patients with HCC). HCC diagnosis was done by clinical, triphasic CT and positive US for focal lesion, in addition to 20 healthy individuals as controls (group 1). Results The median range of AFP and AFP-L3 were highly statistically significant difference between HCC group and other groups [ p < 0.001]. In this study ALT, AST, Total & direct bilirubin and albumin results showed highly significant differences between HCC group and other groups. Serum AFP-L3 shows sensitivity 100%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value 100% and negative predictive value 100% with AUC = 1 in HCC cases. Conclusion Serum AFP-L3 may serve as a diagnostic biomarker for the detection of early stage of HCC and show higher sensitivity than AFP.

Background: Preeclampsia [PE] is one of the commonest medical emergencies. It had high morbidity for the mother and her infant. Early diagnosis could reduce such morbidity. Aim of the work:To evaluate the role of maternal serum placental protein [PP13] levels and uterine artery Doppler in early prediction and prognosis of preeclampsia. Patients and Methods:The study included 60 pregnant women in their first and early second trimester with high risk for preeclampsia. Patients were divided into three groups: control, mild and sever preeclampsia. All were subjected to proper history taking, clinical and obstetrical examination, laboratory investigations and ultrasound examination. Results: Cesarean delivery was significantly increased in preeclampsia compared to controls [55% of mild and 20% of severe disease compared to 15% of controls]. Both uterine artery resistance index [RI] and pulsatility index [PI] were significantly increased in PE when compared to control and in severe when compared to mild PE groups. Finally, PP13 was significantly decreased in patients with severe PE [171.7±35.9] when compared to mild PE [213.1±41.8] or control group [254.8±51.1]. In addition, there was significant decrease in cases with mild PE when compared to control group. Finally, there was inverse [negative], moderate and statistically significant correlation between PP-13 from one side and each of systolic BP, diastolic BP, uterine artery RI and PI. In addition, both RI and PI were proportionally correlated with PI and RI. Conclusion:The present study showed that PP13 combined with PI or RI can predict PE with a good sensitivity and specificity.

Background: Neonatal jaundice is considered a major health problem in neonates owing to bilirubin deposition. Recently, zinc demonstrated a high efficiency in reduction of low bilirubin level when administrated in association with phototherapy. Aim of the work: To assess efficiency and safety of oral zinc as a therapy in treatment of indirect hyperbilirubinemia in term neonates during phototherapy. Patients and Methods: A total of 100 term neonates with indirect hyperbilirubinemia were divided into two equal groups: Intervention Group (n=50) received oral zinc sulphate preparation, in a dose of 5 mg twice daily in combination with phototherapy. Control group (n=50) received phototherapy without oral zinc supplementation. In both groups, the total serum bilirubin levels were measured at admission, 12 hours, 24 hours and at discharge. Results: Treatment of full-term neonates with hyperbilirubinemia by oral zinc sulfate at a dose of 5 mg given twice-daily induce a significant reduction of total serum bilirubin [TSB] after 12 hours, 24 hours and at discharge when compared to the control group. The duration of phototherapy in intervention group was markedly decreased with statistically significant difference in comparison to the control group. However, there was no significant differences between groups regarding adverse effects of phototherapy and zinc therapy. Conclusion: Oral zinc could play a major role in the management of neonatal jaundice when administrated at dose of ten mg/day as it can decrease the neonatal TSB with subsequent reduction of phototherapy duration.