Introduction Autoimmune mechanisms with evident genetic background are the main components of alopecia areata (AA) pathogenesis. Interleukin 15 (IL-15) is considered as an important signalling cytokine. Its disordered expression has been linked to inflammatory autoimmune disorders. Aim The present study aimed to evaluate serum IL-15 in active AA patients and to assess its association with patients’ sex, age, and disease severity. Material and methods IL-15 serum level was measured in 40 patients with active alopecia areata and 20 healthy controls using the ELISA technique. The severity of hair loss was assessed in accordance with the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT). Results A significantly higher serum level of IL-15 in AA patients than in controls was detected ( p < 0.001). A significant positive correlation was detected between the SALT score and IL-15 serum level ( r s = 0.433, p = 0.005). No significant correlation between age of the patients and the serum level of IL-15 was observed ( r s = 0.224, p = 0.164). No significant difference in IL-15 serum level regarding patients’ sex, history of disease recurrence, or family history of AA was noted. Conclusions The elevated serum level of IL-15 in active AA patients might reflect its role in disease pathogenesis as a key signalling cytokine. Its level is correlated with disease severity. However, IL-15 is not influenced by patients’ gender or age.

Background: Acute otitis media is considered as one of the most frequent childhood inflammatory disorders. Aim of The Work:This study aimed to investigate the possible link between iron deficiency anemia and acute episodes on top of chronic otitis media. Patients and Methods:This prospective study is included pediatric patients who attend the ENT outpatient clinic in Mallawi Hospital, El Minia; El Azhar University _Assuit, from July 2019 to June 2020. A total of 100 patients of age Group up to 18 years old and both sexes suffering from recurrent otitis media divided into Group A: Included 34 children treated with iron supplementation three months, Group B: Included 33 children treated with iron supplementation and medical treatment three months.Group C: Included 33 children treated with medical treatment for three months. Results:In group A the change of hemoglobin level from [10.15 ± 0.33] to [11.41 ± 0.43] decreasing occurrence rate of CSOM from 3.47± 0.51 to 1.41± 0.49 with statistically significant difference [p<0.001].In group B, the change of Hb level from [10. ± 0.32] to [11.48 ± 0.29] decreasing occurrence rate of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media from 33.42 ± 0.92 to 1.39± 0.56 with statistically significant difference [p<0.001].In group C, the change of Hb level from [10.03 ± 0.43] to [10.09± 0.31] decreasing occurrence rate of CSOM from 3.39±0.66 to 2.33± 0.48 with statistically significant difference [p<0.001]. Conclusions:The combination of iron and medical treatment in anemic patients can improve hemoglobin level and significantly decrease otitis media's occurrence rate.