Pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines are important mediators in the host response to infection. In contrast to the pro-inflammatory cytokines little is known about anti-inflammatory cytokines in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and their relation to disease severity.Circulating levels of three pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α) and two anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra)) were measured using an enzyme immunoassay on admission, day 3 and day 5 in 24 patients with CAP. The modified British Thoracic Society (BTS) prognostic rule and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score were used to assess disease severity.IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10 and IL-1ra concentrations were detected in most patients on admission and decreased significantly on day 3 and day 5 in all survivors. A significant difference between the BTS high-risk and low-risk groups was only found for IL-6 (median (range) 477 pg·mL−1(7.6–1402 pg·mL−1)versus81.6 pg·mL−1(0–943 pg·mL−1); p<0.05). IL-6 also correlated with the APACHE II scores on admission.Concentrations of anti-inflammatory cytokines were elevated on admission in community-acquired pneumonia but they did not correlate with disease severity scores.

School nurses play a major role in the care of students with food-related diversities balancing responsibilities such as providing a safe environment, encouraging leadership and community outreach, giving guidance to family and peers with care coordination, and providing needed accommodations so that all students may thrive in the school setting. It is essential that school nurses share their understanding of what it is like to live with the serious genetic autoimmune disorder known as celiac disease. With improved knowledge, the school education team, nutritional staff, and guidance counselors will have a better understanding of what the student is facing and the unique challenges it presents, because celiac disease is not a food allergy, but much more.