BsmI, ApaI and FokI variants of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism as predictors of response to treatment in immune thrombocytopenia patients.

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms are linked with the incidence and severity of several autoimmune diseases. The current work aimed at evaluating if VDR rs1544410 (BsmI), rs7975232 (ApaI) and rs2228570 (FokI) gene polymorphisms could be predictors of response to steroid treatment in patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). The study involved 75 steroid treatment responders and 75 resistant ITP patients.

Retraction: Lipoma of the Pancreas: A Rare Incidental Tumor.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.20122.

Lipoma of the Pancreas: A Rare Incidental Tumor.

Recent studies have shown a significant increase in the utilization of computed tomography (CT) scans in the emergency department for a broad spectrum of conditions. This had a significant impact on the identification of patients with serious pathologies in a timely manner. However, the overutilization of computed tomography scans leads to increased identification of incidental findings.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of different devices used for the closure of small-to-medium-sized patent ductus arteriosus in pediatric patients.

Aims: In this study, we examined the differences in cost and effectiveness of various devices used for the closure of small to medium sized patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

Setting And Design: We retrospectively studied 116 patients who underwent closure of small PDAs between January 2010 and January 2015.

Subjects And Methods: Three types of devices were used: the Amplatzer duct occluder (ADO) II, the cook detachable coil and the Nit Occlud coil (NOC).

Value of Ultrasound in Detecting Urinary Tract Anomalies After First Febrile Urinary Tract Infection in Children.

Background Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that affects part of the urinary tract. Ultrasound is a noninvasive test that can demonstrate the size and shape of kidneys, presence of dilatation of the ureters, and the existence of anatomic abnormalities. The aim of the study is to estimate the value of ultrasound in detecting urinary tract anomalies after first attack of UTI.

Incomplete RV Remodeling After Transcatheter ASD Closure in Pediatric Age.

Published data showing the intermediate effect of transcatheter device closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) in the pediatric age-group are scarce. The objective of the study was to assess the effects of transcatheter ASD closure on right and left ventricular functions by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). The study included 37 consecutive patients diagnosed as ASD secundum by transthoracic echocardiography and TEE and referred for transcatheter closure at Cairo University Specialized Pediatric Hospital, Egypt, from October 2010 to July 2013.

Epidemiology of nosocomial infections and mortality following congenital cardiac surgery in Cairo University, Egypt.

Background: Nosocomial infections (NI) have been associated with significant morbidity and attributed mortality, as well as increased healthcare costs. Relatively few data on congenital cardiac surgical ICU NI have been reported from developing countries. Little is known about the epidemiology of NI following congenital cardiac surgery in Egypt.

Renal involvement in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus in Egypt.

Lupus nephritis has been described as the most serious complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the strongest predictor of poor outcome. While the incidence of childhood SLE is relatively low, renal involvement appears to be more common and more severe in childhood SLE. This study aims to characterize the features and outcome of renal involvement in childhood-onset SLE based on a study of 100 Egyptian patients (mean age at diagnosis 10.