Impact of Nested Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay in the management of pediatric patients with acute respiratory tract infections: a single center experience.

Purpose: Acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) remains a global public health problem among children. Distinguishing the etiology of ALRI is challenging and rapid pathogen identification is critical for optimizing the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is sensitive, simple, and rapid.

Serum growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is a biomarker of cardiac manifestations in children with COVID-19.

Background: COVID-19 leads to severe overwhelming inflammation in some patients mediated by various cytokines (cytokine storm) that usually leads to severe illness accompanied by cardiovascular manifestations. Growth differentiation factor-15 is a cytokine induced by stress and is associated with inflammatory processes in the lung and heart. This study aimed to measure the level of serum growth differentiation factor (GDF-15) in children with COVID-19 and to correlate it with the disease severity, cardiac affection, and the outcome of COVID-19.

Spectrum of childhood interstitial and diffuse lung diseases at a tertiary hospital in Egypt.

Background: Childhood interstitial and diffuse lung diseases (chILD) encompass a broad spectrum of rare pulmonary disorders. In most developing Middle Eastern countries, chILD is still underdiagnosed. Our objective was to describe and investigate patients diagnosed with chILD in a tertiary university hospital in Egypt.