A functional SNP in miR-146a and genetic susceptibility to drug-resistant epilepsy.

Objectives: The study aimed to assess the relationship between the functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs57095329) of miR-146a, the progression of drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), and the severity of the disease (seizure frequency) in a group of Egyptian children epilepsy patients.

Subjects And Methods: 110 Egyptian children were recruited and divided into two groups, the epilepsy patients ( = 60) and the healthy control children ( = 50). The patient's group was equally subdivided into two subgroups: drug-resistant and drug-responsive epilepsy patients.

Serum Albumin Level as a Predictor of Outcome in Patients Admitted to Pediatric Intensive Care Units.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess serum albumin level on admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) as a prognostic indicator.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted in Fayoum University Children's Hospital. The study subjects' demographics and clinical and laboratory data were recorded.

Impaired Pancreatic β-Cell Function in Critically Ill Children.

Critical illness hyperglycemia (CIH) is common in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Increased glucose production, insulin resistance (IR), and pancreatic β-cell dysfunction are responsible mechanisms. We aimed to investigate β-cell function in the PICU and to uncover its relation to clinical and laboratory variables and ICU mortality.

Relation between Baseline Total Serum Cortisol Level and Outcome in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Elevated cortisol level is an component of the stress response. However, some patients have low cortisol levels; a condition termed: critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI). Basal cortisol levels during PICU admission may be related to outcome.