Filaggrin and Periostin Expression Is Altered in Eosinophilic Esophagitis and Normalized With Treatment.

Objectives: Previous data have suggested that filaggrin (FLG) and periostin (POSTN) genes may be dysregulated in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). We aimed to further evaluate the expression patterns of FLG and POSTN proteins in esophageal tissue samples of patients with EoE, as compared to those of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and normal controls.

Methods: A total of 61 prospectively collected cases, including 40 children with EoE and 21 children with GERD, and a control group of 14 sex- and age-matched healthy children were enrolled.

Allergy-test-driven elimination diet is useful in children with eosinophilic esophagitis, regardless of the severity of symptoms.

Background: A combination of PPIs and corticosteroids is the pharmacotherapy mostly used to treat eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), while dietetic manipulations consist also an efficient option. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of allergy-test-driven elimination diet in children with mild symptoms of EoE to a group of children with moderate/severe symptoms.

Methods: Thirty-five children, aged 7 months to 12 yr, with EoE were enrolled in the study.

Evaluation of the lipid profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Greece.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most serious global health problems. In Greece, DM constitutes a public health problem and is highly associated with decreasing levels of physical activity, increasing obesity rates, population ageing, and unhealthy lifestyle and dietary behaviors.

Materials: In this study we evaluated the sera from 800 type 2 diabetic patients recruited during a three year period of time and 200 age matched controls without any clinical history of diabetes.

Genotype distribution in chronic hepatitis C patients in Greece.

Background: Hepatitis C is a major public health problem. HCV infection contributes to progressive liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. HCV has high genetic heterogeneity and is classified into various genotypes and subtypes.

Food allergy-related paediatric constipation: the usefulness of atopy patch test.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the implication of food allergy as a cause of paediatric constipation and to determine the diet period needed to tolerate the constipation-causing foods. Fifty-four children aged 6 months to 14 years (median, 42 months) suffering from chronic constipation (without anatomic abnormalities, cοeliac disease or hypothyroidism), unresponsive to a 3-month laxative therapy, were prospectively evaluated. All participants were evaluated for allergy to cow's milk, egg, wheat, rice, corn, potato, chicken, beef and soy, using skin tests (SPT), serum specific IgE and atopy patch test (APT).

Magnetic resonance imaging of the small bowel in children with idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease: evaluation of disease activity.

Background: Examinations using ionizing radiation are frequently used in the evaluation of disease activity in children affected by idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Objective: To develop an MR imaging protocol without the need for fluoroscopic insertion of an enteral tube and to assess the disease activity in children with IBD.

Materials And Methods: Included in the study were 37 children (22 girls and 15 boys; age range 7-15 years, mean 11.