Soluble cytokine receptors sTNFR I and sTNFR II, receptor antagonist IL-1ra, and anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and IL-13 in the pathogenesis of systemic inflammatory response syndrome in the course of burns in children.

Background: This is a prospective clinical study focusing on cytokine inhibitors (sTNFR I, sTNFR II, IL-1ra) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-13) following burn injury in children. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prognostic values of the selected cytokine-related molecules.

Material/methods: Fifty-one patients (29 burned children and 22 controls) admitted to the Department of Pediatric Surgery and Oncology were included in this study.

Haemophilus influenzae type b and pertussis vaccinations in preterm infants.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate the serological efficacy of Hiberix and Infanrix-DTPa vaccines in preterm infants.

Materials And Methods: The results of the investigation of 61 preterm infants immunized three times (primary vaccination) with Hiberix and Infanrix-DTPa at 6-week intervals are presented. Of the 61 children, 17 were additionally immunized with a booster dose of these vaccines.

[Seroconversion after vaccination against pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b and poliomyelitis in preterm infants].

Objective: This study was aimed to determine the levels of antibodies against Bordetella pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and Poliovirus type 1 in preterm children after immunization with acellular pertussis (Infanrix-DTPa) and Hib conjugate (Hiberix) vaccines as well as inactivated vaccine against poliomyelitis (Imovax Polio).

Material And Methods: 32 children were given 3 doses of Infanrix-DTPa and Hiberix vaccines as well as Imovax Polio vaccine. Samples of blood were taken from children 4 weeks after application the 3-rd dose of vaccines and compared with the initial levels of antibodies (seroconversion was evaluated in 32 children immunized with both infanrix-DTPa and Hiberix and in 20 ones immunized with Imovax Polio).

Immunotherapy in the management of sepsis.

This work presents the role of Gram-negative bacteria endotoxins, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the complex and not fully explained pathogenesis of sepsis. The so-called "respiratory burst" of neutrophils and the antioxidant mechanisms of the host are also discussed. The work focuses on possible approaches to the management of sepsis connected with immunotherapy.