Neuroapoptosis in newborns with respiratory acidosis at birth.

Background: S100B protein is one of the most accurate biomarkers for diagnosis of neuroapoptosis and brain damage. The aim was to evaluate the lactate concentration and acid-base balance (pH, pCO, pO, HCOc and BEb) in umbilical cord blood to predict high risk of neuroapoptosis and analyze the relationship between the levels of these biomarkers and umbilical cord blood S100B protein concentration at birth.

Methods: Apparently healthy newborns were included.

Comparison of C Reactive Protein and Procalcitonin Levels in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Serum to Differentiate Bacterial from Viral Meningitis.

Goals: It is unclear whether C reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) improve the accuracy compared to their serum levels for the differential diagnosis of infectious meningitis. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of CRP and PCT levels in CSF and serum in order to differentiate between bacterial and viral meningitis.

Procedures: CRP and PCT levels were measured in CSF and serum from patients with bacterial or viral meningitis.

Homocysteine: new tumor marker in pleural fluid.

There are no published studies examining the utility of total homocysteine (HCY) in pleural fluid. The aim was to measure the accuracy of pleural fluid HCY concentration for diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion (MPE). We studied pleural fluids obtained by thoracocentesis in patients with pleural effusion.