Adrenal steroids reference ranges in infancy determined by LC-MS/MS.

Background: Interpretation of the results of steroid hormone measurements is challenging at early infancy. The liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method provides a powerful tool for diagnosing steroidogenesis disorders. We aimed to develop normative data for a 14-steroid panel and four adrenal enzyme activity indices, determined by LC-MS/MS from 3 days to 6 months of age.

Sclerostin and osteoprotegerin: new markers of chronic kidney disease mediated mineral and bone disease in children.

Background Sclerostin and osteoprotegerin (OPG) are new markers of chronic kidney disease (CKD) mediated mineral bone disease (CKD-MBD) which were extensively evaluated in adult population. We aimed to evaluate the associations between serum levels of sclerostin/OPG and parameters of bone turnover and compare the serum levels of sclerostin/OPG in different stages of CKD in children. Methods 70 children with CKD stage 1-5, aged 2-21 years were examined.

Do N-Terminal Pro-C-Type Natriuretic Peptide Levels Relate to Severity of Preeclampsia?

Aim: To compare the plasma N-terminal pro-C-type natriuretic peptide concentrations of normotensive pregnant women, patients with mild preeclampsia, and patients with severe preeclampsia.

Methods: We collected venous blood samples from 25 normotensive pregnant women, 15 patients with mild preeclampsia, and 15 patients with severe preeclampsia. The women were at 30th to 40th weeks of gestation and in an age range of 20 to 35.

Performance Evaluation of a New Coulometric Endpoint Method in Sweat Testing and Its Comparison With Classic Gibson&Cooke and Chloridometer Methods in Cystic Fibrosis.

The objective of the study was to assess the diagnostic efficacy of the coulometric endpoint method and compare it with classic Gibson&Cooke and chloridometer methods. This study is a prospective clinical study comparing two conventional sweat testing methods with the coulometric endpoint method in previously diagnosed cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and a non-CF control group. All individuals underwent two simultaneous sweat collections.

Acquired modification of sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase activity is not related to adrenal insufficiency.

Background: Congenital sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) lyase deficiency due to biallelic mutations in SGPL1 gene has recently been described in association with primary adrenal insufficiency and steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome. S1P lyase, on the other hand, is therapeutically inhibited by fingolimod which is an oral drug for relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). Effects of this treatment on adrenal function has not yet been evaluated.