Effect of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors on surgical outcome of ventricular septal defect and pulmonary hypertension patients.

Background: Children with ventricular septal defect (VSD) and large systemic-to-pulmonary shunts eventually develop pulmonary hypertension (PH). The perioperative management of patients with VSD and PH is quite troublesome and still debatable, especially in developing countries where the different management options and standardization of treatment is not available. Oral phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors are good treatment options being widely available, cheap, easy administration and do not require extensive monitoring.

Predictive Ability of Conventional and Combined Apgar Scores versus Neonatal Resuscitation and Adaptation Score in Early Neonatal Assessment.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the Neonatal Resuscitation and Adaptation Score (NRAS) value compared with the conventional and combined Apgar scores in predicting neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Study Design: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 289 neonates delivered at the Menoufia University Hospital. Trained physicians measured conventional Apgar score, combined Apgar score, and NRAS for the neonates at 1 and 5 minutes after delivery in the delivery room.

Fibroblast growth factor 23 in children with or without heart failure: a prospective study.

Background: Elevated fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) levels have been associated with mortality in adults with heart failure (HF), but data on FGF23 levels in paediatric HF are limited. In this prospective cohort study, we aimed to assess the prognostic value of FGF23 in children with chronic HF.

Methods: We prospectively enrolled 40 children with chronic HF and 20 matched healthy controls.

Urinary N-terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Newborn Infants with Cardiac and Pulmonary Diseases.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of urinary N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) as noninvasive screening tool for congenital heart diseases in full-term neonates with respiratory distress.

Study Design: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 90 full-term infants. Newborn were assigned into three groups: pulmonary, cardiac, and control groups.

The Genetic Variants of IKZF1 Gene Linked with the Growing Risk of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.

Background: The zinc finger protein IKAROS (IKZF1) is an essential transcription factor in haematopoiesis that is involved primarily in lymphoid tissue differentiation. Many studies have indicated that IKZF1 alterations may be associated with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, but the results remain controversial.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the association of the rs4132601 T/G and rs10272724 T/C IKZF1 gene polymorphisms with the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and to determine whether these genetic variants affect the clinical parameters and the iron profiles of these children cohort.

Mitral Annular Plane Systolic Excursion as a Predictor of Mortality in Children With Septic Shock.

Objectives: Myocardial dysfunction is well recognized in severe sepsis and septic shock. Echocardiography provides rapid, noninvasive, and bedside evaluation of cardiac function in patients with hemodynamic instability. Mitral annular plane systolic excursion is an M-mode-derived echocardiographic variable used to assess longitudinal left ventricular systolic function.