Evaluation of BCL2 and TNFα as mRNA biomarkers for monitoring the immune response in critically ill children.

Background: Hospital acquired infection (HAI) and multiple organ dysfunctions (MODS) remain a leading cause of death in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) despite the great efforts to control it.

Objective: Our objective was to assess the mRNA of TNFα and BCL2 for prediction of HAI and/or MODS in our community.

Patients And Methods: Fifty children, admitted to PICU, were included in the study after exclusion of cases of end-stage renal failure, end-stage liver failure and congenital immune deficiency.

Role of serum cystatin-C and beta-2 microglobulin as early markers of renal dysfunction in children with beta thalassemia major.

Background: Although advancements have been made in the management of thalassemic patients, many unrecognized complications have emerged, such as renal abnormalities.

Aim: To measure serum levels of cystatin-C and β-2 microglobulin in children with beta-thalassemia major (β-TM) and investigate their significance as early markers of glomerular and tubular dysfunctions.

Subjects And Methods: The study was performed on 70 children with (β-TM) and 20 apparently healthy children matched for age and sex as a control group.