Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research
-
The activation of various cytokines, e.g. TNFalpha, IL-1 and/or IL-6, may play an important role in the pathogenesis of renal vasculitis and lupus nephritis (LN). The systemic effect of these cytokines may be modulated by their circulating soluble receptors. The plasma levels of cytokine receptors may thus also be markers of the activation of these cytokines. ⋯ While increased plasma levels of TNFalpha may be a nonspecific marker of the activity of ANCA-positive renal vasculitis and LN, plasma levels of sTNF-RII are also increased in patients with ANCA-positive renal vasculitis in remission. Increased plasma levels of sTNF-RII may inhibit the systemic effects of TNFalpha, but may also prolong the half-life of its active form. Plasma levels of sIL-6R are increased both in ANCA-A and in LN, but their increase is much less pronounced than that of sTNF-RII and cannot effectively block the systemic effects of IL-6.
-
The aim of the study was to compare autopsy findings with antemortem findings in children who died in a pediatric intensive care unit. ⋯ Our findings support the importance of autopsy assessment in the pediatric intensive care setup. We believe that postmortem examination is also essential for improving the quality of pediatric patient care.