Pediatric research
-
Changes in EEG background activity are powerful but nonspecific markers of brain dysfunction. Early EEG and amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG) pattern predict further neurodevelopmental outcome in term infants; however, sufficient data for prognostic value of aEEG in preterm infants are not available so far. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether aEEG predicts further outcome and to compare it to cerebral ultrasound assessment. ⋯ In preterm infants, aEEG was significantly associated with further outcome. Specificity was 73% for assessment within the first and increased to 95% in the second week of life, whereas sensitivity stayed nearly the same 87% (first week) to 83% (second week). Cerebral ultrasound showed a specificity of 86% within the first and second week, sensitivity also stayed nearly the same (74 and 75%). aEEG has a predictive value for later outcome in preterm infants and can be used as an early prognostic tool.
-
The shortage of geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate (GGPP) was associated to an increased IL-1β release in the autoinflammatory syndrome mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD), a rare inherited disease that has no specific therapy. Farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs) act at the end of mevalonate pathway. Two FTIs, tipifarnib (Tip) and lonafarnib (Lon), were therefore evaluated as possible therapeutical choices for the treatment of MKD. ⋯ This anti-inflammatory effect was amplified combining the use of GOH with FTIs. The effect of GOH and Tip was successfully replicated in MKD patients' monocytes. Tip and Lon showed a dramatic anti-inflammatory effect in monocytes where mevalonate pathway was chemically or genetically impaired.