Pediatrics international : official journal of the Japan Pediatric Society
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Recent studies showed that serum and urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) represents a novel, sensitive, specific biomarker for early detection of acute kidney injury. However, the clinical significance of measuring serum and urinary NGAL on chronic renal diseases remains unclear. ⋯ These results indicated that urinary NGAL level is a better biomarker for chronic renal diseases in children than serum NGAL level, although multiple pathological mechanisms should be considered in evaluating these NGAL values.
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The aim of this study was to improve the efficacy of treatment of complicated pleural effusions. ⋯ The authors recommend intrapleural fibrinolysis as an effective and safe alternative treatment strategy in treating encapsulated pleural effusions in children.
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Comparative Study
Thyroid function abnormalities among first-degree relatives of Iranian congenital hypothyroidism neonates.
Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a relatively common metabolic disease in neonates. Until recent years the disorder was usually regarded as occurring in a sporadic manner. Over the past few years, however, a considerable proportion of familial cases have been identified, and possible roles of autoimmune factors suggested. The aim of the present study was to evaluate abnormality of thyroid function tests in first-degree relatives of CH neonates and compared this to the normal population. ⋯ Familial and genetic components play a role in inheritance of CH, but maternal thyroid autoimmunity may not play an important role in the development of CH in Iran.
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Comparative Study
Impact of sustained neuromuscular blockade on outcome of mechanically ventilated children.
Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA) are commonly administered to critically ill children in pediatric intensive care units (PICU) in the USA and Europe. Although NMBA are frequently used in PICU patients, their role in the PICU setting has not yet been clearly defined. The aim of this study was to describe the sustained administration of NMBA and its impact on outcome of PICU patients. ⋯ Although the use of NMBA was not associated with greater mortality, we found that sustained use of NMBA is associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation, longer PICU stay and higher incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia when compared with controls. Larger studies are necessary to confirm these findings.