Inflammatory biomarker profile in children with cystic fibrosis: preliminary study.

The aim of this preliminary study was to determine specific proteins, related to inflammation process and nutritional status as well as to total antioxidant capacity, in children suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF). The study was performed on 17 nonhospitalized children (12 boys and 5 girls) with CF aged 3 months to 10 years, who were assisted at the Nutrition Service from Pedro de Elizalde Hospital. Transferrin, transthyretin, ceruloplasmin (Cp), haptoglobin, C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen were measured by single radial immunodiffusion techniques. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was determined by a decolorization assay. Statistical analyses were performed by the Student's t test. Transferrin and transthyretin values were lower in CF patients in comparison with data obtained from healthy children (reference group, RG). The decreased transferrin concentration and the tendency towards low plasma transthyretin values suggested an abnormal nutritional status. However, higher Cp and haptoglobin levels were shown in patients than in RG. The fact that 23 and 50% of patients exceeded the desirable values for fibrinogen (<285.0 mg/dl) and CRP (<0.2 mg/dl), respectively, should be highlighted. The TAC (mM; Trolox equivalents) was shown to be lower in the CF group than in RG. The diminished TAC concomitant with an increased plasma Cp concentration would exacerbate the inflammatory status and could explain the depression of the immune system. These preliminary results could explain the need to include biochemical and functional parameters in the early nutritional status evaluation in CF patients in order to use appropriate nutritional and pharmacological therapies and consequently to improve their survival and quality of life.

[Non-neoplastic intestinal occlusion]. / Le occlusioni intestinali non neoplastiche.

In the last ten years etiology's frequency of non-neoblastic bowel occlusions has changed. Headway against occlusions percentage decreasing due to post-operative stenosis, hernial strangulation, adhesional bridles, etc., mechanical ileus observations increase in percentage round about 20%, as colon acquired diverticulitis complications. This is essentially due to the mean survival increasing in the whole occidental world and, particularly, in Italy. Therefore, we have to expect an increase of this kind of occlusion that presents, for his characteristics, a moderate diagnostic etiological pre- and intra-operative difficulty. This diagnostic doubt can afford a destroyer intervention, with a useless lymphadenectomy, more than needful with morbidity and mortality increasing.