Early Postoperative Kidney Transplant Complications Related to Immunomodulator Regimen in Pediatric Recipients.

OBJECTIVES: Calcineurin inhibitors (cyclosporine and tacrolimus) are widely used in kidney transplant to prevent acute transplantrejection; however,the effects of these medications on graft sequelae after transplant remain unclear. We aimed to compare early complications, including graftrejectionandinfectionrates after kidney transplant, in childrenbetween the cyclosporine and tacrolimus immunomodulator regimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, 105 pediatric patients who were candidates to receive kidney transplant in the age range of 4 to 18 years were included. There were 28 patients who received cyclosporine, and 77 patients who received tacrolimus. Participants were routinely tested for cytomegalovirus, BK virus, and bacterial infection on a monthly basis for the first 3 months and once every 3 months thereafter for the first year. The graft rejection rate was also assessed and compared between the 2 treatment regimens. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the 2 groups receiving cyclosporine or tacrolimus in graft rejection rate (P = .719), cytomegalovirus viremia (P = .112), BK viremia (P = .278), and bacterial infection (P = .897). Graftfailure was significantly more frequent in male than in female patients (30.9% vs 8.2%; P = .004). The rates of graft failure in study patients with and without previous history of graftfailure were found to be statistically similar (16.7% vs 20.4%; P = .825). History of infection in donors did not affect the graft complications posttransplant in recipients. CONCLUSIONS: The use of either tacrolimus or cyclosporine leads to similar consequences in terms of graft rejection or posttransplant viral and bacterial infection, so either drug may be exchanged for the other if needed for tolerability.

Role of Superantigens in Various Childhood Inflammatory Diseases.

Superantigens (Sags) are a part of some viral or bacterial proteins that stimulate T cells and antigen-presenting cells leading to systemic immune repose and inflammation. SAgs might have a possible role in various inflammatory childhood diseases (e.g., Kawasaki disease, atopic dermatitis, and chronic rhinosinusitis). Worldwide studies have been conducted to determine the role of staphylococcal SAgs (TSST-1) in various inflammatory diseases. The SAgs (TSST-1) not only induce sepsis and septic shock (even in negative blood culture for S. aureus), but may also have a significant role in various childhood inflammatory diseases (e.g., KD, OMS, Polyp, dermatitis, psoriasis). In proven Sags-induced inflammatory diseases, the inhibition of the cell-destructive process by SAgs suppressants might be helpful. In toxic shock or sepsis-like presentation and even in cases with negative blood cultures, immediate use of anti staphylococcal drugs is required. Occasionally, the clinical presentation of some human viruses (e.g., coronavirus and adenovirus) mimics KD. In addition, coinfection with adenovirus, coronavirus, and para-influenza virus type 3 has also been observed with KD. It has been observed that in developed KD, bacterial sags induced an increase in acute-phase reactants and in the number of white blood cells, and neutrophil counts. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MISC) and KS were observed during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. This study summarized the relationship between viral and bacterial SAgs and childhood inflammatory diseases.

Assessment of Hearing Loss in Two-Year Follow-up Study of Neonates with Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection.

Objectives: Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection constitutes the main cause of sensory neural hearing loss (SNHL) worldwide. The rate of Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-induced SNHL is not well documented in developing countries, such as Iran. Therefore, this prospective follow-up study aimed to evaluate this rate among neonates with cCMV infection in Iran. Materials & Methods: Neonates with cCMV infection admitted to neonatal intensive care units and neonates with CMV infection identified in two other prospective screening studies in Tehran, Iran, were enrolled in this study. Audiological assessments, including otoacoustic emission and auditory brainstem response tests, were performed for all the cases. Antiviral therapy was administered for the newborns in case of having severe symptoms. Results: A total of 22 neonates with cCMV infection were entered into the study, of whom 8 and 14 subjects had symptomatic and asymptomatic cCMV infection, respectively. In total, 3 of 22 newborns had SNHL (13.6%; 95% CI: 2.8-39.8), 2 of 8 cases with symptomatic cCMV infection (25.0%; 95% CI: 3-90) and 1 of 14 cases with asymptomatic cCMV infection (7.1%; 95% CI: 0.1-39). No association was observed between SNHL and CMV-related risk factors in newborns. Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed that the rate of cCMV-induced SNHL is high among neonates born in Tehran. The severe sequelae of cCMV infection indicate the need for screening for CMV infection at birth to reduce the risk of CMV complications and the financial load of treatment imposed on healthcare and treatment systems in Iran.

Lessons from Ten Years' the Prevalence of Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) in the Young Population Living in a Developing Country, Tehran; Iran.

BACKGROUND: A safe and effective rubella vaccine is available and prescribed in IRAN. OBJECTIVE: This is a survey of CRS cases collected based on WHO criteria one decade after the MR vaccination campaign (2003). METHODS: This Multi-stage prospective/cross-sectional study was carried out in three stages in 3 educational hospitals in Tehran (Rasoul Aram, Akbar Abadi, and Firoozabadi), In the first stage of the study between 2011 and 2012 total of 186 infants were evaluated, and in the second stage of the study, total 163 blood samples of infants with suspected INTRA UTERINE INFECTION were compared with a group of healthy matched infants. In the first and second stages, Rubella immunity (IgG&IgM) in cord blood was evaluated by the Eliza method. RESULTS: Despite MR vaccination in Iran, after one decade"confirmed CRS" and " compatible CRS" was diagnosed in 5 and 31 from 89 CRS suspected cases. CONCLUSION: The incidence of "confirmed CRS" in every 100 CRS suspected infants (after campaign) is 5.6 %, and 31 CRS Compatible cases are so important. Without active CRS surveillance, mild infection such as IUGR, hearing loss, heart abnormalities, impaired vision, and mental retardation even in the developed country might be missed. Fetal infection is persistent, which imposes additional costs on the country. Another mass vaccination in women and girls is needed. Also, the anti-rubella IgG testing before pregnancy in women who were not vaccinated; vaccination of women before marriage /pregnancy should be obligatory in order to prevent the CRS.

Searching the Staphylococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin -1 in Septic Children with negative Cultures: A Comparative Study in Tehran, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Bacteria induced sepsis is common in infants and children. Staphylococcus aureus produces numerous exotoxins, like staphylococcal Toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST- 1), which stimulate the immune system by T cell activation and inflammation in various organs. Recent studies suggest that staphylococcal toxins, generally named super antigens (SAgs), may also have a significant role in the pathogenesis of some pediatric disorders especially in the clinical presentation of sepsis and septic shock. This study was carried out in order to compare staphylococcal TSST- 1 (SAgs) in children with sepsis symptoms (and septic shock) with negative blood culture versus a control group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted during 2 years (2014 -2016) in two referral hospitals (Rasoul Akram and Bahrami hospitals) in Tehran, Iran. We selected 44 children) mean age of 4 years) who were admitted in pediatrics and PICUs wards with sepsis symptoms- /+septic shock. Forty-five children (mean age of 3.9 years) were selected as a control group. All cases with blood samples were examined for TSST-1 (SAgs) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method in both case and control groups and results were compared. Data were analyzed by SPSS-16software. Chi-square or Fisher test was used to compare the variables. P-value < 0.05 was considered as a valuable tool. RESULTS: Positive blood cultures with other bacteria, Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenzae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, were detected in 5 cases with negative TSST-1 in blood samples. S.aureus isolated from blood culture was detected in 2 cases with positive TSST- 1.Positive TSST-1 (SAgs) was detected in 6 cases (14%) with negative blood culture for S.aureus; it was significantly higher in cases (14% vs. 2%; P value = 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study indicates the probable role of TSST-1(SAgs) in the progression of sepsis (and septic shock) in toxic children with negative blood culture for S.aureus. Anti-staphylococcal treatment is immediately required, especially in toxic children with related clinical presentations, even in cases with negative blood cultures. Indeed, the clinical use against SAgs suppressants of downstream cell-destructive events might be helpful.

Neonatal screening for congenital cytomegalovirus infection in Tehran, Iran, using Guthrie cards.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) constitutes the most common viral cause of congenital infections in newborns worldwide. There are a significant number of asymptomatic newborns with congenital CMV infection in Iran, which may develop long-term sequelae of infection. Unfortunately, limited data exsists from Iran on the rate of congenital CMV infection among neonates. The current study was aimed to investigate the prevalence of congenital CMV infection among Iranian neonates by testing Guthrie cards. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Guthrie cards were collected from infants within 2 weeks of life, and total DNA was extracted from samples by thermal shock and evaluated for CMV DNA using nested-PCR assay. CMV infection in newborns was confirmed through a commercial CMV PCR kit. Infected infants underwent further evaluation at the hospital. RESULTS: CMV infection was identified in four of 1174 infants (0.34%) which is approximately 3 cases per 1000 live births. Infected infants were asymptomatic at birth and had a normal hearing status similar to other children. There were no factors in relation with CMV infection among newborns. CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, infected infants with congenital CMV infection could identify at early stage by testing Guthrie cards (within 21 days of life). Furthermore, since there is a lack of CMV knowledge in our population, educating and effective counseling by obstetricians/ gynecologists to the pregnant women are recommended.

Urinary antigene and PCR can both be used to detect Legionella pneumophila in children's hospital-acquired pneumonia.

Legionella pneumophila is the causative agent of more than 95% cases of severe Legionella pneumonia. Nosocomial pneumonias in different hospital wards is an important medical and pharmaceutical concern. This study aimed to detect Legionella with two methods: polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and detection of urine antigenic test (UAT) in patients suffering from nosocomial pneumonia admitted to pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of children hospitals. This study was conducted in PICU wards of Rasool Akram and Bahrami children hospitals, Tehran, Iran during 2013-2014. In patients diagnosed with hospital-acquired pneumonia, intratracheal secretion samples for PCR and urine sample for UAT were taken. Simultaneously, PCR and urinary antigen test were conducted using commercial kits. The results of urinary antigen test and PCR were analyzed by SPSS v.19 for statistical comparison. In this study, 96 patients aging 2.77 years on average with two age peaks of less than 1 year and 7-8 year were enrolled. More than half of the patients were under 1 year old. The most common underlying diseases were seizure, Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma, Down syndrome and metabolic syndromes. The positivity rate of Legionella urinary antigen test was 16.7% and positivity rate of PCR test was 19.8%. There were no significant associations between the results obtained by both assays with age, gender or underlying diseases. In conclusion, PCR is a better detection method for Legionella infection than urinary antigen test, but the difference between the two methods was not significant.

The Resistance Rate of Helicobacter Pylori to Clarithromycin and Main Mutations on Bacterial Genomic Responsible for Bacterial Resistance: A Comparative Study in Children and Adults, Tehran and Iran.

BACKGROUND: High resistance to common antibiotics has become a huge global dilemma in eradicating Helicobacter Pylori infection in both children and adults. The great concern is about the resistance to different classes of antibiotics especially Clarithromycin because of its widespread use. OBJECTIVES: The present survey aimed to assess the resistance rate to Clarithromycin in Helicobacter Pylori isolated in patients aged less than 15 years as compared to patients older than 15 years of age. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, total 72 patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms requiring diagnostic endoscopy referred to Rasoul-e-Akram Hospital in Tehran during one year (August 2015 to August 2016). Helicobacter Pylori infection was diagnosed in patients using the Rapid Urease Test. The antibiotics resistance was detected in genomes using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on 23S rRNA gene. RESULTS: In total 72 patients, 36 cases aged less than or equal to 15 years and 36 patients were older than 15 years. Of all patients in this study, 17 cases were detected with gene mutations or polymorphisms related to resistance to Clarithromycin. Overall prevalence rate of resistance was reported 23.61%. Three polymorphisms on 23S rRNA gene including A2142G, A2142C, and A2143G were revealed in 47.1%, 5.9%, and 47.1% of patients, respectively. The bacterial resistance to Clarithromycin was observed more prevalent in patients that aged older than 15 years compared to patients younger than 15 years of age. Also, frequent consumption of any type of antibiotics was significantly associated with the higher resistance of bacterium to Clarithromycin. CONCLUSION: The results of our study regarding the resistance of Helicobacter Pylori to Clarithromycin were similar to findings of other studies around the world. But, the Clarithromycin resistance rate was reported higher in patients older than 15 years of age and those patients who repeatedly received different types of antibiotics regardless of their age. Of all mutations in bacterial genome, the prominent mutations responsible for bacterial resistance to Clarithromycin included A2142C, A2142G, and A2143G nucleotide polymorphism on 23S rRNA gene.

The Neuroimaging Studies in Children with Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Complications: A 10 Years Descriptive Sudy in Tehran.

BACKGROUND: Any mismatch between the production and absorption of CSF results in hydrocephalus. In most cases, the selected choice of treatment is the ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion. Although, the surgery could have complications such as infection, shunt malfunction, subdural hematoma, seizure and Shunt immigration; so, the early and proper detection of these complications could result in better prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of CT scan, CSF analysis and X-ray radiography in detection of shunt complications and problems in shunt placement and further follow-up in hospitalized children. METHODS: The medical records of children in Rasul Akram hospital in Tehran were reviewed retrospectively in the last 10 years, from 2006 to 2016. All data were recorded in the prepared form including the age, sex, shunt complication, CT scan and CSF characteristics. RESULTS: The total number of 95 patients were interfered in this study including 56 males (58.9%) and 39 females (41.1%). The mean age at the onset of complications were 2.8±2.2 years-old. The shunt obstruction (60%) and infection (25.3%) were the most common complications. The CT scan was able to detect 36.5% of shunt complications. The CT scan had the sensitivity and specificity of 50 and 87%, respectively in detection of shunt obstruction. The all cases of brain hematoma and hemorrhage were revealed by CT scan. On the other hand, the CT scan had 20% of sensitivity and 60% of specificity in the detection of shunt infection. The CSF evaluation in shunt infection revealed 92% hypoglycemia, 87.5% pleocytosis, and 62.5% positive CSF culture. CSF had the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 92, 82, 63 and 97%, respectively. The patient's symptoms and signs were helpful in obtaining higher test accuracy. CONCLUSION: The CT scan was not a good sensitive and specific study in the detection of shunt obstruction and infection, but it was very accurate in detection of hemorrhage and hematoma. On the other hand, CSF evaluation was a reliable test in shunt infection disclosure.

Diagnostic Value of CRP, Procalcitonin, and Ferritin Levels in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Children with Meningitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Bacterial meningitis is a serious disease with high rate of mortality and morbidity in children. Invasion of pathogens causes brain and meningeal inflammation, which leads to the release of biomarkers into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Identification of these biomarkers can help the physicians to differentiate between bacterial and aseptic meningitis. In the current study, some of these biomarkers such as Procalcitonin, C reactive protein (CRP), and Ferritin, were compared in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with bacterial and aseptic meningitis. METHODS: In a prospective cross sectional study in a referral children hospital in Tehran during 2011- 2013, the CSF levels of Procalcitonin, Ferritin, and CRP were measured in 57 children with clinically suspected meningitis. The Mann-Whitney u test and the chi-square test were used to compare two groups, children with bacterial and aseptic meningitis. The cut-offs of biomarker levels for differentiation between the 2 groups were constructed by receiver-operating - characteristic curve (ROC). RESULTS: 57 subjects (30 bacterial and 27 aseptic meningitis), were enrolled in this survey. In comparing the two groups, the CSF levels of Ferritin, CRP, and procalcitonin in bacterial meningitis were significantly higher than in aseptic meningitis (P values=˂0.001, 0.001, ˂0.001respectively), with sensitivity/ specificity being 92.9% / 68%, 92.9% / 84%, and 96.4% / 80%, respectively. Positive Predictive Values (PPV) were, correspondingly, 96.4%, 92.8%, and 92.8% for procalcitonin, Ferritin, and CRP. Corresponding Negative Predictive Values (NPV) were, respectively equal to 95.4%, 70%, and 88%. CONCLUSION: CSF of children with bacterial meningitis contains higher levels of inflammatory mediators including Procalcitonin, Ferritin, and CRP, compared to aseptic meningitis The biomarkers provided high sensitivity (especially PCT) and specificity (especially CRP). Using these complementary biomarkers would be useful for early diagnosis of bacterial meningitis and selection of appropriate treatment.

Comparison the Serum STREM1 Levels Between Children with Upper and Lower UTI.

BACKGROUND: Pyelonephritis is the most common and important infection among Iranian pediatric population. Differentiation between upper and lower Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is often difficult based on clinical data. Therefore, definite diagnosis is helpful for choosing appropriate antibiotic and decision for hospital admission. The main purpose of this study was todetermine the diagnostic value of serum STREM-1 level in children suspicious to UTI and differentiation of upper UTI and lower UTI. MATERIAL & METHODS: This prospective cross sectional study (2010-2011) was performed to evaluate and compare the serum level of STREM- 1 (pg. /ml) in 36 diagnosed UTI patients (24 upper and 12 lower UTI) with 25 normal children (without UTI) in Rasoul Akram hospital, Tehran, Iran. The mean age of studied children was 3.64 years; 24 male and 37 female. Urinary analysis and urine culture were performed for all UTI cases and only the positive cultured cases with the same microorganism were enrolled in the study. Distinguishing the upper from lower UTI was done on the basis of clinical manifestation and laboratory tests and confirmed by Imaging studies (ultra sonography /or DMSA scan). Blood sampling was taken from all children and centrifuged .The level of STREM-1 (pg /ml) in all sera was determined by Enzyme immunoassay technique (Human TREM-1 immunoassay Sandwich test, Quantikine, R&D systems, Minneapolis; USA). Cut-off levels for STREM-1 were illustrated by ROC curve. The p<0.05 was considered as significant for differences between groups. FINDINGS: The mean of STREM -1level had significant difference between overall cases of UTI (427.72pg/ml) and controls (124.24 pg. /ml; P =0.000) ; with cutoff point 111.5 pg./ml ; it had 83.3% sensitivity; and 60 % specificity to distinguish UTI from control. Serum STREM -1 level had no significantly difference between the upper and lower UTI (500pg/ml vs. 283 pg. /ml, P value=0.1) with cutoff point 132 pg./ml it had 83.3% sensitivity ; and 60 % specificity to distinguish upper UTI from lower UTI. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that even low amount of serum STREM-1 (111.5 pg./ml) has 83.3% sensitivity ; and 60 % specificity to distinguish the UTI from normal cases (P value =0.000) but higher level (132 pg./ml) was needed for definite diagnosis (83.3% sensitivity; 60 % specificity) of upper and lower UTI. It is concluded that serum STREM-1 level test is a valuable tool for early diagnosis of the normal cases with false positive urine culture, or in highly suspicious upper UTI cases with false negative urine culture. Indeed higher titer of this biomarker could be helpful for discriminating the upper from lower UTI. Therefore adding this new biologic marker (STREM-1) to previous ones (CRP, PCT) is suggested to prevent the unnecessary hospital admission and empiric antibiotic therapy.

Detection of the M. pneumonia in Synovial Fluid of Children with Negative Culture Arthritis: A Cross Sectional Study in Tehran, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Arthritis could be caused by different etiologies ranging from rheumatologic diseases to infectious conditions. Therefore, early diagnosis of etiology and treatment is important. The purpose of this study was to determine the the M. pneumonia in synovial fluid of children with arthritis by 2 methods (serology and qualitative PCR). METHODS & MATERIALS: This trial was carried out as a cross sectional study in pediatric and orthopedic ward of Rasoul-e Akram hospital in Tehran, Iran. Seventy three patients (39 boys and 34 girls) with mean age of 11± 3.9 y/o were selected by continuous sampling after synovial fluid aspiration. All samples were evaluated by direct smear, culture and latex tests. Septic arthritis was diagnosed in 18 patients (25.4%). PCR and serology tests for M. pneumonia (specific IgM and IgG) were performed in 50 cases with negative culture. The results were compared by Independent T test. RESULTS: According to physical examination and culture 18 patients (25.4%) were diagnosed with septic arthritis, 50 patients with non-septic arthritis were studied. Seventeen patients (33.3%) were IgG positive and 2 patients (4%) were IgM positive. Only 2 patients (4%) showed weakly positive results on PCR which did not demonstrate any association with serology. CONCLUSION: Positive PCR in SF (4%) definitely indicates active infection and M. pneumonia induced arthiritis. Although positive SF-IgM (4%) suggests either a current or a very recent M. pneumonia infection but not for SF-IgG (previous infection). So, we can summate that PCR, though being the best and most accurate method to detect M. pneumonia infection arthritis, is not considered a practical one due to costs and availability issues. Hence it can be safely replaced by serology test (Specific IgM) in SF for diagnosis of M. pneumonia arthritis, which is available in most of the hospitals and is much more economical as compared to PCR.

Presence of blaPER-1 and blaVEB-1 beta-lactamase genes among isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from South West of Iran.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates have acquired resistance to antibiotics such as novel beta-lactams. The aim of this study was to investigate the blaPER-1, blaVEB-1, and blaPSE-1 genes among isolates of P. aeruginosa among intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Sixty-five isolates were collected. The antibiotic susceptibility testing and combined disk tests were performed to detect the isolates producing extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) among ceftazidime-resistant isolates. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of blaPER-1, blaVEB-1, and blaPSE-1 genes was conducted. Ten (15.3%) isolates were ESBL-positive, of which 40% (n=4) belonged to males and 60% (n=6) were collected from females. Moreover, two and one isolates harbored blaPER-1 and blaVEB-1 genes, respectively.

Serum levels of vitamins A and D, and zinc in children with acute diarrhea: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Diarrhea is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity during the early life period especially in developing countries. Micronutrients deficiencies have been proposed either as a risk factor or a consequence of diarrhea. Association studies highlight the relation of vitamins and minerals' deficiencies with acute diarrhea. In this regard we aimed to evaluate the status of vitamins A and D, and zinc serum levels in children with acute diarrhea. METHODS: In this cross sectional study performed in a referral teaching hospital, we measured and compared baseline vitamin A, 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D), and zinc serum levels in 25 children admitted with acute diarrhea and 25 other children who were admitted for undergoing elective surgeries. RESULTS: 25-(OH)D levels were significantly lower in the diarrhea group (p=0.03). We were unable to demonstrate a significant difference in the levels of vitamin A and zinc between the case and control groups (p= 0.14 and p=0.07, respectively). CONCLUSION: We observed lower serum 25(OH)D levels in children with acute diarrhea. Whether this finding indicates a premorbid risk factor or simply a consequence of diarrhea needs further studies. Regardless of the cause and effect relationship, supplementation with vitamin D in acute diarrhea remains as a plausible consideration.

Th1 and Th2 cytokine gene expression in atopic and nonatopic patients with nasal polyposis.

The pathogenesis of nasal polyps has been debated for many years. The lymphocytes that infiltrate nasal polyps have been identified as predominantly memory T cells in an activated state, and these cells produce a mixed cytokine pattern of T1 helper (Th1) and T2 helper (Th2) cells. We conducted a prospective study to compare the expression levels of some Th1 and Th2 cytokines in atopic and nonatopic patients. Our study population consisted of 75 adults-42 men and 33 women (mean age: 38 yr)-with nasal polyposis. Patients with an allergy were distinguished from those without an allergy on the basis of the history, the results of skin-prick testing, and measurement of total IgE serum concentrations. Based on these criteria, patients were divided into two groups: atopic (n = 38) and nonatopic (n = 37). Levels of cytokine gene expression in the atopic patients were compared with those of the nonatopic patients by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analysis found no significant differences in the rate of interleukin (IL) 10 and IL-12 gene expression between the allergic and nonallergic patients. On the other hand, rates of interferon gamma and IL-4 gene expression were significantly higher in the atopic patients (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02, respectively). Our research suggests that an imbalance of Th1 and Th2 cells plays an important role in the pathophysiology of nasal polyps. Although nasal polyposis is a multifactorial disease associated with several different etiologic factors, chronic persistent inflammation is undoubtedly a major factor, regardless of the specific etiology.

Group A ß-hemolytic Streptococcal Infection in Children and the Resultant Neuro-psychiatric Disorder; a Cross Sectional Study; Tehran, Iran.

INTRODUCTION: Group A Beta-Hemolytic Streptococcus (GABHS) can induce PANDAS (pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infection). GABHS is the most important and common bacterial cause of acute pharyngitis in Iranian children. We studied the role of GABHS (anti-streptococcal antibodies) in suspected cases of PANDAS in a cross sectional studies. METHODS: Across sectional study was done in 2 pediatric psychiatric/and neurologic clinics in Tehran (Rasul Akram and Aliasghar Hospital) during 2008-2010. We studied serum anti-streptococcal antibodies (anti streptolysin O, anti Deoxyribonuclease B, and anti-streptokinase (ABcam-ELISA, USA) in 76 cases with psychiatric manifestation (OCD, ADHD) in compare with 39 healthy controls. These antibodies were studied in 53 cases with movement disorders (Tic/Tourette syndrome) in compare with 76 healthy controls. Sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of tests were calculated. RESULTS: In movement disorders ASOT, Anti-DNase and Anti streptokinase was significantly higher than controls (P<0.0001, P=0.000, P<0.00001) ASOT (cut off level> 200 IU/ml) had 75% sensitivity; 84% specificity and 80% PPV; Anti-streptokinase (cut off level > 332 IU/ml) had 34% sensitivity; 85% specificity, and 72% PPV; Anti-DNase (cut off level > 140 IU/ml) had 70% sensitivity; 99% specificity and PPV 90% for differentiating the group. ASOT, Anti-DNase and Anti streptokinase titer was significantly higher than controls (P<0.0001, P=0.000, P<0.0001). ASOT had 90% sensitivity; 82% specificity, PPV 92%; Anti streptokinase: 82% sensitivity; 82% specificity, PPV 95%; Anti DNase: 92% sensitivity; 82% specificity, PPV 92% for differentiation the cases from normal controls. DISCUSSION: These findings support that a post infectious immune mechanism to GABHS may play a role in the pathogenesis of PANDAS in our children. A combination of throat culture, rapid antigen detection test, and serologic testing for GABHS is required to achieve maximum sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis. We prefer to use antibiotic prophylaxis in PANDAS cases for preventing recurrent streptococcal infections. Ongoing research is needed for identifying optimum diagnostic, prevention and therapeutic approach especially, aggressive treatment (intravenous immunoglobulin, plasmaphresis).

Chlamydophila pneumoniae Infection Assessment in Children With Adenoid Hypertrophy Concomitant With Rhino Sinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Since adenoids may act as a reservoir for bacteria, they can cause ear infection, recurrent otitis and recurrent adenotonsillitis. Therefore, adenotonsillectomy is an efficient method for reducing the number and severity of subsequent infections. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the Chlamydophila pneumonia infection by serological tests and performing PCR in the adenoid tissue, in children undergoing adenoid surgery and compare the results with normal children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This case control study was conducted in the ENT and pediatric wards of Rasoul Akram Hospital in Tehran (2008-2011). We studied 53 patients who had undergone the adenoid surgery (adenoid hypertrophy concomitant with rhino sinusitis) and 31 other patients undergoing elective surgeries in the general surgery ward (like orthopedic surgeries, hernia, etc.) without any infection (like rhinosinusitis), as the control groups. We searched for C. pneumoniae by PCR kits (Chemicon, Germany) in resected adenoid tissues and nasopharyngeal swabs of controls (ethics restrictions in controls). We also looked for specific IgM & IgG antibodies (ELISA, Biochem Immuno Systems, Italy) and compared them between the two groups. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Positive PCR results were observed in 13.5% of cases and none of the controls. The condition prevalence was higher in warm seasons (P = 0.05). No correlation was found between positive PCR results and patients' gender. IgM presence was observed in 11% (6.51) of cases and 6.5% (2.31) of controls (P = 0.7). IgG results were not positive in any of the cases (0.51), whereas positive results were seen in 13.3% of the controls (P = 0.007). IgM results showed no significant difference with PCR results (P = 0.7) but IgG results did (P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study showed a positive correlation between PCR and serology (IgM) results in the case group. Recent C. pneumoniae infection was proved to exist by PCR and serology (IgM) in patients who had undergone adenoidectomy. In contrast to the controls, none of the patients in the study group showed previous immunity. Findings indicate the probable role of C. pneumoniae infection, in inducing adenoid hypertrophy in nearly 13% of cases.

Searching the Staphylococcal Superantigens: Enterotoxins A, B, C, and TSST1 in Synovial Fluid of Cases With Negative Culture Inflammatory Arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Accurate and rapid diagnosis of bacterial arthritis is not always possible in unvaccinated (Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type B) children in Iran. OBJECTIVES: Searching the staphylococcal superantigen (entrotoxin A, B, C and TSST1) in synovial fluid of cases with inflammatory arthritis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross sectional study was implemented in the pediatric and orthopedic wards, Rasoul Akram Hospital, Tehran, Iran (2008-2010) upon synovial fluid (SF) aspirated from 66 children (five months to 16 years; mean age 11 ± 3.8 years) with monoarthritis. Staphylococcal supperantigens (enterotoxins A, B, C, TSST1) were assessed by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in synovial fluid of cases with inflammatory arthitis. Staphylococcal superantigens compared between cases with positive and negative Staphylococcus aureus culture (P < 0.05 was significant). RESULTS: S. aureus was the most common cause of septic arthritis. Positive S. aureus culture in SF was reported in 10.6% (7/66) of the cases. Enterotoxin A was the least common type of superantigens found even in SF negative culture; 47% of the cases had one or more staphylococcal superantigens. Enterotoxin A was the least common type in SF; there was poor agreement between positive culture for S. aureus and presence of enterotoxins B, C, and TSST1 in SF, and intermediate agreement (KAPPA Index = 0.67) for enterotoxin A. CONCLUSIONS: A possible role (%47) for staphylococcal toxins was defined even in SF negative cultures obtained from monoarthritis cases. Failure in isolation of organisms might be due to natural un-growth of microorganism in synovial fluid, and previous antibiotic usage or low technical methods. It could not be determined from the data obtained in the current investigation whether or not staphylococcal toxins (superantigens) play a pathogenic role without direct invasion of the organism. It is recommend to use complementary methods for searching the S. aureus superantigens in future studies.

The rise of staphylococcal super antigens in psoriatic patients: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus, the major virulence factor of hospital and community acquired infections, secretes numerous exotoxins (super antigens), which may affect immunological and inflammatory status in psoriatic skin lesion. OBJECTIVES: This study is designed to compare the S. aureus super antigens level in sera of psoriatic patients with normal cases (nevus). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A case control study was performed in dermatology ward of Rasoul Hospital in Tehran, IR Iran (2008 - 2010). Staphylococcal super antigens (Entrotoxin A, B, D and TSST1) were measured in serum of 41 psoriatic patients and 28 normal persons (Nevus) by ELISA. Chi square values (CI 95%, P value < 0.05) were calculated for all categorical variables. RESULTS: In this study 63.4% (26) of cases were male, 36.6% (15) were female. Age ranged from 4 months to 64 years old, with a mean age of 33.7 ± 15.4 years. Type of skin disease in cases: 20% (8) were inflicted by the Gutate form of the disease; 59% (23) with chronic plaque psoriasis (CPP), 7.7% (3) with erythrodermic and 12.8% (5) had other types of the disease (plaque, pustular, inverse). TSST (toxic shock syndrome toxin) was detected in 47% (20/41) of cases and in 6% (1/28) of the controls with a significant difference. (P value = 0.000) Entrotoxins (A, B, D) were detected in the sera of 48.8% (21/41) of cases; and only 6 %( 1/21) of controls, showed significant differences (P value = 0.000) positive TSST was more common in spring, and correlates with CPP type of psoriasis, but not related to patient`s gender and age. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, S. aureus were 25 times more in psoriatic patients. Super antigens should be first detected in the serum samples; if negative, the skin lesions should be examined by PCR especially in chronic types of disease. Adding the antibiotics against S. aureus to other conventional treatments might be helpful. It has a more important and significant role in children with acuteinfection.

Assessments of blood lead levels in children with febrile convulsion.

BACKGROUND: Lead elements have an adverse effect on human health. The most important complications of lead poisoning are disorders of nervous system particularly seizure .This study aimed to evaluate the blood lead levels and its association with convulsion in a group of hospitalized febrile children. METHODS: In this analytic cross-sectional study, 60 hospitalized febrile children with 1- 60 month old participated in the study via non-probability convenience sampling method. All of the information included sex, age, weight, blood lead levels and history of convulsion gathered in the questionnaire. Finally all of data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: 66.7% of samples were male and 33.3% were female. The mean age was 32.57±38.27 months and the mean weight was 13.04±9.61kg. The Mean and Standard deviation of Blood lead level was 4.83±3.50µg/dL. 10% of samples had lead levels greater than 10µg/dL. 53.3% of patients have convulsion and other don't have it. Blood lead levels was 4.91±3.65µg/dL in children with convulsion and 4.73± 3.38µg/dL in children without it; the difference was not significant (p= 0.8). CONCLUSION: Overall, no significant association was found between blood lead levels and convulsion.