In our study, serum hepcidin concentration was significantly decreased in IBD children compared with controls. Hepcidin correlated positively with ferritin, but not with any of inflammatory markers. It may suggest that in our cohort, hepcidin was regulated predominantly by iron storage level.

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BackgroundAdult patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of early atherosclerosis and atherosclerosis-driven cardiovascular diseases. However, data on the development of early, subclinical atherosclerosis in children with IBD are scarce. The aim of this study was to assess selected biomarkers of atherosclerosis in children with IBD.Material/MethodsThe study group comprised 30 children with first exacerbation of IBD. Twenty healthy children were enrolled into the control group. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)), interleukin 6 (Il-6), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and oxidized LDL (ox LDL) were determined.ResultsThere were no significant differences in lipids profiles in IBD children and controls. Mean IL-6 level (8.996 pg/ml) was significantly higher in the IBD group compared to controls (3.502 pg/ml). Mean hs-CRP concentration was significantly higher in IBD children than in controls (7.648 and 1.290 μg/ml, respectively). In the IBD group, mean ox-LDL concentration (144.837 ng/ml) was lower than in controls (162.352 ng/ml), but the difference was non-significant (P=0.4). Mean Lp(a) serum level was higher in patients with IBD (19.418 mg/dl) than in controls (10.970 mg/dl), but it was also non-significant.ConclusionsNo significant differences were found in biomarkers of atherosclerosis in children with IBD compared to controls. Elevated IL-6 and hs-CRP level are well-established inflammatory markers. Further studies are needed to fully determine cardiovascular risk factors in IBD children.

ᅟMucopolysaccharidosis type III (MPS III; Sanfilippo syndrome) is a metabolic disorder characterized by the deficiency of a lysosomal enzyme catalyzing the catabolic pathway of heparan sulphate. MPS III presents with progressive mental deterioration, speech delay and behavioural problems with subtle somatic features, which can often lead to misdiagnosis with idiopathic developmental/speech delay, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder or autism. We report a case of a 5-year-old boy with developmental delay and behaviour problems admitted to the Department of Paediatrics due to chronic hypertransaminasemia. The patient developed normally until the age of 2 years when he was referred to a paediatric neurologist for suspected motor and speech delay. Liver function tests were unexpectedly found elevated at the age of 3.5 years. Physical examination revealed obesity, mildly coarse facial features and stocky hands. He showed mental retardation and mild motor delay. The clinical picture strongly suggested mucopolysaccharidosis. The diagnosis of MPS IIIA was confirmed by decreased activity of heparan N-sulfatase in leucocytes.ConclusionWe strongly recommend screening for MPS III in children with severe behavioural abnormalities with hyperactivity, psychomotor or speech deterioration and failure to achieve early developmental milestones particularly with facial dysmorphism.

Introduction. Intentional poisonings among children and adolescents are a problem not only for paediatricians, but also constitute a big issue for public health. In many countries worldwide, including Poland, an increase has been observed in suicidal behaviours at developmental age. Objective. The aim of the study was a retrospective evaluation of patients hospitalized due to intentional poisoning in the