Background Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most well‐known sort of leukemia in children. In spite of favorable survival rates, some patients relapse and achieve a poor outcome. Methods We analyzed miR‐125b and Bcl‐2 expressions in pediatric patients with ALL and evaluated their clinical utility as molecular markers for the prediction of disease outcomes. Results Downregulation of miR‐125b and increased Bcl‐2 expression levels in pediatric patients with ALL were associated with poor prognosis at diagnosis. At day 28 of induction, miR‐125b was significantly increased, whereas Bcl‐2 was downregulated. Loss of miR‐125b during diagnosis and its elevation after therapy are strongly correlated with short leukemia‐free survival and worse survival. Moreover, the combination of miR‐125b with Bcl‐2 markers can clearly enhance the prediction of the disease outcome. Finally, a univariate analysis highlighted the independent prognostic value of miR‐125 in a pediatric patient with ALL. Conclusions miR‐125b and Bcl‐2 together are potent predictors for the prognosis and, therefore, can be used as therapeutic targets in childhood ALL.

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Background: Pneumonia is a life-threatening disease in children. Diagnosis of pneumonia is mainly clinical. However, some clinical features may be subtle or not specific. Lung ultrasound (LUS) might be used as a diagnostic tool in pneumonia as it is an easily accessible and safe imaging technique. Aim of the work:This study aimed to investigate the role of lung ultrasound in diagnosing pneumonia compared to chest x-ray in children. Subjects and methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at the general pediatric wards and pediatric intensive care units [PICUs], Department of Pediatrics, Al-Azhar University Hospital [Damietta]. It included 120 patients who were clinically diagnosed to have pneumonia. Each legal guardian signed informed consent. Then, everyone was subjected to chest x-ray and lung ultrasound, and results were compared. Results: Sonographic findings in children with pneumonia as consolidation was detected in 114/120 (95.6%), air bronchogram in 104/120 (86.7%), fluid bronchogram 37(31.1%), multiple B-lines in 68/120 (56.7%), pleural effusion in 29/120 (24.4%). The lung ultrasound [LUS] showed higher diagnostic accuracy (94.45%), sensitivity (95.6%), and specificity (93.3%). There was a statistically significant good agreement between LUS and chest X-ray [CXR]. Conclusion:LUS is safe, accurate, and more sensitive for the diagnosis of suspected pneumonia in the pediatric age group and had the advantage of reducing radiation hazard when compared to chest X-ray

Background: Jaundice is one of the most common conditions confronting neonatologists daily. Phototherapy is generally regarded as a safe method for treating hyperbilirubinemia, but it may also lead to undesired effects, one of these effects that it can affect the function of the immune system of the newborn. Aim of the work: The aim of the work was to study the effect of phototherapy on the serum level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α] in neonates. Patients and methods: A total of 35 cases of term neonates with Neonatal Jaundice and indirect hyperbilirubinemia high to the level that need phototherapy for 72hrs or more according to the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics were included in this study, and 15 healthy matched newborns were selected as controls. TNF-α was measured before exposure and after 72 hours phototherapy and from control group at the time of examination. Serum levels of TNF alpha were measured using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kits. Results: The results showed that there was no statistically significant in patient group before phototherapy in comparison to control group as regards TNF-α, patient demographics or laboratory data. On the other side, serum TNF-α levels significantly increased after exposure to phototherapy for 72 hours when compared to values before phototherapy (151.49±61.97 vs 61.36±31.96 respectively), indicating the influence of phototherapy on serum level of TNF-α. Conclusion: The results demonstrated increased serum TNF-α level after 72 hours may affect the immune system in neonates.