The aim of this work was to measure peripheral lymphocyte apoptosis during IBD flare and remission. Subjects and Methods. Flow-cytometric assessment of apoptosis of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) was assessed in 30 children with IBD (16 with ulcerative colitis and 14 with Crohn's disease) compared to 22, age and sex matched, healthy children. This was carried out during a flare, whether in newly diagnosed or relapsing patients, and after achievement of remission. Clinical findings, complete blood count, liver transaminases, and kidney functions were assessed. Results. Early apoptotic and late apoptotic/necrotic lymphocytes were significantly higher during IBD flare compared to controls (P ≤ 0.01 and <0.01, resp., in ulcerative colitis and P ≤ 0.01 and <0.01, resp., in Crohn's disease patients). Remission values were significantly decreased but did not come back to the control levels. Early apoptotic values were significantly related to joint involvement in IBD patients (P < 0.0001). Conclusions. We can speculate a systemic nature of IBD as evident by enhanced peripheral lymphocyte apoptosis. This is related, to a great extent, to the disease process as it is more deranged in flare than in remission. Relation of this derangement to extraintestinal manifestations needs a special attention.

Background: Childhood asthma is a complex disorder in which many environmental and personal factors play a role. However, the contribution of these factors to asthma severity is poorly understood. This study aims to determine the relationship between environmental exposures, personal factors and asthma severity among asthmatic children. Methods: This cross-sectional hospital based study was conducted on 180 asthmatic children; they were divided into mild, moderate and severe asthma according to forced expiratory volume in first second. Environmental factors (indoor and outdoor), food allergy, history of other allergic diseases, family history of allergic disorders, time trend of attacks as well as asthma outcome were reported. Results: Children with severe asthma were younger than those with mild or moderate asthma. Severe asthma was significantly linked to family history of allergy, presence of co-morbid allergic diseases, fish, egg and milk allergy, as well as exposure to passive smoking (73.7%) and poor housing conditions. Also, it was significantly linked to presence of unauthorized factories in residential area (31.6 %, p=0.001). As well as, contact with pets (42.1%). Children with severe asthma had more limitations of physical activities (73.7%), missed school days (81.5%), with poor school performance (p=0.04) than those with mild moderate or asthma. Conclusion: Severe asthma was linked to female gender and younger age, co-morbid allergic diseases, family history of atopy and food allergy. It was higher among children residing in places with unauthorized factories and living in substandard housing condition. Children with severe asthma had poor asthma outcome.

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Objectives: Neonatal sepsis is clinical syndrome of bacteremia with systemic signs and symptoms. Neonatal sepsis is still a leading cause of mortality in neonatal intensive care units all over the world. Early diagnosis and treatment of the newborn infant with suspected sepsis are essential to prevent severe and life threatening complications. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate polymorph nuclear (PMN) leucocyte elastase as a diagnostic tool in neonatal sepsis. Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted on 45 full term and preterm neonates suspected as neonatal sepsis compared to 45 apparently healthy neonate with matched age and sex, as a control group. Results: 55.6% of our patients group were full-term patients and 44.4% were preterm. All the patients were subjected to full history taking, full clinical examination, lab investigation including CBC, CRP, blood culture and sensitivity, and measurement of serum polymorph nuclear leucocyte elastase enzyme. Conclusion: Significant elevation of serum polymorph nuclear leucocyte elastase level in neonatal sepsis with high specificity.