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Objectives Leptin and ghrelin are peptide hormones which, working antagonistically, regulate the energy balance of the body. The aim of the study was to evaluate the levels of leptin and ghrelin in the blood serum of patients diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF), in relation to their nutritional status and function of liver cells. Methods The study group consisted of 34 patients, aged from 3 months to 18 years (mean age 4.5 years) who were diagnosed with CF on the basis of screening and/or diagnostic tests. The analysis included the nutritional status, CFTR gene mutation, assessment of the exocrine pancreas function, abnormal lipid metabolism, as well as liver cell function parameters. In all children, serum leptin and ghrelin levels were measured by means of an immunoenzymatic test, using reagents from DRG Instruments. The results were statistically analyzed. Results Serum ghrelin levels were significantly lower in the youngest patients (<1 year of age) compared with older age groups. A statistically significant positive correlation between ghrelin levels and amylase activity, and a negative correlation for serum lipase was observed. Ghrelin concentration was significantly lower in patients with salt wasting syndrome (p<0.05). The statistically lower serum leptin levels were observed in patients with growth deficiency and increased parameters of cholestasis, particularly in the youngest age group. Conclusion Ghrelin and leptin levels in children with cystic fibrosis correlate with the nutritional status and can be an early marker of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study of pediatric patients, fecal calprotectin levels were significantly increased in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients compared with those in eosinophilic, lymphocytic, and non-specific colitis patients, and those in control subjects. The pathological levels correlated with clinical disease severity scores and with extensive Crohn's disease (i.e. lesions in both the small and large bowel). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published epidemiologic data on the administration rates of enteral/parenteral home nutrition is very limited. The aim of this first nationwide study was to assess the availability of pediatric home enteral nutrition (HEN) services in Poland. The questionnaire was sent to all regional centers providing pediatric HEN services in Poland (n = 14). The analysis included the number of pediatric patients who received HEN in 2010, their demographic characteristics and geographical distribution. Furthermore, the distributions of indications and methods of enteral nutrition administration were analyzed, along with the reasons of withdrawal from the HEN program. The number and fraction of children receiving HEN increased in 2010, from 433 (11.34 per 1 million inhabitants) on January 1st to 525 (13.75) on December 31st. Marked differences were observed in geographical distribution of this parameter, from zero to up to 30 pediatric patients per 1 million inhabitants. Median age of patients was 6 years (range: 9 months-18 years). In most cases, HEN was prescribed due to neurological disorders (n = 337, 64.2%), and administered by means of gastrostomy (n = 450, 85.71%). This study revealed the dynamic development of pediatric HEN services in Poland but also documented their potential regional shortages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]