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Background: Pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires reliable biomarkers for early detection and monitoring. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) has emerged as a potential marker due to its responsiveness to renal impairment and involvement in mineral metabolism. Objectives: To evaluate serum NGAL levels in pediatric CKD patients and explore correlations with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), ferritin, calcium-phosphorus (Ca*P) product, and total serum protein. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 54 pediatric CKD patients and 29 healthy controls. Laboratory assessments encompassed serum NGAL, creatinine, ferritin, calcium, phosphorus, and total serum protein. eGFR was calculated using the Schwartz formula. Pearson correlation and linear regression analyses determined associations between NGAL and other parameters. Results: NGAL levels were significantly higher in CKD patients compared to controls (median 453 ng/mL vs. 78 ng/mL, p < 0.001). A strong negative correlation existed between NGAL and eGFR (r = –0.81, p < 0.001). NGAL showed moderate positive correlations with ferritin (r = 0.56, p = 0.009) and CaP product (r = 0.57, p = 0.006) and a moderate negative correlation with total serum protein (r = –0.36, p = 0.225). Regression analysis confirmed NGAL as a significant predictor of eGFR, ferritin, and CaP product. Conclusions: Elevated serum NGAL levels are associated with decreased renal function and alterations in mineral metabolism in pediatric CKD patients. NGAL may serve as a valuable biomarker for assessing disease progression and guiding clinical management in this population.

This study aimed to evaluate the changes in quality of life (QoL) over a 12-month period among opiate users in Romania, identifying factors that contribute to a worsening of their condition. By examining these dynamics, the research intended to inform targeted interventions and support mechanisms to mitigate the negative outcomes associated with opiate use. Conducted as a longitudinal cohort analysis, this study enrolled 74 participants diagnosed with opioid use disorders from multiple healthcare settings in Romania. The WHOQOL-BREF instrument was utilized to assess QoL, with data collection spanning from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023. Ethical compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki was maintained, and participants provided informed consent. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, focusing on the impact of demographic and behavioral variables on QoL. Over the 12-month period, significant improvements were observed in all QoL domains: physical (51.68 to 58.39, p < 0.001), psychological (49.34 to 55.32, p < 0.001), social (46.21 to 53.66, p < 0.001), and environmental (47.85 to 54.17, p < 0.001). Methadone compliance significantly influenced positive outcomes across all domains. Compliant participants exhibited higher mean scores compared to non-compliant users, with respective increases in the physical domain from 52.47 to 60.21 (p < 0.001), psychological from 50.93 to 58.32 (p < 0.001), social from 48.36 to 57.14 (p < 0.001), and environmental from 47.82 to 55.79 (p < 0.001). Additionally, education showed a protective effect, particularly enhancing environmental QoL (estimate = 0.33, p = 0.013). Methadone compliance and higher education levels were identified as significant predictors of improved QoL among opiate users, demonstrating the critical importance of adherence to treatment protocols and the supportive role of education in enhancing life quality. These findings highlight the necessity for integrated treatment programs and educational interventions to improve the well-being of individuals battling opioid addiction, advocating for policy enhancements and supportive measures tailored to this demographic.

The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in all medical fields is currently gaining popularity (1). PRP is a biological product that can be defined as a segment of the plasma fraction of autologous blood with a platelet concentration level above the baseline (2). The fact that it has uses in tissue regeneration and wound healing has caught the eye of orthopedic surgeons as well, as intra-articular treatments have continued to evolve. Its benefits in the treatment of different osteoarticular pathologies are of great interest in the evolving orthopedic community, targeting mostly knee osteoarthritis, meniscus and ligament injuries (3). The purpose of this review is to update the reader on the current uses of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis pathology and to provide clinical feedback on its uses in the fields of orthopedic and sports medicine practice (4). We proceeded in studying 180 titles and abstracts eligible for inclusion. Compared to alternative treatments, PRP injections greatly improve the function of the knee joint.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is gaining popularity across various medical fields, including orthopedics, for its potential in tissue regeneration and wound healing. As intra-articular treatments evolve, PRP has emerged as a promising option for managing knee osteoarthritis, meniscus, and ligament injuries. This review aims to provide an update on the current applications of PRP in treating knee osteoarthritis and its clinical implications in orthopedic and sports medicine. We reviewed 180 eligible studies, and our findings suggest that PRP injections significantly improve knee joint function compared to alternative treatments. The use of PRP across various medical fields has been growing in popularity recently. PRP is a biological product derived from the plasma portion of a patient’s own blood, containing a higher concentration of platelets than normal. Its potential for tissue regeneration and wound healing has drawn significant attention from orthopedic surgeons, especially as intra-articular treatment options continue to evolve. The benefits of PRP in treating various osteoarticular conditions have sparked considerable interest within the orthopedic community, particularly for managing knee osteoarthritis, meniscus tears, and ligament injuries. This review aims to provide an updated overview of the current applications of PRP in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis and to offer clinical insights into its use in orthopedic and sports medicine practices. We reviewed 180 relevant titles and abstracts that met the inclusion criteria. Compared to other treatment options, PRP injections significantly enhance knee joint function.