RLS is a sensory and motor neurologic clinical disorder, thought to be an autosomal dominant disorder (apparently on chromosome 9p for USA families-different in other countries) characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the arms or legs (but can present with conduct problems, difficulty in sleeping, etc.) which may result in poorer social development and difficulties at school.

A retrospective chart review of children diagnosed with RLS between the ages of 5-18 years and treated with a variety of medications indicates that most children who receive iron (with or without other treatments) have improvement or resolution of symptoms, within 3.8 months.

IL-8 is a chemokine ("cytokines" and "chemokines" are small proteins produced by cells in the immune system that are important in regulating the body's responses to infections, injury and wound healing. "Cytokines" are the general category of messenger molecules which control the duration and length of the immune response, while "chemokines" are specific cytokines that direct white cells to infected or damaged tissue).  

A retrospective study of 113 infants diagnosed with NEC, treated surgically or medically where IL-8 was assessed at diagnosis, and mortality reviewed at 60 days, indicates;

1.   Medically treated NEC carries a 10% 60 day mortality, while 33% of NEC infants managed surgically, die.

2.   Serum IL-8 levels correlate directly with 60 day mortality.

3.   The above may change the therapeutic approach to managing NEC in the preterm infant.

Journal of Pediatric Surgery 

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