Biochemical analyzer

Liver damage was diagnosed if the biochemical analyzer (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL, USA) showed abnormal values of total bilirubin (TBil), indirect bilirubin (IBil), serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and/or alkaline phosphatase (ALP); similarly, myocardial damage was diagnosed if there were elevated levels of serum creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase (CK) isoenzyme MB (CK-MB), and/or lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) were also detected by the biochemical analyzer (Abbott). Blood cell count analysis was performed using a Mindray BC-6900 hematology analyzer (Mindray Medical International Ltd., Shenzhen, China). The reference values of these markers were set by children’s hospital. Differences of various indicators in children of different ages were analyzed.

The serum levels of CEA and Fer were detected using a chemiluminescence immunoassay (Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, IL, USA) and their associated reagents, while the levels of CRP were detected using a biochemical analyzer (Abbott Laboratories). Blood counts were performed using a Mindray BC-6900 blood hematology analyzer (Mindray medical international limited, Shenzhen, China) and its associated reagents. The levels of IL-6 were detected using a Roche automatic electrochemiluminescence immunoassay and its associated reagents (Roche diagnostic Company limited, Basel, Switzerland). The PCT levels were assessed using a mini-Vidas immunofluorescence analyzer (BioMerieus Company, Craponne, France), The D-dimer level was assessed using a Stago automatic coagulometer (Stago diagnostic Company limited, Paris, France).