Risk factors associated with wasting among children aged 6 to 24 months old in Gaza strip

Wasting contributes to morbidity and mortality for children under 5 years of age particularly in the developing countries. This study identified the various risk factors associated with wasting among children aged 6 to 24 months old in Gaza Strip. The study sample consisted of 98 wasted children and 98 control children. A questionnaire interview was used. The World Health Organization Anthro software for assessing nutritional status of the world's children was applied. Data were computer analyzed using SPSS/PC statistical package version 21. Anthropometric data showed that birth weight was significantly lower in cases than controls (2.9±0.8 versus 3.1±0.6 kg, P= 0.030). Weight and height were also significantly decreased in cases (P= 0.000). Wasting was significantly higher among children of less educated mothers (χ2= 8.110, P= 0.044) and among children of less family income (OR= 4.1, P= 0.000). Children not received nutritional help or donation had more frequent wasting than those did (P= 0.004). Wasting was significantly higher among non-exclusively breastfed children (OR= 2.1, P= 0.010) and among children who breastfed≤ 12 months (P= 0.021). Early introduction of complementary food increased wasting by 2.8 times (OR= 2.8, P= 0.001). Children with poor appetite had highest frequency of wasting (χ2= 6.139, P= 0.046). Wasting was significantly higher in respiratory and gastrointestinal tract infected children [OR= 2.9, P= 0.000 and OR= 3.1, P= 0.000, respectively). In conclusion, less income, not receive nutritional help or donation, non-exclusive breastfeeding and breastfeeding duration of≤ 12 months, early start of

Testosterone and gonadotropins in infertile men with Sertoli cell only syndrome from Gaza strip

Aim: To assess serum testosterone and gonadotropins in Sertoli cell only syndrome patients from Gaza Strip. Methods: Based on testicular biopsy, a cross section of 74 Sertoli cell only syndrome patients were enrolled in the study. Age matched 44 fertile men were served as controls. Patients and controls were questioned for their medical history. Blood samples were drawn and serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were computer analyzed using SPSS/PC, version 18.0. Results: Varicocele and hormonal problems were significantly more frequent among patients than controls (P< 0.05). Serum testosterone was significantly lower in patients compared to controls (1.7±1.3 versus 5.0±2.2 ng/ml, P= 0.000). In contrast, LH and FSH were significantly higher in patients than controls (12.8±9.7 and 20.8±14.8 mlU/ml versus 6.3±3.1 and 7.7±3.9 mlU/ml, P= 0.000, respectively). Hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism and hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism patients showed lower levels of testosterone compared to the normal reference value (0.9±0.5 and 0.5±0.4 ng/ml versus 2.0-7.0 ng/ml). Higher levels of LH and FSH were recorded in hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism (24.5±2.6 and 37.4±6.7 mlU/ml) compared to the reference values of 2.0-13.0 and 2.5-10.0 mlU/ml, respectively whereas LH and FSH levels were lower in hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (0.6±0.4 and 0.6±0.5 mlU/ml, respectively). In this context, all hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism and hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism patients showed abnormal levels of testosterone, LH