Evaluation of nutritional status in pediatric intensive care unit patients: the results of a multicenter, prospective study in Turkey

IntroductionMalnutrition is defined as a pathological condition arising from deficient or imbalanced intake of nutritional elements. Factors such as increasing metabolic demands during the disease course in the hospitalized patients and inadequate calorie intake increase the risk of malnutrition. The aim of the present study is to evaluate nutritional status of patients admitted to pediatric intensive care units (PICU) in Turkey, examine the effect of nutrition on the treatment process and draw attention to the need for regulating nutritional support of patients while continuing existing therapies.Material and MethodIn this prospective multicenter study, the data was collected over a period of one month from PICUs participating in the PICU Nutrition Study Group in Turkey. Anthropometric data of the patients, calorie intake, 90-day mortality, need for mechanical ventilation, length of hospital stay and length of stay in intensive care unit were recorded and the relationship between these parameters was examined.ResultsOf the 614 patients included in the study, malnutrition was detected in 45.4% of the patients. Enteral feeding was initiated in 40.6% (n = 249) of the patients at day one upon admission to the intensive care unit. In the first 48 h, 86.82% (n = 533) of the patients achieved the target calorie intake, and 81.65% (n = 307) of the 376 patients remaining in the intensive care unit achieved the target calorie intake at the end of one week. The risk of mortality decreased with increasing upper mid-arm circumference and triceps skin fold thickness Z-score (OR = 0.871/0.894; p = 0.027/0.024). The risk of mortality was 2.723 times higher in patients who did not achieve the target calorie intake at first 48 h (p = 0.006) and the risk was 3.829 times higher in patients who did not achieve the target calorie intake at the end of one week (p = 0.001). The risk of mortality decreased with increasing triceps skin fold thickness Z-score (OR = 0.894; p = 0.024).ConclusionTimely and appropriate nutritional support in critically ill patients favorably affects the clinical course. The results of the present study suggest that mortality rate is higher in patients who fail to achieve the target calorie intake at first 48 h and day seven of admission to the intensive care unit. The risk of mortality decreases with increasing triceps skin fold thickness Z-score

Çocukluk çağında demir eksikliği anemisinin plazma tiroid hormonları üzerine etkisi

Aim: Studies concerning thyroid functions in iron deficiency anemia, which is frequently seen in childhood, are limited. So, the present study was planned to investigate the effects of iron deficiency anemia on thyroid hormone metabolism

The effect of iron deficiency anemia on plasma thyroid hormone levels in childhood

Aim: Studies concerning thyroid functions in iron deficiency anemia, which is frequently seen in childhood, are limited. So, the present study was planned to investigate the effects of iron deficiency anemia on thyroid hormone metabolism

Rituximab Treatment in Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis Associated with Salmonella Infection

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an inflammatory, demyelinating, and rapidly progressive disorder of the central nervous system. This condition is also known as postinfectious encephalomyelitis, and it is characterized by multifocal lesions in the brain and spinal cord with widespread neurological findings. High doses of intravenous (IV) methylprednisolone, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and plasma exchange (PLEX) treatments comprise the first-line therapy. There are limited pediatric case reports refractory to standard treatment. Here, we present the case of a 17-year-old girl diagnosed with ADEM associated with Salmonella infection, which was treated with rituximab

Influenza vaccination rates, knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of healthcare workers in Turkey: A multicentre study

PubMed: 32770856Aim: Influenza vaccination is the most effective method in prevention of influenza disease and its complications. Our study aimed to investigate the rates of vaccination and the behaviours and attitudes against the vaccine in healthcare workers in Turkey. Methods: This multicentre national survey is a descriptive study in which 12 475 healthcare workers. Healthcare workers were asked to answer the questionnaire consisting of 12 questions via the survey. Results: It was found that 6.7% of the healthcare workers regularly got vaccinated each year and that 55% had never had the influenza vaccine before. The biggest obstacle against getting vaccinated was determined as not believing in the necessity of the vaccine (53.1%). Conclusion: The rates of influenza vaccination in healthcare workers in Turkey are quite low. False knowledge and attitudes on the vaccine and disease are seen as the most important reasons to decline vaccination. It is important to detect reasons for anti-vaccination and set a course in order to increase the rates of vaccination. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons Lt