Unilateral Absence of the Pulmonary Artery Incidentally Found in Adulthood

Unilateral absence of the pulmonary artery (UAPA) or pulmonary artery agenesis is a rare congenital disorder presenting with a wide spectrum of symptoms. UAPA is usually associated with cardiac anomalies and surgically treated in childhood. We report a rare case of a 50-year-old woman who was diagnosed with left pulmonary artery agenesis without any other cardiac anomalies. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of undiagnosed cases of UAPA in patients through a chest radiograph that suggests the diagnosis. Confirmation of the diagnosis and anatomic details can be discerned by CT scanning

The Relationship of Vitamin D Status with Body Mass Index among Obese Adults

Aim: In this study, we aimed to determine vitamin D levels among obese adults and to investigate its relationship with body mass index (BMI). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of obese adult patients who were admitted to Hasköy Family Medicine outpatient clinics at Dışkapı Yıldırım Beyazıt Training and Research Hospital between November 2011 and February 2012. The subjects were classified according to their BMI as overweight, obese, and morbid obese. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25-(OH)D) below 10 ng/ ml, insufficiency as 25-(OH)D 10 to 20 ng/ml, and normal vitamin D level as >20 ng/ml. Results: A total of 270 patients (117 male and 153 female) were included in the study. The mean age of study population was 46.21±12.99 years. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 37% and insufficiency in 50% of all patients. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were more common in female patients than in males. Serum 25-(OH)D levels were inversely related to BMI. . Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are highly prevalent in overweight and obese adults, especially in females and, serum 25-(OH)D levels were inversely associated with BMI. Regulation of vitamin D supplementation would be a rational approach in obese patients. (The Medical Bulletin of Haseki 2013; 51: 95-8

Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior Levels about Osteoporosis among 18-35 Years Old Women

Objective: Osteoporosis (OP) which is a global health problem can be prevented or the development of the disease can be delayed. To educate individuals at risk and to intervene in a timely manner will provide significant reduction in morbidity and mortality caused by OP. Possible interventions in the age group of developed OP are important to determine. Therefore, in this study, it was aimed to determine information, attitudes and behaviors levels on osteoporosis at young women. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out among 18-35 years old females who attended to outpatient clinics of Dışkapı Yıldırım Beyazıt Training and Research Hospital Family Medicine Clinic. A questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, beliefs, and practices towards OP. The questionnaire to assess practices related to OP included questions on positive and negative behaviors towards OP. The positive behaviors assessed were dietary calcium intake, physical activity and exposure to sun. The negative behavior assessed was on smoking status. Results: A total of 218 women (mean age= 26.2±5.6 years) were enrolled in the study. The median score of knowledge about OP was 40, out of a total score of 100. Knowledge scores were lower than the median in 138 (63.3%) and were higher than the median in 80 (36.7%) of the participants. In the group who had high knowledge score than median (n=80); 24 (30%) were smokers, 8 (10%) were not exposed to the sun for at least 10 minutes a day and 45 (56.2%) of the participants did not achieve the recommended daily allowances for calcium and 64 (80%) were not engaged in the recommended exercises in type and duration. Conclusion: Awareness for OP is low in young women and practices towards preventing OP are inadequate. Thus, preventive measures are required in order to encourage OP-preventive life style especially before reaching peak bone mass