Protein Energy Wasting in a Sample of Egyptian Children on Regular Hemodialysis: Relation to Anorexigenic Hormones

BACKGROUND: Increased incidence of pediatric end-stage renal disease (ESRD) with associated serious consequences indicating a major public health problem. Malnutrition and uremic wasting are leading causes of growth impairment and increasing morbidity and mortality of pediatric ESRD patients, predominantly those on regular hemodialysis (HD). Ghrelin and obestatin, which are known appetite regulatory hormones, might have a pivotal role in uremic wasting and growth impairment in hemodialyzed children. AIM: The aim of the present study was to measure serum unacylated ghrelin (UAG) and obestatin and to investigate their roles in the growth impairment of Egyptian hemodialyzed children. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study included 50 hemodialyzed and 40 healthy children recruited from the Department of Nephrology, Pediatric Hospital, Ain Shams University. Full clinical examination and measurement of anthropometric indices were done. Routine labs were done as well, with an assessment of serum levels of obestatin, UAG, and insulin by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Furthermore, we determined fasting serum glucose and lipid profile with the calculation of homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). RESULTS: Anthropometric measurements were statistically significantly decreased in the hemodialyzed group than that of the control group (p < 0.05). Weight z-score was the most affected anthropometric parameter (37 patients = 74% with underweight and 13 patients = 26% with normal weight). The hemodialyzed children showed a significant increase of UAG, obestatin, insulin, glucose, HOMA-IR, and TG, while a significant decrease of HDL-cholesterol and albumin (p < 0.01). UAG had a negative correlation with Wt-z score, Ht z-score, fat mass %, albumin, and TG while obestatin was inversely correlated to Wt-z score, BMI z-score, waist circumference, and waist-height ratio (W/H). CONCLUSION: UAG and obestatin hormones were elevated in a group of Egyptian children on regular HD. These hormones were strongly related to the impairment of renal functions, and anthropometric parameters, dyslipidemia, hypoalbuminemia, and insulin resistance in these pediatric hemodialyzed patients

Genotypes and serotype distribution of macrolide resistant invasive and non- invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from Lebanon

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This study determined macrolide resistance genotypes in clinical isolates of <it>Streptococcus pneumoniae </it>from multiple medical centers in Lebanon and assessed the serotype distribution in relation to these mechanism(s) of resistance and the source of isolate recovery.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Forty four macrolide resistant and 21 macrolide susceptible <it>S. pneumoniae </it>clinical isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility according to CLSI guidelines (2008) and underwent molecular characterization. Serotyping of these isolates was performed by Multiplex PCR-based serotype deduction using CDC protocols. PCR amplification of macrolide resistant <it>erm </it>(encoding methylase) and <it>mef </it>(encoding macrolide efflux pump protein) genes was carried out.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Among 44 isolates resistant to erythromycin, 35 were resistant to penicillin and 18 to ceftriaxone. Examination of 44 macrolide resistant isolates by PCR showed that 16 isolates harbored the <it>erm</it>(B) gene, 8 isolates harbored the <it>mef </it>gene, and 14 isolates harbored both the <it>erm</it>(B) and <it>mef </it>genes. There was no amplification by PCR of the <it>erm</it>(B) or <it>mef </it>genes in 6 isolates. Seven different capsular serotypes 2, 9V/9A,12F, 14,19A, 19F, and 23, were detected by multiplex PCR serotype deduction in 35 of 44 macrolide resistant isolates, with 19F being the most prevalent serotype. With the exception of serotype 2, all serotypes were invasive. Isolates belonging to the invasive serotypes 14 and 19F harbored both <it>erm</it>(B) and <it>mef </it>genes. Nine of the 44 macrolide resistant isolates were non-serotypable by our protocols.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Macrolide resistance in <it>S. pneumoniae </it>in Lebanon is mainly through target site modification but is also mediated through efflux pumps, with serotype 19F having dual resistance and being the most prevalent and invasive.</p

Serum Apelin and Obesity-Related Complications in Egyptian Children

BACKGROUND: The rapidly increasing prevalence of childhood obesity became a major burden on health worldwide, giving an alarm to clinicians and researchers. Adipocytes act as an active endocrine organ by releasing plenty of bioactive mediators (adipokines) that play a major role in regulating metabolic processes. Apelin is a recently identified adipokine that is expressed in adipocytes.AIM: The current work aimed to uncover the relation between serum apelin and childhood obesity and its related complications as hypertension and hyperglycemiaMETHOD: A group of 50 obese and 31 non-obese; sex- and age-matched children were enrolled in our study with a mean age of (9.5 ± 2.1) and (8.7 ± 1.3) respectively. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, were assessed in all studied participants, we also determined the lipid profile, serum insulin, fasting blood glucose (FBG) level, HOMA-IR and serum apelin.RESULTS: Obese children had higher levels of HbA1c, FBG, serum insulin, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP Z-score); compared to controls (all P &lt; 0.05). Apelin was significantly higher in obese children versus controls and correlated positively with BMI Z-Score (P = 0.008), DBP Z-Score (P = 0.02), cholesterol, TG (both P = 0.02), serum insulin (P = 0.003), FBG and HOMA-IR (both P = 0.001). Linear regression analysis showed that FBG was the most effective factor in predicting the level of serum apelin (P = 0.04).CONCLUSION: This work supports the hypothesis that apelin may have a crucial role in the pathogenesis of health hazards related to obesity in children including insulin resistance, hypertension and a higher risk of occurrence of metabolic syndrome

Potential Risk Factors of Developmental Cognitive Delay in the First Two Years of Life

BACKGROUND: The first two years of life constitute a critical period of rapid change. The events during this phase prepare the child for subsequent developmental competency.AIM: To determine the potential risk factors that affect an infant’s cognitive development in the first two years of life in a sample of Egyptian infantsSUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional comparative study included 655 male and female infants. Their age ranged from 3 – 24 months. Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (Bayley III) were used for cognitive assessment. Perinatal and nutritional data were recorded. Levels of serum Zinc, Copper, Iron, vitamin B12 and complete blood count (CBC) were assessed in a subsample of 193 infants.RESULTS: Infants having below the average cognitive composite score (CCS) represented 38.47% of the whole sample. The risk of having a low average (CCS) was determined by multiple factors. Poor maternal education and low family income were the most significant social risk factors (OR = 2.19, p = 0.0003; OR = 1.64, p = 0.002 respectively). Prematurity and complicated labor represented significant perinatal risks (OR = 1.22, p = 0.005; OR = 2.39, p =0.001respectively). Bottle feeding versus breastfeeding in the first six months of life was the most significant nutritional predictor of low average (CCS) (OR = 1.79, p = 0.001). Infants with low average (CCS) had significantly lower levels of serum zinc and vitamin B12 than those with average scores. CONCLUSION: Multiple factors appear to interact affecting the early cognitive development of Egyptian infants. Prematurity, complicated labour, poor maternal education, low family income and micronutrient deficiency are the main risk factors. Studying these factors is of great value in directing governmental intervention efforts

The Interaction of Social, Physical and Nutritive Factors in Triggering Early Developmental Language Delay in a Sample of Egyptian Children

BACKGROUND: Language acquisition and child development during the early years of life depend on multiple interacting factors. AIM: To explore potential factors that can impact language development in 2 groups of Egyptian children, one with normal language development and the second with delayed development. Also, to explore to what extent can the involvement of impaired motor development potentiate the risk of developmental language delay. METHODS: This cross-sectional case-control study involved Egyptian children belonging to the middle socioeconomic class between 18 and 36 months of age. Children were classified according to their performance on language domain of Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (Bayley-III) into two groups, infants with the average or above score (control group) and those having below-average scores (cases). Motor development was assessed on the same scale. Factors affecting language development were tested, including socio-demographic, obstetric, and maternal medical factors in addition to Infant Feeding Practices. RESULTS: The independent factors lowering the language scores were early introduction of complementary food, low family income, history of delivery problems, pregnancy-related diseases of the mother, and maternal education. Impaired motor development appears as a further highly significant risk factor to the previously mentioned factors CONCLUSION: In Egyptian children, delayed language development is severely affected by the interaction of medical, social and nutritional factors. Providing adequate maternal health care during pregnancy and childbirth, regular developmental monitoring at each child visit, and screening for such risk factors, can reduce size of the problem and promote child’s social and psychological development

Rationale, study design, and analysis plan of the Alveolar Recruitment for ARDS Trial (ART): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with high in-hospital mortality. Alveolar recruitment followed by ventilation at optimal titrated PEEP may reduce ventilator-induced lung injury and improve oxygenation in patients with ARDS, but the effects on mortality and other clinical outcomes remain unknown. This article reports the rationale, study design, and analysis plan of the Alveolar Recruitment for ARDS Trial (ART). Methods/Design: ART is a pragmatic, multicenter, randomized (concealed), controlled trial, which aims to determine if maximum stepwise alveolar recruitment associated with PEEP titration is able to increase 28-day survival in patients with ARDS compared to conventional treatment (ARDSNet strategy). We will enroll adult patients with ARDS of less than 72 h duration. The intervention group will receive an alveolar recruitment maneuver, with stepwise increases of PEEP achieving 45 cmH(2)O and peak pressure of 60 cmH2O, followed by ventilation with optimal PEEP titrated according to the static compliance of the respiratory system. In the control group, mechanical ventilation will follow a conventional protocol (ARDSNet). In both groups, we will use controlled volume mode with low tidal volumes (4 to 6 mL/kg of predicted body weight) and targeting plateau pressure &lt;= 30 cmH2O. The primary outcome is 28-day survival, and the secondary outcomes are: length of ICU stay; length of hospital stay; pneumothorax requiring chest tube during first 7 days; barotrauma during first 7 days; mechanical ventilation-free days from days 1 to 28; ICU, in-hospital, and 6-month survival. ART is an event-guided trial planned to last until 520 events (deaths within 28 days) are observed. These events allow detection of a hazard ratio of 0.75, with 90% power and two-tailed type I error of 5%. All analysis will follow the intention-to-treat principle. Discussion: If the ART strategy with maximum recruitment and PEEP titration improves 28-day survival, this will represent a notable advance to the care of ARDS patients. Conversely, if the ART strategy is similar or inferior to the current evidence-based strategy (ARDSNet), this should also change current practice as many institutions routinely employ recruitment maneuvers and set PEEP levels according to some titration method.Hospital do Coracao (HCor) as part of the Program 'Hospitais de Excelencia a Servico do SUS (PROADI-SUS)'Brazilian Ministry of Healt

National screening for developmental delays and their determinants among Egyptian school age children: A step towards implementing life skills programs.

AimThis study aimed to estimate the national prevalence of developmental delays (DDs) and their determinants among Egyptian children aged 6 to 12 years. Such estimation is a prerequisite step toward the application of Life Skill Education (LSE) programs that will potentiate children's future capabilities.MethodsVineland Adaptive Behavior Scales" was used as a reliable and diagnostic test for DDs screening during this national cross sectional study. Gross motor (GM), fine motor (FM), daily living skills, communication, and socialization skills were assessed. The multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with DDs. The Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with a 95% Confidence Interval was estimated to indicate the strength of association. A p-value of ResultsOut of the 20324 surveyed school-aged children, 7.4% were found to have at least one delay. Communication deficits were the most common (6.4%) followed by delay in daily living skills (2.0%). The final model of logistic regression had a good fit for seven variables out of the sociodemographic, epidemiological characteristics, maternal and perinatal problems that were associated with a higher likelihood of at least one DD: Children suffering from any convulsions (AOR = 4.32; 95% CI: 3.18-5.88), male gender (AOR = 1.86; 95% CI: 1.65-2.09), birth weight less than 2.5 kg (AOR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.40-2.24), history of maternal health problem during pregnancy (AOR = 1.64; 95% CI:1.34-2.01), children staying in an incubator for more than two days (AOR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.29-1.91), having less educated fathers (AOR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.24-1.95) and belonging to the middle social class (AOR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.24-1.58).ConclusionThe identified types and determinants for each DD are allowing for the implementation of tailored programs for school children's life skills promotion for achieving the most sustainable effects on children's biological and psychological health and well-being

Prevalence and risk factors of disabilities among Egyptian preschool children: a community-based population study

Abstract Background Child disability has significant implications on their well-being and healthcare systems. Aim: This survey aimed to assess the magnitude of seven types of disability among Egyptian children aged 1 < 6 years and their socio-demographic, epidemiological, and perinatal predictors. Methods A national population-based cross-sectional household survey targeting 21,316 children from eight governorates was conducted. The screening questionnaire was derived from the WHO ten-question survey tool validated for identifying seven disability categories. Results The percentage of children with at least one disability was 8.1% as follows: speech/communication (4.4%), Mobility/physical (2.5%), Seizures (2.2%), Comprehension (1.7%), Intellectual impairment (1.4%), Visual (0.3%) and Hearing (0.2%). Age was not found to affect the odds of disability except for visual disability (significantly increased with age (AOR = 1.4, 95% CI:1.1–1.7). Male sex also increased the odds of all disabilities except visual, hearing, and seizures. Convulsions after birth significantly increased the odds of disability as follows: hearing (AOR = 8.1, 95% CI: 2.2–30.5), intellectual impairment (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI: 2.5–6.9), and mobility/physical (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI: 2.3–5.0). Preterm delivery and being kept in an incubator for more than two days after birth increased the odds for visual disability (AOR = 3.7, 95% CI: 1.1–12.1 & AOR = 3.7, 95% CI: 1.7–7.9 respectively). Cyanosis increased the odds of seizures (AOR = 4.7, 95% CI: 2.2–10.3). Low birth weight also increased the odds for all disability domains except for visual and hearing. Maternal health problems during pregnancy increased the odds for all types of disability except hearing and seizures. Higher paternal education decreased the odds for all disabilities by at least 30% except for vision and hearing. Conclusion The study found a high prevalence of disability among Egyptian children aged 1–6 years. It identified a number of modifiable risk factors for disability. The practice of early screening for disability is encouraged to provide early interventions when needed