Idiopathic Pulmonary Hemosiderosis in a Child with Recurrent Macrophage Activation Syndrome Secondary to Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Macrophage activation syndrome, a severe complication of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, represents one of the most important rheumatological emergencies. Delayed diagnosis could lead to life-threatening complications. Pulmonary hemosiderosis has been classically characterized by a triad of anemia, hemoptysis, and lung infiltrates on chest radiogram. Although the majority of patients of pulmonary hemosiderosis are considered idiopathic, secondary hemosiderosis associated with known diseases could be seen. In this case report, we aimed to present gradually increased pulmonary manifestations due to pulmonary hemosiderosis with recurrent macrophage activation syndrome attacks in a child with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Idiopathic Pulmonary Hemosiderosis in a Child with Recurrent Macrophage Activation Syndrome Secondary to Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Macrophage activation syndrome, a severe complication of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, represents one of the most important rheumatological emergencies. Delayed diagnosis could lead to life-threatening complications. Pulmonary hemosiderosis has been classically characterized by a triad of anemia, hemoptysis, and lung infiltrates on chest radiogram. Although the majority of patients of pulmonary hemosiderosis are considered idiopathic, secondary hemosiderosis associated with known diseases could be seen. In this case report, we aimed to present gradually increased pulmonary manifestations due to pulmonary hemosiderosis with recurrent macrophage activation syndrome attacks in a child with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Evaluation of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and Mean Platelet Volume in Inactive Hepatitis B Carriers

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and mean platelet volume (MPV) levels in children with inactive hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers and to evaluate the possible association between NLR, MPV and inflammation status in HBV infection.Material and Method: Thirty inactive HBV carrier children and 32 age and gender matched healthy controls were enrolled as study group. Complete blood count parameters including white blood count, absolute neutrophil count and lymphocyte count, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and mean platelet volume were assessed in both study and the control groups.Results: There was no significant difference in the mean age of inactive HBV carriers (11.9±3.4 years) and the control subjects (11.0±2.7 years) (p=0.25).  No significant differences were found in NLR (2.90±3.24 and 1.74±0.87, respectively, p=0.82) and MPV levels (7.9±1.0fL and 8.0±1.2fL, respectively, p=0.86) between inactive HBV carriers and the controls. MPV was found to be inversely correlated with platelet count in both patients and the control groups (r=-0.44, p=0.01; r=-0.36, p=0.04, respectively). A positive correlation was found between NLR and MPV (r=0.41, p=0.03) in patient group.Conclusion: NLR and MPV levels were not different in inactive HBV carrier children compared to the controls. Our results suggest that NLR and MPV values may not be appropriate for determining of chronicity and inflammation status in chronic HBV infection.Key words: Hepatitis B, chronic, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, mean platelet volum

Geographical barriers to timely diagnosis of cystic fibrosis and anxiety level of parents during newborn screening in Turkey

Background Despite the availability of cystic fibrosis (CF) screening countrywide, diagnostic delay is still a crucial issue. The objectives of this study were to explore the stages of the NBS process, determine the risk factors associated with diagnostic delay and evaluate parent anxiety and experience throughout the process. Methods This is a multicenter cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was completed by parents of newborns diagnosed with CF via NBS in 17 centers. Socio-demographic characteristics, parent knowledge and experiences related to NBS, sweat test availability in the region of residence, and time to the definitive CF diagnosis were assessed through this questionnaire. Parents' anxiety levels were evaluated through the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scales 1 and 2. Delayed diagnosis (DD) was defined as a definite CF diagnosis beyond the 8th week of life. Predictors of delayed CF diagnosis were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results A total of 220 CF patients diagnosed via NBS were enrolled; 82 (37.3%) babies had DD. Multivariable analysis indicated that residence in the Southeast Anatolia region of Turkey (OR = 10.79, 95% CI = 2.37-49.2) was associated with a higher incidence of DD compared with other regions in Turkey. Of the total, 216 (98.1%) of the caregivers regarded the NBS program as useful and 180 (82%) reported high anxiety levels. Conclusion The organization of newborn screening should take into account regional and socio-cultural characteristics to improve the early diagnosis of CF and also reduce the anxiety level of parents

The impact of anti-smoking laws on high school students in Ankara, Turkey

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To determine the factors affecting the smoking habits of high school students, their thoughts about changes resulting from anti-smoking laws, and how they are affected by those laws. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 11th-grade students at eight high schools in Ankara, Turkey, were invited to complete a questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 1,199 students completed the questionnaire satisfactorily. The mean age of the respondents was 17.0 &#61617; 0.6 years; 56.1% were female, of whom 15.3% were smokers; and 43.9% were male, of whom 43.7% were smokers (p < 0.001). The independent risk factors for smoking were male gender, attending a vocational school, having a sibling who smokes, having a friend who smokes, and poor academic performance. Of the respondents, 74.7% were aware of the content of anti-smoking laws; 81.8% approved of the restrictions and fines; and 8.1% had quit smoking because of those laws. According to the respondents, the interventions that were most effective were the (television) broadcast of films about the hazards of smoking and the ban on cigarette sales to minors. The prevalence of smoking was highest (31.5%) among students attending vocational high schools but lowest (7.5%) among those attending medical vocational high schools. Although 57.1% of the smokers were aware of the existence of a smoking cessation helpline, only 3.7% had called, none of whom had made any attempt to quit smoking. CONCLUSIONS: Although most of the students evaluated were aware of the harmful effects of smoking and approved of the anti-smoking laws, only a minority of those who smoked sought professional help to quit