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Background: Cow’s milk allergy (CMA) and cow’s milk intolerance (CMI) are the major cow’s milk disorders observed in infants and young children. This study investigates, for the first time, physician knowledge regarding CMA and CMI prevalence, diagnosis, and management in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. In addition, we explore the role of goat milk-based formula as an alternative in infants suffering from CMI. Method: This cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 2020 to February 2021. A convenience sample of 2500 MENA-based physicians received the questionnaire, developed by a working group of pediatric experts. Results: 1868 physicians completed the questionnaire, including pediatric specialists (80.8%), training physicians (0.2%), dermatologists (0.1%), family/general physicians (12.9%), neonatologists (3.6%), neurosurgeons (0.2%), allergy nurse specialists (0.3%), pharmacists (2.1%), and public health workers (0.1%). Differentiation between CMA and CMI was recognized by the majority of respondents (80.7%), for which the majority of respondents (35.4%) identified that the elimination and challenge test was the best test to differentiate CMA from CMI, whereas 30.7% and 5.4% preferred the immunoglobulin E (IgE) test and skin prick test, respectively. In addition, 28.5% of respondents reported that there is no confirmatory test to differentiate CMA from CMI. The majority of respondents (47.3%) reported that amino acid-based formula (AAF)/ extensively hydrolyzed formula (EHF) is the cornerstone for the management of CMA. However, most respondents (33.7%) reported that lactose avoidance was best for the management of CMI. Overall, 65% of the respondents were aware of nutritionally adapted goat’s milk formula as an alternative to cow’s milk products and 37% would recommend its routine use in infants (≤2 years of age). Conclusion: The results of this survey demonstrate that the majority of physicians are aware of the underlying pathophysiology and management of CMA and CMI. However, a significant proportion of physicians do not follow the clinical guidelines concerning CMA/CMI diagnosis and management. Notably, this survey identified that goat’s milk formulas may offer a suitable alternative to AAF/EHF in infants with CMI as they contain β-casein protein which is easily digestible. In addition, goat’s milk formulas contain higher levels of oligosaccharides and medium-chained fatty acids compared with standard cow’s milk formulas, yet further clinical trials are warranted to support the inclusion of goat’s milk formulas in clinical guidelines.

Background This study aimed to develop an expert consensus regarding the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) in the Middle East. Methods A three-step modified Delphi method was utilized to develop the consensus. Fifteen specialized pediatricians participated in the development of this consensus. Each statement was considered a consensus if it achieved an agreement level of ≥ 80%. Results The experts agreed that the double-blind placebo-controlled oral challenge test (OCT) should be performed for 2–4 weeks using an amino acid formula (AAF) in formula-fed infants or children with suspected CMPA. Formula-fed infants with confirmed CMPA should be offered a therapeutic formula. The panel stated that an extensively hydrolyzed formula (eHF) is indicated in the absence of red flag signs. At the same time, the AAF is offered for infants with red flag signs, such as severe anaphylactic reactions. The panel agreed that infants on an eHF with resolved symptoms within 2–4 weeks should continue the eHF with particular attention to the growth and nutritional status. On the other hand, an AAF should be considered for infants with persistent symptoms; the AAF should be continued if the symptoms resolve within 2–4 weeks, with particular attention to the growth and nutritional status. In cases with no symptomatic improvements after the introduction of an AAF, other measures should be followed. The panel developed a management algorithm, which achieved an agreement level of 90.9%. Conclusion This consensus document combined the best available evidence and clinical experience to optimize the management of CMPA in the Middle East.

We describe an 11-year-old girl with PLACK Syndrome (peeling skin, leukonychia, acral punctate keratosis, cheilitis, and knuckle pads), who was found to have a novel homozygous variant in CAST, the pathogenicity of which was confirmed using blood-derived RNA. There is no established treatment for PLACK syndrome. However, we demonstrate for the first time that this condition is associated with low levels of vitamin A and essential fatty acids, which prompted us to consider a potential treatment strategy. Indeed, we initiated this patient on intravenous lipid infusion (Vitalipid®; an emulsion of fat-soluble vitamins and lipofundin-MCT/LCT 20%) and the response was dramatic. Following the fourth monthly course of treatment, pruritis disappeared and the skin lesions showed remarkable objective improvement. PLACK syndrome is a very rare genodermatosis and only six families have been described to date with pathogenic CAST variants. This is the first report of an objective response to a therapeutic agent, which suggests that PLACK is a potentially treatable condition. The remarkable response we report and the relative safety of the intervention should prompt healthcare providers who care for PLACK syndrome patients to explore this as a potential treatment strategy in future studies.

Aluminum toxicity affecting bone mineral density is a known complication of long-term parentral nutrition. In this report, we describe a similar patient who suffered from bone disease and had a favorable response to chelation therapy using deferoxamine. We believe this may be a possible agent improving the life quality for the above mentioned group of patients.

Background/Aim: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder which includes ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn's disease (CD), and indeterminate colitis (IC). The natural history of pediatric IBDs is poorly understood and generally unpredictable. We aim to study the natural history of IBD in Saudi children including the extraintestinal manifestations, changes in diagnosis, disease behavior, medical management, and surgical outcome. Patients and Methods: A retrospective review of all the charts of children less than 14 years of age who were diagnosed as IBD and followed up in King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH and RC) from January 2001 to December 2011 was performed. Results: Sixty-six children were diagnosed with IBD, 36 patients (54.5%) had CD, 27 patients (41%) had UC, and 3 patients (4.5%) had IC. Change in the diagnosis from UC to CD was made in 5 patients (7.6%). Extraintestinal manifestations were documented in 32% of all patients, and the most common was bone involvement (osteopenia/osteoporosis) in 16.7% of the patients. Arthritis (13.6%) was the second most common manifestation. Sclerosing cholangitis was reported in 2.8% in CD compared to 14.8% in UC. At the time of data collection, 8 patients (12%) were off therapy, 38 patients (57.6) were on 5-ASA, 31 patients (47%) were on azathioprine, and 12 patients (18.2%) were receiving anti-TNF. Of the children with CD, 10 patients (27.8%) underwent 1 or more major operations. Of the children with UC, 18.5% underwent 1 or more major intraabdominal procedures. Conclusions: Many issues in pediatric IBD can predict the natural history of the disease including growth failure, complications, need for more aggressive medical treatment, and/or surgery. More studies are needed from the region focusing on factors that may affect the natural history and disease progression.

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with its 3 subgroups: Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and indeterminate colitis (IC), is a chronic relapsing inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Medication adherence is particularly problematic in pediatric IBD. To date this has not been studied in the Middle East. Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the treatment modalities of IBD and to evaluate adherence to treatment in a population-based cohort of Saudi children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in all regions of Saudi Arabia. All participating centers were asked to provide information on IBD medications and adherence to prescribed therapies. Results: 354 children with IBD were identified from our database. The age at diagnosis ranged from 1to 14 years, with 145 (41%) diagnosed with UC, 195 (55%) with CD and 14 (4%) with IC. The most common drugs therapy used in IBD was corticosteroids in CD and 5-ASA in UC. Patients with UC were treated with 5-ASA significantly more than patients with CD (76% vs. 62%; P= 0.004). In contrast, patients with CD were treated with infliximab significantly more than patients with UC (22% vs. 6%; P= 0.000). Overall, 15.8% of patients were non-adherent with patients with CD demonstrating a higher level of nonadherence, although this was not significantly different from UC patients (11% vs. 3.8%; P>0.05). Poor adherence to specific drugs was reported significantly more in CD than UC patients; mesalamine (p= 0.022), steroids (p= 0.021) and thiopurines (p= 0.006). Conclusion: Poor adherence occurs most frequently in CD patients and with 5-ASA, corticosteroids and thiopurines. These data can be used to help care providers and policy makers such as the Ministry Of Health define and quantify the burden of IBD among children in Saudi Arabia. Further research in IBD is required to determine the reasons for nonadherence/ poor adherence in the pediatric IBD population so that strategies can be devised to reduce it. Key Points: Medication adherence is particularly problematic in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We found that steroids and 5- Amino salicylic acids are the most widely used medications in pediatric IBD patients. Nonadherence occurs most frequently with 5-ASA, steroids and thiopurines in Crohns. These data should help health care providers quantify the burden of IBD among children.

BACKGROUND: Despite the extensive reporting of pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC) from industrialized developed countries, reports from developing countries are limited to small-case series from single centers. The objective of our large multicenter study was to determine the clinical, laboratory, endoscopic characteristics of UC in children from a developing country, Saudi Arabia. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: A retrospective study of children diagnosed with UC under the age of 18 years during the period from 2003 to 2012. METHODS: Patients enrolled from 15 medical centers from different regions in Saudi Arabia. A unified database collection form specifically designed for this study was completed by all participating centers. RESULTS: A total of 188 children were diagnosed with UC during the study period (97 males [51.6%] and 91 females [48.4%]). The mean age at diagnosis was 9.1 years, and the mean duration of symptoms before diagnosis was 8.7 months. Consanguinity was present in 57 cases (32.6%), and the family history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was noted in 16 cases (9%). The most common clinical presentation was blood in stool (90%), followed by diarrhea (86%) and abdominal pain (62%). Laboratory investigations revealed elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (82%), anemia (75%), thrombocytosis (72%), and hypoalbuminemia (33%). The extent of the disease was pan colonic in 46.1%, and confined to left side of colon and rectum in 23% and 9.6% of the cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: This demographically pediatric IBD retrospective study revealed age-related variation in the distribution of IBD. Clinical presentation, with a high prevalence of positive consanguinity and positive family history, was noted in young patients with UC. The data from this study indicate that UC is increasingly recognized in Saudi Arabia and show many similarities to data from North America and Europe.

Despite the usual typical presentation, congenital chloride diarrhea (CCD) poses multiple diagnostic challenges. It has an incidence of 1/5000 in Saudi Arabia. CCD can mimic intestinal obstruction and result in avoidable surgical interventions. Contributing factors are abdominal distension and the watery (urine-like) diarrhea that is often interpreted as delayed passage of meconium. Surgical interventions would unnecessarily increase the morbidity. Therefore, a high index of suspicion and educating neonatologists, general pediatricians, and pediatric surgeons regarding this diagnostic entity is essential. Here we describe five such cases.

In this study, we report the experience of the only reference clinical next-generation sequencing lab in Saudi Arabia with the first 1000 families who span a wide-range of suspected Mendelian phenotypes. A total of 1019 tests were performed in the period of March 2016–December 2016 comprising 972 solo (index only), 14 duo (parents or affected siblings only), and 33 trio (index and parents). Multigene panels accounted for 672 tests, while whole exome sequencing (WES) represented the remaining 347 tests. Pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants that explain the clinical indications were identified in 34% (27% in panels and 43% in exomes), spanning 279 genes and including 165 novel variants. While recessive mutations dominated the landscape of solved cases (71% of mutations, and 97% of which are homozygous), a substantial minority (27%) were solved on the basis of dominant mutations. The highly consanguineous nature of the study population also facilitated homozygosity for many private mutations (only 32.5% of the recessive mutations are founder), as well as the first instances of recessive inheritance of previously assumed strictly dominant disorders (involving ITPR1, VAMP1, MCTP2, and TBP). Surprisingly, however, dual molecular diagnosis was only observed in 1.5% of cases. Finally, we have encountered candidate variants in 75 genes (ABHD6, ACY3, ADGRB2, ADGRG7, AGTPBP1, AHNAK2, AKAP6, ASB3, ATXN1L, C17orf62, CABP1, CCDC186, CCP110, CLSTN2, CNTN3, CNTN5, CTNNA2, CWC22, DMAP1, DMKN, DMXL1, DSCAM, DVL2, ECI1, EP400, EPB41L5, FBXL22, GAP43, GEMIN7, GIT1, GRIK4, GRSF1, GTRP1, HID1, IFNL1, KCNC4, LRRC52, MAP7D3, MCTP2, MED26, MPP7, MRPS35, MTDH, MTMR9, NECAP2, NPAT, NRAP, PAX7, PCNX, PLCH2, PLEKHF1, PTPN12, QKI, RILPL2, RIMKLA, RIMS2, RNF213, ROBO1, SEC16A, SIAH1, SIRT2, SLAIN2, SLC22A20, SMDT1, SRRT, SSTR1, ST20, SYT9, TSPAN6, UBR4, VAMP4, VPS36, WDR59, WDYHV1, and WHSC1) not previously linked to human phenotypes and these are presented to accelerate post-publication matchmaking. Two of these genes were independently mutated in more than one family with similar phenotypes, which substantiates their link to human disease (AKAP6 in intellectual disability and UBR4 in early dementia). If the novel candidate disease genes in this cohort are independently confirmed, the yield of WES will have increased to 83%, which suggests that most “negative” clinical exome tests are unsolved due to interpretation rather than technical limitations. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00439-017-1821-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

We report the results of clinical exome sequencing (CES) on >2,200 previously unpublished Saudi families as a first-tier test. The predominance of autosomal-recessive causes allowed us to make several key observations. We highlight 155 genes that we propose to be recessive, disease-related candidates. We report additional mutational events in 64 previously reported candidates (40 recessive), and these events support their candidacy. We report recessive forms of genes that were previously associated only with dominant disorders and that have phenotypes ranging from consistent with to conspicuously distinct from the known dominant phenotypes. We also report homozygous loss-of-function events that can inform the genetics of complex diseases. We were also able to deduce the likely causal variant in most couples who presented after the loss of one or more children, but we lack samples from those children. Although a similar pattern of mostly recessive causes was observed in the prenatal setting, the higher proportion of loss-of-function events in these cases was notable. The allelic series presented by the wealth of recessive variants greatly expanded the phenotypic expression of the respective genes. We also make important observations about dominant disorders; these observations include the pattern of de novo variants, the identification of 74 candidate dominant, disease-related genes, and the potential confirmation of 21 previously reported candidates. Finally, we describe the influence of a predominantly autosomal-recessive landscape on the clinical utility of rapid sequencing (Flash Exome). Our cohort’s genotypic and phenotypic data represent a unique resource that can contribute to improved variant interpretation through data sharing.

Objectives: To assess knowledge of celiac disease among medical professionals (physicians). Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of hospital-based medical staff in primary, secondary, and tertiary care public, and private hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (KSA). We carried out the study between January 2013 and January 2104 at King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, KSA. A pretested questionnaire was distributed to the potential participants. A scoring system was used to classify the level of knowledge of participants into 3 categories: poor, fair, and good. Results: A total of 109 physicians completed the survey and of these participants, 86.3% were from public hospitals, and 13.7% from private hospitals; 58.7% were males. Of the physicians, 19.2% had poor knowledge. Interns and residents had fair to good knowledge, but registrars, specialists, and even the consultants were less knowledgeable of celiac disease. Conclusion: Knowledge of celiac disease is poor among a significant number of physicians including consultants, which can potentially lead to delays in diagnosis. Educational programs need to be developed to improve awareness of celiac disease in the health care profession. Saudi Med J 2015; Vol. 36 (6): 751-753 doi: 10.15537/smj.2015.6.11519

Current practices and available resources for nutrition therapy in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in the Asia Pacific-Middle East region are expected to differ from western countries. Existing guidelines for nutrition management in critically ill children may not be directly applicable in this region. This paper outlines consensus statements developed by the Asia Pacific-Middle East Consensus Working Group on Nutrition Therapy in the Paediatric Critical Care Environment. Challenges and recommendations unique to the region are described.Following a systematic literature search from 2004-2014, consensus statements were developed for key areas of nutrient delivery in the PICU. This review focused on evidence applicable to the Asia Pacific-Middle East region. Quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were rated according to the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.Enteral nutrition (EN) is the preferred mode of nutritional support. Feeding algorithms that optimize EN should be encouraged and must include: assessment and monitoring of nutritional status, selection of feeding route, time to initiate and advance EN, management strategies for EN intolerance and indications for using parenteral nutrition (PN). Despite heterogeneity in nutritional status of patients, availability of resources and diversity of cultures, PICUs in the region should consider involvement of dieticians and/or nutritional support teams.Robust evidence for several aspects of optimal nutrition therapy in PICUs is lacking. Nutritional assessment must be implemented to document prevalence and impact of malnutrition. Nutritional support must be given greater priority in PICUs, with particular emphasis in optimizing EN delivery.背景与目的：亚太中东地区儿科重症监护病房（PICU）营养治疗的现状和可用 资源与西方国家不同。现有的对危重症儿童营养管理的指南可能不能直接用于这 一地区。本文概述了亚太中东共识工作组制定的儿科重症监护环境下营养治疗的 共识声明，描述了这一地区独特的挑战和建议。方法与研究设计：系统检索了 2004-2014 年间的文献，形成了PICU 营养应用关键领域的共识声明。本综述重 点关注适用于亚太中东地区的证据。推荐的证据和强度的质量是根据推荐评估、 制定和评价方法的分级评分的。结果：肠内营养（EN）是首选的营养支持模 式、应鼓励最优化EN，其必须包括：评估和检测营养状态、给食途径的选择、 开始和增加EN 的时间、EN 不耐受的管理策略和使用肠外营养的适应症。因为 存在患者营养状态的异质性、资源的可用性和文化的多样性，这个地区的PICU 应该考虑营养师和/或营养团队的参与。结论：PICU 最佳营养治疗几个方面强有 力的证据是不足的。营养评估必须落实到患病率的记录和营养不良的影响。 PICU 必须优先考虑营养支持，尤其强调最优化EN 的应用。.

Background/Aim: Linear growth impairment (LGI) is one of the most important features peculiar to children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this report is to define the impact of IBD on the linear growth of children in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Setting and Design: Multicenter retrospective study. Patients and Methods: Data from a cohort of newly- diagnosed children with IBD from 2003 to 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. The diagnosis of IBD was confirmed in accordance with the published criteria. Length/height for age was measured at diagnosis. The World Health Organization (WHO) reference was used and LGI was defined by length/height for age

This paper covers algorithms for the management of regurgitation, constipation and infantile colic in infants. Anti-regurgitation formula may be considered in infants with troublesome regurgitation, while diagnostic investigations or drug therapy are not indicated in the absence of warning signs. Although probiotics have shown some positive evidence for the management of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), the evidence is not strong enough to make a recommendation. A partially hydrolyzed infant formula with prebiotics and β-palmitate may be considered as a dietary intervention for functional constipation in formula fed infants. Lactulose has been shown to be effective and safe in infants younger than 6 months that are constipated. Macrogol (polyethylene glycol, PEG) is not approved for use in infants less than 6 months of age. However, PEG is preferred over lactulose in infants >6 months of age. Limited data suggests that infant formula with a partial hydrolysate, galacto-oligosaccharides/fructo-oligosaccharides, added β-palmitate may be of benefit in reducing infantile colic in formula fed infants in cases where cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is not suspected. Evidence suggests that the use of extensively hydrolyzed infant formula for a formula-fed baby and a cow's milk free diet for a breastfeeding mother may be beneficial to decrease infantile colic if CMPA is suspected. None of the FGIDs is a reason to stop breastfeeding.

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text., Background: The objectives of this multicenter national study were to compare the clinical phenotype of early-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (EO-IBD) with IBD in older children and to examine whether there is any variability in consanguinity rate and familial aggregation in EO-IBD compared with later onset IBD. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on children aged 0 to 14 years with IBD in 17 centers located in geographically distinct regions in Saudi Arabia, from 2003 to 2012. Data of patients with EO-IBD (0 to

Background and Aims. Crohn’s disease (CD) is an evolving disease in KSA. Little is known about its characteristics in the Saudi population. The aims of this study were to describe the characteristics of Saudi children with CD and to determine whether the characteristics of CD in KSA are different from those seen in Western countries.Methods. In this study, children younger than eighteen years of age diagnosed with CD between January 2003 and December 2012 were included.Results. Of 330 patients identified, 186 (56.4%) were males. The median age at diagnosis was 15.8 years. A positive family history for IBD in first-degree relatives occurred in 13.6% of patients. The most common symptoms were abdominal pain (84.2%), weight loss (75.2%), and diarrhea (71.8%). The main disease location was ileocolonic (42.1%) and the main disease behavior was nonstricturing and nonpenetrating (63.6%). Perianal involvement was seen in 60 (18.2%) patients. Laboratory findings revealed anemia in 57.9% of patients, low albumin in 34.5%, and high CRP in 39.4%.Conclusions. Saudi children with CD have lower frequency of first-degree relatives with IBD, lower prevalence of early onset disease, longer diagnostic delay, higher prevalence of growth failure, and greater frequency of stricturing and penetrating disease behavior compared to Western patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Published data from Saudi Arabia regarding autoinflammatory diseases are scarce. In this study, we describe the clinical and laboratory features of autoinflammatory diseases in Saudi children. DESIGN AND SETTING: Restrospective, hospital-based study conducted from January 2010 until June 2010. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with autoinflammatory disease treated at the Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, over the past 10 years were included. Autoinflammatory diseases included the following: familial Mediterranean fever (FMF); chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO); early-onset sarcoidosis (EOS); periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis syndrome (PFAPA); chronic infantile neurologic cutaneous and articular syndrome (CINCA); and Muckle-Wells syndrome (MWS). Demographic characteristics, diagnosis, age at onset, disease duration, follow-up duration, clinical and laboratory variables, and outcome data were compiled. Gathered laboratory data were part of patients' usual medical care. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients (females, 53%) with autoinflammatory diseases were included (mean age, 151 months. Mean disease duration was 118 months; mean age at onset was 32 months; consanguinity was present in 40%. Patients were diagnosed as follows: FMF, 50%; CRMO, 23.5%; CINCA, 8.8%; EOS, 8.8%; MWS, 6%; and PFAPA, 2.9%. The referral diagnosis was inaccurate in all patients except for FMF patients. Gene study was informative in 9 of 14 FMF patients who had molecular analyses. None of our cohort had amyloidosis. All CRMO patients had a favorable response to treatment except 1 patient, who had refractory, progressive disease. All patients with EOS had multiorgan involvement, including uveitis. All CINCA patients had a favorable response to anakinra. CONCLUSION: Our report shows that autoinflammatory diseases other than FMF may be overlooked. Increased awareness among pediatricians about these conditions will help to provide better health care to patients in the form of early diagnosis and management.

Angiodysplasia is a term used to describe distinct gastrointestinal mucosal ectasias that are not associated with cutaneous lesions, systemic vascular disease or a familial syndrome. Seventy-seven percent of angiodysplasia are located in the cecum and/or ascending colon. Fifteen percent are located in the jejunum and/or ileum and the remainder are distributed throughout the alimentary tract. Most commonly, the angiodysplastic lesions are typically seen in elderly patients of both genders, although gastric and duodenal lesions have been reported occasionally in subjects within the third decade of life. However, data on infants and children are scarce. We describe three cases (ages 7 days, 2 years, and 5 years) who presented to our unit with gastrointestinal bleeding. One of these patients developed moderate-to-severe symptoms and was blood-transfusion dependent. She was misdiagnosed as having inflammatory bowel disease and underwent a total colectomy and ileoanal anastomosis. The other two patients were managed conservatively for up to 5 years with no further bleeding.

Background/Aims: The objective of this study was to describe patients with chronic diarrhea and abnormal skin hyperpigmentation with distinct distribution. Methods: This is a retrospective review of children who presented with diarrhea and skin hyperpigmentation. The clinical presentation, laboratory investigations as well as endoscopic and histological data were reviewed. Results: Seven patients with chronic diarrhea had abnormal skin hyperpigmentation with distinct distribution and presented in the first two months of life. Six patients had other features such as abnormal hair and facial dysmorphism. Mental retardation was reported in one patient. Consanguinity was positive in six patients, and there was family history of consanguinity in four patients, with two patients being siblings. No significant immunodeficiency was reported. Intestinal biopsies were obtained in six patients and showed active chronic inflammation in three patients, partial villous atrophy in two patients, and eosinophilic infiltrate with mild villous atrophy in one patient. Colonic biopsies showed mild focal colitis in three patients and mild colitis with eosinophilic infiltrate in one patient. Skin biopsies showed a greater number of melanophagies with fibrosis of papillary derma in two patients but skin biopsy was normal in one patient. The hair of two patients was analyzed by electron microscopy, which showed an abnormal pattern with decreased pigmentation and diameter; however, its chemical analysis was normal. Two other patients had trichorrhexis nodosa, but no abnormalities were seen in one patient. Chromosomal number was normal in three patients. One patient died because of sepsis, and only one patient was dependent on total parenteral nutrition. Conclusions: We believe that this association might represent a new syndrome with an autosomal recessive inheritance that warrants further studies.

Granulomatous inflammatory diseases are disorders of an undetermined etiology, affecting different organs and having a diverse clinical course. Familial aggregation of these disorders is being reported increasingly, most commonly familial Crohn’s disease. We described the coexistence of Crohn’s disease and necrotizing sarcoid-like granulomatous disease in two siblings from a first-degree consanguineous Saudi family. The first child presented with recurrent abdominal pain associated with bloody stool and arthritis, whereas the second child presented with fever of unknown origin and lymphadenopathy as well as hepatomegaly without gastrointestinal tract disease. They are phenotypically different; however, they share a novel risk locus and allele. This report supports the heritability and familial aggregation of granulomatous inflammatory diseases and suggests that one causal mutation underlies both Crohn’s disease and necrotizing sarcoid-like granulomatous disease.

Infantile systemic hyalinosis (ISH) is a rare autosomal recessive disease. Typically, ISH patients present with progressive painful joint contractures, intractable diarrhea, hyperpigmented skin lesions, and peri-anal fleshy nodules. We report a case of a 19-month-old male child with atypical ISH presentation. His main clinical finding was protein-losing enteropathy due to intestinal lymphangectasia. This report is intended to enhance awareness about the gastrointestinal tract presentation of ISH.

Gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis (GIB) is an unusual fungal infection that manifests in the skin and rarely involves other systems. All of the few cases of GIB reported so far were diagnosed with difficulty, necessitating laparotomy and resection of the inflamed part of the bowel. We report a child with GIB who was successfully diagnosed endoscopically without surgical intervention.

The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of celiac disease (CD) in a group of children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) and determine the correlation between the presence of the serologic markers and the histological diagnosis of CD.Forty-two children (24 females) with JRA, aged between 5-15 years underwent study of serologic markers for CD (gliadin-IgA, gliadin-IgG, reticulin and endomysium-IgA antibodies). Endoscopic intestinal biopsy was performed in patients who had positive serologic markers for CD. The diagnosis of CD was based on the classic finding of villous atrophy and crypt hypertrophy.Eighteen patients (42.8%) had serologic markers for CD; ten of them with a systemic form, five with a polyarticular form and three with a pauciarticular form of JRA. Levels of AGA -IgG were high in 14 patients (77.8%), four patients (22.2%) had high levels of AGA-IgA and seven patients (38.9%) had anti-endomysium antibodies (AEA). One patient had anti-reticulin antibodies (ARA) 5.5%. Sixteen patients underwent intestinal biopsy; in only one patient with AEA antibodies (2.38%), biopsy revealed typical finding of CD. The patient with CD showed improvement in both growth parameter as well as articular symptoms after starting gluten-free dietOur study shows that the screening for silent CD among children with JRA may be useful. Those patients with AEA need further follow up since these antibodies are quite sensitive and specific for CD.

Basidiobolomycosisis an unusual fungal infection that manifests in the skin and rarely involves other systems including the gastrointestinal tract. We retrospectively reviewed records of six pediatric patients (< or =14 years of age) diagnosed with gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis from March 2000 to March 2002. Four patients came from the same region, suggesting environmental exposure. Basidiobolomycosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis in pediatric patients presenting with abdominal mass and eosinophilia.

Background and aim Excess weight in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents an additional morbidity, and yet the prevalence has been rarely reported. The aim of this report is to establish the prevalence of overweight in children with IBD in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods Data from a cohort of children in the KSA diagnosed with IBD were analysed retrospectively. Growth parameters were recorded at diagnosis and body mass index (BMI) was calculated using the formula (weight/height 2 ). The KSA charts were used as reference. Excess weight categories were defined as overweight (BMI-for age ≥85th to Results There were 417 children from birth to 18 years of age, including 133 ulcerative colitis (UC) (32%), and 284 Crohn disease (CD) (68%). The prevalence of excess weight was 12/133 (9%) in UC and 23/284 (8.1%) in CD (p = 0.063) much lower than in Western reports. However, the more common prevalence of excess weight in UC than CD, although not significant (p = 0.063), was similar to patterns from other population. The commonest form of excess weight was overweight 20/35 (57%), followed by obesity 9/35 (26%), and severe obesity 6/35 (17%). Conclusion The pattern of excess weight in KSA children with IBD is similar to Western literature. However, a much lower prevalence is demonstrated. Identification of factors associated with the low prevalence of overweight and obesity is needed.

Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) can be diagnosed scintigraphically using 99mTc-human serum albumin (HSA) scans.To evaluate the usefulness of this method in detecting enteric protein loss, we retrospectively reviewed the 99mTc-HSA scans of 18 children presenting consecutively with PLE.Enteric 99mTc-HSA uptake was noted in 12 patients (8 boys, 4 girls) with a mean age of 7.4 y. Early dynamic images showed abdominal uptake that was most likely in the small bowel in 91% of the scans. Delayed images showed abnormal accumulation that was localized in the colon in 73% and in the small bowel in 27% of the scans. A 4-mo follow-up scan obtained in 3 patients showed reduced HSA uptake after a high-protein, low-fat, medium-chain triglyceride oil-based diet and fat-soluble vitamins. Mean serum albumin, total protein, gammaglobulin, and calcium levels were significantly decreased. Ten patients (from 4 families) were diagnosed to have primary intestinal lymphangectasia. One patient had active Salmonella enterocolitis, and 1 had giardiosis. 99mTc-HSA was normal in the remaining 6 patients (3 boys, 3 girls) with a mean age of 3.5 y (range, 2-5 y). Mean serum albumin, total protein, gammaglobulin, and calcium levels were less decreased than those of the first group. Five of these patients had primary intestinal lymphangactesia (associated with infantile systemic hyalinosis in 1 patient). The remaining patient had normal duodenal biopsy, and the cause of protein loss remained unknown.The 99mTc-HSA scan is useful in the evaluation of children with PLE, especially those with severe hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia, presumably reflecting a high rate of protein loss.