Search

Background: Sleep quality and psychological well being of parents are expected to be influenced by the child's health and disease status. The aim of this study was to compare sleep quality and depression-anxiety parameters in mothers of children with cystic fibrosis (CF) asthma and healthy controls., Methods: The study included mothers of 62 children with asthma, 21 children with CF and 35 healthy children. All mothers filled in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire and hospital anxiety depression scale (HADS)., Results: Comparison of the three groups with Kruskall Wallis analysis demonstrated that subjective sleep, sleep efficiency and total PSQI scores were significantly different between the groups (p=0.02, p=0.01 and p=0.04 respectively). Comparisons of the groups in pairs with Mann Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction revealed that subjective sleep quality scores in mothers of children with asthma were significantly higher than the ones in the control group (1.0+/-0.9 vs 0.6+/-0.7, p=0.015). The other PSQI scores as well as the anxiety and depression scores were higher in CF and asthma groups when compared to the control group but did not reach statistical significance. Anxiety and depression scores were significantly correlated with PSQI total score in CF (rho=0.54 and 0.49 respectively) and asthma groups (rho=0.45 and 0.60 respectively) but not in the control group., Conclusion: In conclusion, presence of a chronic respiratory disease in a child may be associated with disturbed sleep quality and increased depression and anxiety in mothers.

Aim: To compare the effects of treatment of H pylori-infected individuals with the effects of treatment of individuals as well as all H pylori-infected family members., Methods: H pylori-positive patients with similar demographic specifications were prospectively randomized with respect to treatment, with a triple regimen of either patients and all H pylori-positive family members living togetherI (group I) or patients only (group II). Nine months after treatment, all patients were assessed for H pylori positivity., Results: There were 70 H pylori-positive patients in each group; patients in groups I and II lived with 175 and 190 H pylori-positive relatives, respectively. Age, sex and H pylori positivity rate were similar in both groups of relatives. Nine months after 14 d standard triple therapy, H pylori positivity was 7.1% in group I patients and 38.6% in group II patients [P < 0.01, OR = 8.61 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.91-22.84]., Conclusion: The present results indicate bad environmental hygienic conditions and close intra-familial relationships are important in H pylori contamination. These findings indicate all family members of H pylori-positive individuals should be assessed for H pylori positivity, particularly in developing countries where H pylori prevalence is high; they also suggest patients, their spouses and all H pylori-positive family members of H pylori-positive individuals should be treated for H pylori infection.

Hemoptysis as a result of pulmonary or bronchial pathologies is a rare but potentially serious problem in childhood. The presented case is an eight-year-old previously healthy girl who was admitted to the emergency department because of recurrent hemoptysis. Because high resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) showed an abscess cavity, antibiotic therapy was continued about six weeks. Lobectomy was done when massive hemoptysis recurred. Histopathological examination revealed follicular bronchiolitis, which is a very rare entity, particularly in childhood. Although HRCT imaging is of great value in the diagnosis of this disease, in our case it failed to show any evidence of follicular bronchiolitis. In conclusion, the definitive diagnosis of follicular bronchiolitis always requires histopathologic examination of open lung biopsy.

It has been hypothesized that specific immunotherapy (SIT) significantly decreases the development of new allergen sensitizations in mono-sensitized patients. In this study, we evaluated the effect of SIT on the development of new allergen sensitizations in 129 asthmatic children mono-sensitized to house dust mite. SIT was accepted by only 70 of them (SIT group). The remaining 59 children were treated only with medication (control group). At the end of the study we found that 33% of all patients developed new sensitizations. Surprisingly, the prevalence of new sensitizations was significantly higher in the SIT group (45.5%) than in the control group (18.1 %). Ash tree (Fraxinus excelsior), Olive and Meadow fescue (Festuca elatior) were the most common allergens responsible for the new sensitizations. We conclude that SIT did not prevent the onset of new sensitizations in asthmatic children mono-sensitized to house dust mite.

Background: The efficacy of subcutaneous pollen immunotherapy has been documented in published double-blind, placebo-controlled studies related to treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis. In the present study, subjective (symptom scores) and objective (nasal peak inspiratory flow, nasal smear, nasal biopsy) parameters were used to study the efficacy of pollen immunotherapy., Methods: Forty-eight patients (32 male), mean +/- SE age 13.6 +/- 2.8 years allergic to grass-pollen participated in the present study. Patients were divided into three groups: group I, 24 patients who did not receive pollen immunotherapy; group II, 12 patients who received the build-up phase of pollen immunotherapy; and group III, 12 patients who had just finished pollen immunotherapy. With regard to objective and subjective parameters these three groups were compared., Results: When group I was compared to groups II and III, the patients who had not received any immunotherapy were found to have a high daytime nasal symptoms score (P < 0.01), high daytime eye symptoms score(P < 0.01) and high night-time symptoms score (P < 0.01). In objective parameters, it was found that group I had low nasal peak inspiratory flow (P < 0.05), and a high eosinophil count in nasal smears (P < 0.05) and peripheral blood (P < 0.05). It was also demonstrated that there was an increased eosinophil infiltration (P < 0.01) and mast cell infiltration (P < 0.05) in nasal biopsy in group I. There was no significant difference between group II and group III according to these results (P > 0.05)., Conclusions: Immunotherapy leads to a better clinical and histopathological prognosis in children with seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of dental treatments on respiratory functions in moderate asthmatic children in comparison to healthy controls as well as to determine the need for bronchodilatator treatment before dental procedures., Methods: Twenty-six children with moderate asthma aged between 7-14 years who had peak expiratory flowmeter (PEF) values above 80% were selected for the study group. Control group consisted of 28 healthy children of the same age group. Before dental procedures, patients' dental anxiety levels were scored with Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale. The asthmatic group had their dental treatments in 2 sessions. At the first appointment, they were treated without administering a bronchodilatator therapy. After 2 weeks, at the second appointment the children administered bronchodilatator therapy before their dental treatments. PEF values were recorded in both asthmatic groups and in control group prior to, just after and 30 min after dental therapy., Results: PEF values in asthmatic patients recorded just after dental treatment were significantly lower than control group (P<0.05). When we compared the asthmatic groups who received and who did not receive bronchodilatator treatment, a statistically significant difference was found between PEF values before, just after and 30 min after dental treatment in who didn't receive bronchodilatator treatment (P<0.05)., Conclusions: Administration of bronchodilatator treatment as a premedication before dental procedures may be useful in asthmatic patients.

Thalassaemia major is a severe chronic hemolytic disease, resulted with iron overload mainly due to regular blood transfusions. Iron overload may lead to serious organ toxicity and even fatal complications, if no iron excretion is achieved by a chelating agent. First introduced in 1976 as s.c. treatment for thalassaemia major, desferrioxamine (DFO) has substantially improved the life expectancy in the disease. While DFO can cause local allergic reactions including redness, itching, pain and lumps, on rare occasion anaphylactic reactions can occur. The mechanism of anaphylaxis like reactions is not well understood. In this case report, we presented a 10 years-old girl with thalassaemia major who had to stop DFO therapy after appearing of systemic allergic reactions with hypotension, tachycardia, pruritus and urticaria against this drug. Serum IgE level was normal, specific IgE and skin prick tests were negative. Intradermal test was resulted with positive reaction to DFO. The patient was hospitalized and desensitization protocol was initiated with rapid s.c. infusions per 15 min. The protocol was stopped at the 17th cycle because of local reaction reappeared. After that, DFO was further diluted and was restarted with lower dosage and longer infusion period. Then, DFO dosage was increased and the dilutions and infusion times were decreased gradually. By this desensitization programme, the patient would continue to use DFO chelation safely for 10 months.

Recently, it is claimed that the usage of the intranasal glucocorticosteroids alone, instead of H1-antihistamines + intranasal glucocorticosteroids, reduces the complaints in moderate-to-severe seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the intranasal glucocorticosteroids alone during the pollen season by using objective and subjective parameters. Twenty-four patients (mean age, 12.17 +/- 2.26 years) with SAR sensitive to pollen are included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups randomly. Twelve patients in group I were given H1-antihistamine (loratadine) + intranasal glucocorticosteroid (mometasone furoate), and 12 patients in group II were given only intranasal glucocorticosteroid (mometasone furoate) for 12 weeks. To evaluate the results, subjective parameters (daytime nasal symptoms score, daytime eye symptoms score, and nighttime symptoms score) and objective parameters (nasal smear, nasal peak inspiratory flow [NPIF], and nasal biopsy) are used. With regard to the baseline data, it was observed that both groups had a significant decrease in total symptom score (p < 0.01), a significant increase in NPIF values (p < 0.01), and a significant decrease in the number of eosinophils in both nasal smear and biopsy (p < 0.01) after treatment. Comparing groups I and II in terms of treatment success, the improvement in daytime nasal symptoms score (p < 0.01 versus p < 0.01), daytime eye symptoms score (p < 0.01 versus p < 0.01), and total symptom score (p < 0.versus p < 0.01) was not different. However, there was a significant improvement in nighttime symptoms score between groups I and II (p < 0.01 versus p > 0.05). Furthermore, NPIF and nasal biopsy findings did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). The usage of H1-antihistamine + intranasal glucocorticosteroid has no superiority over the administration of intranasal glucocorticosteroid alone for treatment of SAR in pollen season. However, this finding needs to be confirmed in larger series studies.

The advanced treatment using integrated Fenton's reaction and coagulation process was investigated in this study. Before the advancement, the pharmaceutical wastewater containing lincomycin hydrochloride was pretreated by UASB (upflow anaerobic sludge bed) and a SBR (sequencing batch reactor) process. The residual recalcitrant compounds, measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), mainly consisted of alcohols, phenols, and nitrogenous and sulfur compounds. The experimental results indicated that when the Fenton's reaction was conducted at pH = 3.0, H2O2/COD(Cr) = 0.27, H2O2/Fe2+ = 3:1 and 30 min of reaction time, and the coagulation process operated at a sulfate aluminum concentration of 800 mg/L and pH value of 5.0, the color and COD in the wastewater decreased by 94% and 73%, respectively; with a finale COD concentration of 267 mg/L and color level of 40 units, meeting the secondary standard of GB8978-1996 for industrial wastewater.

The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of exogenous obesity on respiratory function tests, to define the relationship between the severity of obesity and respiratory function test parameters, and to detect the incidence of airway hyperresponsiveness and exercise-induced bronchospasm in an obese study group. This cross-sectional controlled study was done with 38 exogenous obese patients, aged 9 to 15 years, and 30 healthy children. Basal respiratory function test parameters were measured with spirometry. To display airway hyperresponsiveness, 4.5% hypertonic saline provocation test was used; exercise-induced bronchospasm incidence was defined with bicycle ergometry. Basal respiratory function test parameters were lower in the study group as compared with the control group. Exercise test was positive in 31.6% of the obese group and in 3.3% of the control group (P = 0.003). The provocation test with hypertonic saline test was positive in 18.4% of the obese group. There were strong negative correlations between body mass index (BMI), relative weight, skin fold thickness, waist/hip circumference ratio and basal forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) values. The diagnosis and management of exercise-induced bronchospasm may improve exercise performance and physical activity, assist with weight loss, and break the vicious circle.

The prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and allergic skin disorders (urticaria and atopic dermatitis) was investigated between the years 1993 and 1994 in the Aegean region of Turkey and was found to be 3.8, 4.6, 12.6, and 19.4%, respectively (Tanaç R, Kurugöl Z, Demir E, et al., Cocuk Sağliği ve Hast Derg 39:77-85, 1996). The aim of the present study was to determine whether there is a change in the prevalence of allergic diseases in the Aegean region in the last 8 years, based on the comparison of the results using the same method applied in the study mentioned above. Three thousand three hundred seventy children (48.6% male participants and 51.4% female participants) between the ages of 5 and 18 years (mean age, 11.55 +/- 3.34 years) were enrolled in the study. The participants were randomly chosen among children attending primary schools in the cities of the Aegean region. The children completed a questionnaire; and physical examinations, serum-specific immunoglobulin E antibody levels, and peak expiratory flow measurements were done for each of them. Of the children, 21.2% were found to have at least one attack of wheezing whereas the prevalence of asthma was 6.4%. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and allergic skin disorders (urticaria and atopic dermatitis) were found to be 13.6, 13.2, and 23.7%, respectively. The increase of prevalence for asthma was 2.6%, for allergic rhinitis was 9%, and for allergic conjunctivitis was 0.6%. These data show that the prevalence of allergic diseases, especially respiratory allergy, has increased among schoolchildren from the Aegean region of Turkey.

Allergic reactions to latex are common in patients with spina bifida. Its incidence varies between 28% and 67%. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of latex allergy and its risk factors in patients with spina bifida in Izmir, Turkey. Forty-six patients (24 male, mean age 10 years) were included in the study. A questionnaire was completed and skin prick tests with latex solution and cross-reacting foods were performed. Total IgE levels, specific IgE to common aeroallergens (Phadiotop), and latex specific IgE levels were measured. Patients with positive skin test reaction and/or who had specific IgE to latex without clinical symptoms were considered as sensitive to latex. The patients who also had clinical symptoms with latex exposure were diagnosed as allergic to latex. Latex sensitivity was found in 5/46 patients (10.8%). Only two patients had latex allergy (4.3%). Total IgE levels were higher (median 157 vs. 40 kU/L, p=0.012) and the duration of clean intermittent catheterization was longer insensitized patients when compared to non-sensitized patients (median 8 vs. 3 years, p=0.015). Specific IgE to common aeroallergens and positive skin prick test to cross-reacting foods were more prevalent in sensitized than in non-sensitized patients (p=0.02 and 0.015, respectively). The incidence of latex allergy in our group was lower than reported in the literature. This result may be due to the low number of surgical interventions. High levels of total IgE, positive Phadiotop, positive skin prick test to cross-reacting foods and the duration of clean intermittent catheterization are the risk factors for latex sensitivity in patients with spina bifida.

Hydatid disease is primarily a disease of sheep and cattle. Human beings are accidental hosts. We present a 32-year-old multigravida at 25 weeks of pregnancy in whom splenic and liver cysts were diagnosed by ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The splenic cyst was removed and a healthy baby was delivered vaginally at term.

Background: Immunotherapy, which has been used since the beginning of this century, has potential adverse reactions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate immediate local and systemic reactions to allergen immunotherapy and to compare rates of adverse reactions to aluminum-adsorbed versus calcium-adsorbed allergen vaccines., Methods: 108 cases (38 girls and 70 boys) were given allergen immunotherapy between 1997 and 2001. The following data were recorded for each patient: primary disease being treated (allergic rhinitis, asthma, or allergic rhinitis and asthma), allergic sensitivities (dust mite or grass pollen), number of injections, the stage of immunotherapy (buildup or maintenance), dilution of allergen vaccine, and type of allergen vaccine (calcium- or aluminum-adsorbed). Adverse reactions were classified as systemic or local. Local reactions were classified as hyperemia and induration less than 5 cm, more than 5 cm, itching, and pain., Results: 4783 injections were evaluated in 108 subjects with allergic rhinitis (44%), asthma (40%), allergic asthma, and rhinitis (16%). Frequency of immediate systemic reaction was 0.13%. Frequency of immediate local reactions were: hyperemia and induration less than 5 cm 3%, greater than 5 cm 0.16%, local itching 0.15%, and local pain 0.2%. There was no significant difference in systemic and local reactions between calcium- and aluminum-adsorbed vaccines. Immediate local reactions were more frequent during maintenance therapy compared to buildup. Subjects were more likely to have local reactions during maintenance therapy if they had allergic rhinitis (p < 0.05) or were receiving grass pollen vaccine (p < 0.01)., Conclusion: Immediate adverse reactions were uncommon when given to children with asthma and allergic rhinitis. Aluminium- and calcium-adsorbed allergen vaccines showed similar rates of systemic and local reactions.

To compare morphological changes in the umbilical cords from chronic hypertensive and preeclamptic patients having normal or pathological umbilical artery Doppler ultrasonographic results. Umbilical cords from 34 normotensive, 31 chronic hypertensive and 70 preeclamptic women with normal and abnormal Doppler flow velocity waveforms (FVW) at 35-40 gestational weeks were studied. Morphological changes in the umbilical cords were examined on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections. The total umbilical cord area, total vessel area, and wall thickness of umbilical vessels were measured in systematic random samples using unbiased stereology methods. An ANOVA test was used for statistical analysis. In the chronic hypertensive and preeclamptic groups with normal Doppler FVW, the thickness of the umbilical cord vessels remained nearly constant, whereas both the total area and the lumen area were reduced. These changes correlate with the histopathological findings, suggesting a mainly vasoconstrictive effect. By contrast, analysis of the preeclamptic group with pathologic Doppler FVW showed a comparable reduction of all parameters of the umbilical cord. Histopathological findings were related to smaller, contracted smooth muscle cells of the vessel wall, which is suggestive of a predominant hypoplastic mechanism. As a result of reduced uteroplacental perfusion, fetal hypoxia and intrauterine growth retardation become unavoidable in preeclampsia. The histopathological changes in the umbilical cord between the chronic hypertensive and preeclamptic patients depend on the Doppler results. In conclusion, the umbilical artery Doppler FVW indices provide good values for predicting intrauterine growth retardation in preeclamptic patients.

This study was designed to assess the value of procalcitonin in establishing the diagnosis and evaluating the prognosis of neonatal sepsis. Thirty-four infants with neonatal sepsis were included in the study. Procalcitonin values of the cases with sepsis were (2.21 +/- 2.48 ng/ml) significantly higher than the values in the control group (0.71 +/- 0.5 ng/ml; p = 0.01). On the 7th day of therapy neonates who had achieved clinical recovery had a significant decrease of procalcitonin levels (0.55 +/- 0.27 ng/ml) compared to the initial values (p = 0.001). Initial mean procalcitonin levels of the cases resulting in death were 4.31 +/- 3.66 g/ml. This was significantly higher than the initial values of the patients who had clinical recovery (1.18 +/- 1.24 ng/ml;p = 0.02). Procalcitonin is a valuable marker for diagnosis, for evaluating prognosis and response to therapy in neonatal sepsis.

Objective: To share the experiences of the first clinical multidisciplinary child abuse and neglect (CAN) team in Turkey with international child abuse community., Methods: The authors established the first Turkish CAN follow-up team at Dr. Behcet Uz Children's Hospital. Following a training program in five teaching hospitals in Izmir, the authors kept a record of every case diagnosed with CAN from these hospitals between 1996 and 1998. The demographic, epidemiologic, and medical features of this case series are summarized., Results: Fifty cases were diagnosed and followed-up. Seventy-six percent of patients were reported from Dr. Behcet Uz Children's Hospital. Age and sex distribution was 9.2 +/- 6.7 years and 46% male, 54% female, respectively. The offenders were only father in 38%, only mother in 28%, and multiple in 34%. More than three CAN risk factors were present in 94%. Of the children reported 44% survived, 14% died, and 42% were lost to follow-up. Sixteen percent were free of reabuse, and 42% survived with handicaps., Conclusions: Child abuse and neglect is a reality in Turkey. The team's work increased pediatricians' awareness of CAN. Reporting these cases to Social Affairs Bureau was established for the first time in Turkey. Physicians in Turkey need training to diagnose and properly report CAN. The implemen tation of a national CAN prevention program is an urgent need for Turkey.

Twenty-eight maltreated cases were presented in this multicenter study. Hospital distribution was as follows: Dr. Behçet Uz Children's Hospital, 54 percent; Dokuz Eylül University Hospital, 21 percent; Ege University Hospital, 14 percent; Tepecik Social Security Hospital, 7 percent; Atatürk State Hospital, 4 percent. Age and sex distribution was two months to 25 years and 43 percent male, 57 percent female. The offender was the father in 71 percent, the mother in 32 percent and multiple in 25 percent of the cases. More than three child maltreatment risk factors were present in 93 percent. Nineteen patients (68%), nine of which were effectively followed-up were reported to the Social Affairs Bureau. Sixty-four percent gained acceptable health with the support of our team, 14 percent died, and 21 percent failed to comply with follow-up. A multidisciplinary group may interfere both medically and socially with these cases to interrupt the course of maltreatment. Every children's hospital needs such a team to increase diagnosis establishment necessary to initiate social support.

Background: The role of bronchodilators in the treatment of bronchiolitis remains controversial., Methods: A double-blind, placebo controlled trial was performed to evaluate the clinical response to nebulized salbutamol. One hundred and fifty-six infants aged between 7 weeks and 24 months who had had an episode of wheezing and other signs and symptoms of bronchiolitis were randomized to three groups as follows: (i) nebulized salbutamol was administered to 52 patients in group I at a dose of 0.15 mg/kg in 2 mL saline; (ii) saline was nebulized to 52 patients in group II and (iii) in group III 52 patients received mist in a tent. All three groups were administered oxygen during the procedures. Treatment was repeated with the same agent after 30 min if the respiratory score was 5 or more. Respiratory rate, heart rate, oxygen saturation and presence of cyanosis, wheezing, retractions were recorded before and after each treatment., Results: The decrease in the respiratory score was 5.2 +/- 1.8, 0.82 +/- 2.4 and 1.7 +/- 1.3 in group I, II and III, respectively. The decrease in group I was significantly higher than in the other groups. Heart rate was similar between groups. Oxygen saturation decreased in group I without reaching statistical significance., Conclusions: Salbutamol was shown to be effective and safe in the treatment of acute bronchiolitis.

Thirty-one patients with the diagnosis of thyroid associated eye disease were included in the study. Samples were obtained from upper and temporal bulbar conjunctiva of both eyes by cellulose acetate filter paper. Control group included 20 healthy individuals. In patients with thyroid associated eye disease, grade 2 or 3 squamous metaplasia was observed in 32.26% of the samples obtained from upper bulbar conjunctiva, whereas this ratio increased to 82.26% in temporal bulbar area. None of the control cases showed changes of grade 2 or more. The evaluation of cytological changes with respect to clinical findings revealed that the main factor responsible for the cytological findings was inflammatory changes of the conjunctiva, whereas interpalpebral distance and proptosis had only a partial effect.

Upper-eyelid retraction is a common sign of thyroid-associated eye disease (TAED), and these patients are highly bothered by the appearance of their eyes. In this study, botulinum toxin A (BTA) was injected into the levator palpebrae superioris muscle in 8 eyes of 4 patients in an attempt to control the abnormal elevation of the upper eyelid. BTA provided control of the upper-eyelid retraction, and the cosmetically acceptable effect lasted for 3-4 months. It was concluded that BTA is an effective method of treatment in this condition. Since it has a temporary effect, it can safely be used to provide relief of symptoms related to upper-eyelid retraction during unstabilized periods of TAED, which may last as long as several years in some patients.

Background: Solar retinopathy was observed in a total of 86 eyes of 58 patients following the solar eclipse over Turkey in April 1976. The visual prognosis and the presence of late complications were evaluated at the early and late periods., Methods: Of the 58 patients, 34 (51 eyes) presented during the first week and came for follow-up examination in the succeeding week, also after 1, 3, 12, and 18 months. After that they were examined at yearly intervals (mean 4.2 years). Twenty-four patients (35 eyes) presented during the period between 1 and 11 years post-eclipse and were followed up for a mean period of 3.4 years. After a period of 15 years, all of the patients were invited for re-examination and nine patients (14 eyes) attended., Results: The improvement in visual acuity was observed to have taken place mostly during the first 2 weeks to 1 month after the eclipse. Further improvement in visual acuity was not observed in any of the eyes after the 18-month examination. The improvement in visual acuity was more prominent and earlier in the eyes that had visual acuity of 0.2 or better initially. Only the eyes with initial visual acuity equal to or better than 0.4 had a chance to improve their acuity to 10/10. Having observed the 51 eyes for mean period of 4.2 years and the 35 eyes for 3.4 years, no change in visual acuity was observed. Among the total of 86 eyes, 9 were found to have pseudolamellar macular holes., Conclusion: Correlation was found between initial visual acuity and the funduscopic appearance after the 2nd week. Fluorescein angiography was not found to be a conclusive test in solar retinopathy. No late complications were observed.