Introduction: Acute otitis media is an acute inflammation of the mucosa of the middle ear cavities. It is often secondary to nasopharyngitis, which favors the passage of infection through the Eustachian tube to the mi...Introduction: Acute otitis media is an acute inflammation of the mucosa of the middle ear cavities. It is often secondary to nasopharyngitis, which favors the passage of infection through the Eustachian tube to the middle ear. The aim of our study was to improve the management of AOM in the Paediatric Department of the Hospital National Ignace Deen (Conakry). Patients and Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study lasting 6 months from 01 July to 31 December 2011;the study covered 525 cases out of a total of 6276 children, i.e. a frequency of 8.36%. Results: The most affected age group was 6 to 11 months. Males predominated (69.71%). 82.29% had a history of recurrent rhinopharyngitis. The most frequent reason for consultation was incessant crying (66.29%). Rhinopharyngitis and malaria were the most commonly associated pathologies (87.62% and 39.62% respectively). 72.19% of our patients were admitted with congestive AOM and received medical treatment. We recorded one case of otomastoiditis which was treated surgically. Conclusion: AOM is more common in children aged between 6 and 24 months. Good collaboration between paediatricians and ENT specialists is essential to reduce the morbidity of AOM.展开更多
<strong>Ba</strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>ckground:</strong></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span st...<strong>Ba</strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>ckground:</strong></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Angina is a common </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">paediatric</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> condition. It has certain peculiarities in children, particularly </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">with regard to</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> the frequency of bacterial germs and the use of diagnostic tests. </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The aim of this study was</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> to determine the place of the rapid diagnostic test in the management of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal angina in children in the </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">paediatric</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> ward at Donka National Hospital. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Methods:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> This was a prospective descriptive study lasting 6 months from 1st February to 31st July 2019 concerning childr</span></span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">en aged between 3 and 15 years old who were diagnosed with angina. Epidemiological, clinical, para-clinical </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">and</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> therapeutic variables were studied. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Results:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Out of 1494 registered children, we collected 116 cases of angina (7.76%). Out of 52 patients who benefited from the rapid diagnostic test, we recorded 13 cases of angina due to group A beta-hemolytic </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">strptococcus</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">. The male sex was the most dominant with 31 cases (59.69%) and a G/F sex ratio of 1.47. The age group most affected was between 3 and 5 years old (50%). The average age of our patients was 4.8 years with extremes of 3 and 14 years. Clinical manifestations were dominated by fever and dysphagia (100%) followed by odynophagia (11.79%). We recorded 13 cases of streptococcal angina (25%). </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Conclusion:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> The factors that influence it are multiple, dominated by community life, passive smoking </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">and</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> allergies. The use of RDTs in these young children would help in the diagnosis of acute group A </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">beta hemolytic</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> streptococcal angina and rational antibiotic prescription.</span></span></span></span>展开更多
Introduction: Sickle cell disease has physical and emotional repercussions on the child and his family. The aim of this study was to describe the psychosocial experiences of mothers of children with sickle cell diseas...Introduction: Sickle cell disease has physical and emotional repercussions on the child and his family. The aim of this study was to describe the psychosocial experiences of mothers of children with sickle cell disease in order to improve the overall care of the child. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in the pediatrics department of Bouaké University Teaching Hospital from June to September 2023. It focused on mothers of major sickle-cell-affected children followed up in the pediatrics department of the Bouaké University Teaching Hospital. The variables studied were sociodemographic, psychological, social and economic. Results: Of the 40 mothers surveyed, 15% were not in school and 32.5% were unemployed. For them, sickle cell disease was of natural (genetic) origin in 90% and supernatural in 10%. They stated that the child had an average age of 36 months (extremes 7 and 108 months) when the disease was discovered. And 52% of them were satisfied with the way the disease was clearly and completely announced. Following the announcement, the questioned mothers said they had felt shock (35%), sadness (31.7%), guilt (23.3%) and discouragement (10%). Anxiety and depression were experienced by 77.5% and 22.5% respectively. In 60% of cases, they stated that the disease was incurable, and the outcome was fatal in 2.5% of cases. The child’s illness was a source of problems in the home in 25% of cases, represented by arguments in 92% and divorce in 8%. In 97.5% of cases, the mother told her family and friends about the child’s illness. In 90% of cases, the mother and child benefited from psychological support from family and friends. Conclusion: Sickle cell disease is a serious illness with a psychological and social impact on mothers. We recommend psychological support for mothers from the moment of diagnosis and throughout follow-up.展开更多
<strong>I</strong><strong>ntroduction:</strong> Priapism is a rare pathology, known since antiquity. Sickle cell disease is the main aetiology in Africa. The aim of our work was to report our e...<strong>I</strong><strong>ntroduction:</strong> Priapism is a rare pathology, known since antiquity. Sickle cell disease is the main aetiology in Africa. The aim of our work was to report our experience in its treatment. <strong>Material and Methods:</strong> This is a prospective, descriptive study carried out at the urology department of the Libreville University Hospital from January 2018 to December 2020. All sickle cell patients admitted to urology for priapism were included. The parameters studied were socio-demographic, clinical and therapeutic parameters as well as the evolution after treatment. <strong>Result:</strong> We collected 19 priapisms in sickle cell patients. The average age was 20.9 years with extremes of 4 and 53 years. Fifteen patients were homozygous SS. All patients had stasis priapism. The average consultation time was 22.4 hours. All patients had perioperative medical management combining hyperhydration, analgesia and antibiotic prophylaxis. A vasoactive drug was administered to 13 patients. Sixteen patients had a puncture of the corpus cavernosum. A distal cavernosal-spongiosum shunt under penile block was performed in 6 patients. The outcome was favorable from the outset in 12 cases, marked by complete detumescence of the corpus cavernosum. Partial detumescence was noted in 7 patients with the need for a new puncture of the cavernous body. A complication such as edema of the penis was in only one of our patients. A recurrence was noted in 2 patients. After an average follow-up of 6 months, no sequelae erectile dysfunction was observed. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Priapism is a frequent complication among sickle cell patients in Libreville. Medical management associated with a cavernous puncture with administration of vasoactive drugs allows a favourable evolution without after-effects.展开更多
Objectives: The main objective was to evaluate antibiotic prescribing in the Department of Pediatrics at Gabriel Touré teaching hospital. Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study conducted from September...Objectives: The main objective was to evaluate antibiotic prescribing in the Department of Pediatrics at Gabriel Touré teaching hospital. Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study conducted from September 1 to November 31, 2018, in the Department of Pediatrics at Gabriel Touré teaching hospital. All children aged 0 to 15 years hospitalized for any pathology during the study period and having received at least one antibiotic had been included. Results: We collected 445 children’s records out of 1032 admissions during the study period, representing a hospital frequency of 43.1%. The sex ratio was 1.3%. The 2 - 5 age group accounted for 48.1%. Fever was the reason for consultation in 45.6% of cases. Patients’ general condition was altered in 60% of cases. The fathers were blue-collar workers in 65.4% and the mothers housewives in 85%, and had no education in 42.9% and 64.5% respectively. Hepatomegaly was present in 18.2%, splenomegaly in 9.6% and peripheral adenopathy in 3.1%. The site of infection was pulmonary in 37.6% and ENT in 9.2%. Bacterial infection was assumed on admission in 54% of cases, and meningitis in 57.7%. The discharge diagnosis was malaria in 54.6%, severe acute malnutrition in 18.6% and meningitis in 6.7%. The death rate was 3.8%. Neutrophilic leukocytosis was present in 47.3% of patients. CRP was positive in 85% of patients. Blood cultures taken in 27.6% of patients were positive in 5. CSF analysis in 30% of patients showed elevated leukocytes in 6.5%. No cultures were positive. Antibiotic prescription was justified by infectious hypotheses in 43.1% of patients. β-lactam antibiotics were prescribed in 98.6%. Antibiotic therapy was not adapted to national/international recommendations in 68.3% of cases, and was not justified in 16.3% of cases on D5 of hospitalization. Conclusion: Antibiotic use was justified in more than half of patients, but remained inadequate in almost two-thirds of cases, in line with national and international recommendations.展开更多
Liver cell transplantation presents clinical benefit in patients with inborn errors of metabolism as an alternative,or at least as a bridge,to orthotopic liver transplantation.The success of such a therapeutic approac...Liver cell transplantation presents clinical benefit in patients with inborn errors of metabolism as an alternative,or at least as a bridge,to orthotopic liver transplantation.The success of such a therapeutic approach remains limited by the quality of the transplanted cells.Cryopreservation remains the best option for long-term storage of hepatocytes,providing a permanent and sufficient cell supply.However, isolated adult hepatocytes are poorly resistant to such a process,with a significant alteration both at the morphological and functional levels.Hence,the aim of the current review is to discuss the state of the art regarding widely-used hepatocyte cryopreservation protocols,as well as the assays performed to analyse the post-thawing cell quality both in vitro and in vivo. The majority of studies agree upon the poor quality and efficiency of cryopreserved/thawed hepatocytes as compared to freshly isolated hepatocytes.Intracellular ice formation or exposure to hyperosmotic solutionsremains the main phenomenon of cryopreservation process,and its effects on cell quality and cell death induction will be discussed.The increased knowledge and understanding of the cryopreservation process will lead to research strategies to improve the viability and the quality of the cell suspensions after thawing.Such strategies,such as vitrification,will be discussed with respect to their potential to significantly improve the quality of cell suspensions dedicated to liver cell-based therapies.展开更多
BACKGROUND： Although cupping remains a popular treatment modality worldwide, its efficacy for most diseases, including hypertension, has not been scientifically evaluated. OBJECTIVE： We aimed to determine the effica...BACKGROUND： Although cupping remains a popular treatment modality worldwide, its efficacy for most diseases, including hypertension, has not been scientifically evaluated. OBJECTIVE： We aimed to determine the efficacy of wet-cupping for high blood pressure, and the incidence of the procedure＇s side effects in the intervention group. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS： This is a randomized controlled trial conducted in the General Practice Department at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between May 2013 and February 2014. There were two groups （40 participants each）： intervention group undergoing wet-cupping （hijama） in addition to conventional hypertension treatment, and a control group undergoing only conventional hypertension treatment. Three wet-cupping sessions were performed every other day. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE： The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured using a validated automatic sphygmomanometer. The follow-up period was 8 weeks. RESULTS： Wet-cupping provided an immediate reduction of systolic blood pressure. After 4 weeks of follow-up, the mean systolic blood pressure in the intervention group was 8.4 mmHg less than in the control group （P = 0.046）. After 8 weeks, there were no significant differences in blood pressures between the intervention and control groups. In this study, wet-cupping did not result in any serious side effects. CONCLUSION： Wet-cupping therapy is effective for reducing systolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients for up to 4 weeks, without serious side effects. Wet-cupping should be considered as a complementary hypertension treatment, and further studies are needed.展开更多
Sleep and epilepsy are two well recognized conditions that interact with each other in a complex bi-directional way. Some types of epilepsies have increased activity during sleep disturbing it; while sleep deprivation...Sleep and epilepsy are two well recognized conditions that interact with each other in a complex bi-directional way. Some types of epilepsies have increased activity during sleep disturbing it; while sleep deprivation aggravates epilepsy due to decreased seizure threshold. Epilepsy can deteriorate the sleep-related disorders and at the same time; the parasomnias can worsen the epilepsy. The secretion of sleep-related hormones can also be affected by the occurrence of seizures and supplementation of epileptic patients with some of these sleep-related hormones may have a beneficial role in controlling epilepsy.展开更多
AIM: To determine if dopamine is effective in treating neonatal hypotension and safe to use comparing to other inotropes. METHODS: This is a review of evidence on inotropic treatment of neonatal hypotension. Databases...AIM: To determine if dopamine is effective in treating neonatal hypotension and safe to use comparing to other inotropes. METHODS: This is a review of evidence on inotropic treatment of neonatal hypotension. Databases searched were MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library, a total of 134 studies were identified. Only studies with high quality evidence(level 1a and b and 2a) were included. After review, only eight studies were included in the final analysis. Pooled risk ratios derived for each outcome [Mantel-Haenzel(M-H) fixed effect] with CI, as reported in the Cochrane reviews were plotted in forest plot form. RESULTS: Eight articles met inclusion criteria, which all included treatment in preterm infants. Dopamine increased mean arterial blood pressure(BP)(n = 163; r = 0.88, 95%CI: 0.76 to 0.94) and systolic BP(n = 142; r = 0.81, 95%CI: 0.42 to 0.94) comparing to placebo. Dopamine has been shown overall to be statistically more effective in increasing BP than dobutamine(n = 251, r = 0.26, 95%CI: 0.20-0.32). However there were no differences in short term outcomes(periventricular leucomalacia, periventricular haemorrhage) and mortality between both drugs. There is no statistical evidence of dopamine being more effective than adrenaline or corticosteroids. There was no difference in morbidity and mortality outcomes when dopamine was compared to hydrocortisone(RR 1.81, 95%CI: 0.18 to 18.39) or adrenaline. CONCLUSION: In preterms, dopamine is the most studied drug, and we suggest it could be used as first line treatment in hypotension.展开更多
Objective: To observe the effect of Astragalus Injection (AD on levels of blood selenium (Se) and cytokines, and T cellular immune function with viral myocarditis (VM) in children. Methods: Eighty children with VM wer...Objective: To observe the effect of Astragalus Injection (AD on levels of blood selenium (Se) and cytokines, and T cellular immune function with viral myocarditis (VM) in children. Methods: Eighty children with VM were randomly divided into 2 groups. The control group consisted of 38 patients, to whom conventional therapy, including energy mixture, vitamin C and coenzyme Q10, etc. were given. The treated group (n = 42), to whom combination therapy of conventional therapy and Al were given. The levels of blood Se and cytokine, including interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and also evaluation of T lymphocyte subsets and cardiac function were observed. Results: The results showed that after treatment, the levels of blood Se were significantly higher (P<0.01), while IL-1,IL-6 and TNF-a were significantly lower (P<0.01) than those before treatment in the control group. The left ventricular end diameter (LVED) were significantly decreased (P<0.01), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) were significantly increased than those before treatment in the treated group(P<0.01, P<0.05). T lymphocyte subsets got normalized (P<0.01), and compared with the control group, the difference was significant (P<0.01). Conclusion: Astragalus membranaceus possesses anti-viral effect, adjusts the balance of cytokine and T cellular immunity, and improves the clinical manifestation and cardiac function. It is an effective approach in treating viral myocarditis.展开更多
BACKGROUND Lisfranc injuries are rare and can be easily missed. This injury is extremely rare in children, with limited published data. Different treatment options have been described; one of the options in adults is ...BACKGROUND Lisfranc injuries are rare and can be easily missed. This injury is extremely rare in children, with limited published data. Different treatment options have been described; one of the options in adults is the "mini" TightRope^(TM) Syndesmosis Device that provides non-rigid fixation with impressive results. However, there is no reference regarding the use of this device in children.CASE SUMMARY We describe the case of an 11-year-old girl who sustained a Lisfranc injury of her right foot that was initially missed in the Accident and Emergency department of her local hospital. This case was a ligamentous/periosteal sleeve avulsion type of Lisfranc injury and a percutaneous technique using the "mini" TightRope^(TM)syndesmosis device was used. Clinical and radiological results were excellent at final follow up.CONCLUSION The "mini" TightRope^(TM) syndesmosis device is a promising method of fixation for children with certain Lisfranc injuries. This method has many advantages,including the non-rigid type of the fixation and no need for subsequent metalwork removal.展开更多
Congenital heart disease is a common problem in children with Down syndrome(DS). Echocardiography plays an important role in the detection of both structural and functional abnormalities in this group of patients. Fet...Congenital heart disease is a common problem in children with Down syndrome(DS). Echocardiography plays an important role in the detection of both structural and functional abnormalities in this group of patients. Fetal echocardiography can help in the early recognition of DS by detecting soft markers of DS, but its main role is to define the exact nature of the suspected cardiac problem in the fetus. Postnatal echocardiography is mandatory in the first month of life for all neonates with DS. It is also indicated before any cardiac surgery and for serial follow-up after cardiac surgery.In this article, we discuss the types and mechanism of cardiac abnormalities in DS children and the role of both fetal and postnatal echocardiography in the detection of these abnormalities.展开更多
AIM: To estimate the burden of undiagnosed celiac disease (CD) in the Mediterranean area in terms of morbidity, mortality and health cost. METHODS: For statistics regarding the population of each country in the Medite...AIM: To estimate the burden of undiagnosed celiac disease (CD) in the Mediterranean area in terms of morbidity, mortality and health cost. METHODS: For statistics regarding the population of each country in the Mediterranean area, we accessed authoritative international sources (World Bank, World Health Organization and United Nations). The prevalence of CD was obtained for most countries from published reports. An overall prevalence rate of 1% cases/total population was finally estimated to represent the frequency of the disease in the area, since none of the available conf idence intervals of the reported rates significantly excluded this rate. The distribution of symptoms and complications was obtained from reliable reports in the same cohort. A standardized mortality rate of 1.8 was obtained from recent reports. Crude health cost was estimated for the years between symptoms and diagnosis for adults and children, and was standardized for purchasing power parity to account for the different economic prof iles amongst Mediterranean countries. RESULTS: In the next 10 years, the Mediterranean area will have about half a billion inhabitants, of which 120 million will be children. The projected number of CD diagnoses in 2020 is 5 million cases (1 million celiac children), with a relative increase of 11% compared to 2010. Based on the 2010 rate, there will be about 550 000 symptomatic adults and about 240 000 sick children: 85% of the symptomatic patients will suffer from gastrointestinal complaints, 40% are likely to have anemia, 30% will likely have osteopenia, 20% of children will have short stature, and 10% will have abnormal liver enzymes. The estimated standardized medical costs for symptomatic celiac patients during the delay between symptom onset and diagnosis (mean 6 years for adults, 2 years for children) will be about €4 billion (€387 million for children) over the next 10 years. A delay in diagnosis is expected to increase mortality: about 600 000 celiac patients will die in the next 10 years, with an excess of 44.4% vs age-and sexmatched controls. CONCLUSION: In the near future, the burden of CD will increase tremendously. Few Mediterranean countries are able to face this expanding epidemic alone.展开更多
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess school indoor exposure to microbial products and prevalence of asthma and allergies in rural and urban children.Methods: This study was carried on a rural and an urban sc...Objective: The aim of this study was to assess school indoor exposure to microbial products and prevalence of asthma and allergies in rural and urban children.Methods: This study was carried on a rural and an urban school.Environmental endotoxin level was measured in multiple samples of the ambient indoor air dust collected on special aseptic filter papers from the two schools.For two hundred children history taking,clinical examination,allergen skin prick test and basic pulmonary function test were preformed.Results: Environmental endotoxin levels showed significantly higher mean values(P<0.01) in rural school(3 EU/mg) as compared to the urban school(0.1 EU/mg) with(OR=5.163;95% CI: 0.95-28).History of allergic symptoms was significantly more in urban than rural students(P=0.01).Mean values of pulmonary function parameters were significantly lower values in urban students compared to rural students.Skin prick test results showed significant reactions to all tested allergens in urban children compared to rural children(P<0.05).Conclusion: There is an inverse association between environmental exposure to endotoxins and susceptibility for allergic manifestations in school children.展开更多
Background: Both glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and sickle cell disease (SCD) are prevalent in malaria-endemic regions. Controversy however persists as to whether G6PD deficiency is commoner in SC...Background: Both glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and sickle cell disease (SCD) are prevalent in malaria-endemic regions. Controversy however persists as to whether G6PD deficiency is commoner in SCD subjects compared with the general population. Co-existence of the enzyme-deficient state with a chronic haemolytic disorder, like SCD, could potentially predispose to fatal haemolytic episodes. There is however a dearth of paediatric studies on this subject. Aims and Objectives: To determine the prevalence and demographic determinants of G6PD deficiency in children with SCD. Methods: Red cell G6PD activity was determined in 115 steady-state sickle cell disease children aged 0.5 - 17 years, in steady state and equal number of age & gender-matched non-SCD controls using the quantitative method. A measured G6PD activity of U/gHb defined G6PD deficiency while values ≥6.97 U/gHb were regarded as normal. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20. Statistical analyses done include chi-square, student t-test and ANOVA. For all statistical analyses, p values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: There were 64 (55.7%) males and 51 (44.3%) females in each of the arms of the study. The mean age of the study population was 8.4 ± 4.7 years. Seven of the subjects were G6PD-deficient giving a prevalence of 6.1% which was not significantly different from the 7.0% obtained in the controls (p = 0.789). G6PD deficiency was more frequently encountered in the older age groups although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.438). Similarly, mean G6PD activity was highest in the under-5 age-group compared to the older age-groups analysed (p = 0.573). The condition was also commoner in the males than females although the difference did not attain statistical significance (p = 0.897). Conclusions: The prevalence of G6PD deficiency among SCD children was 6.1%. The condition is marginally commoner in males and older children.展开更多
BACKGROUND Tidal breathing flow-volume(TBFV)analysis provides important information about lung mechanics in infants.AIM To assess the effects of breastfeeding on the TBFV measurements of infants who recover from acute...BACKGROUND Tidal breathing flow-volume(TBFV)analysis provides important information about lung mechanics in infants.AIM To assess the effects of breastfeeding on the TBFV measurements of infants who recover from acute bronchiolitis.METHODS In this cross-sectional study,TBFV analysis was performed in infants with bronchiolitis prior to hospital discharge.The ratio of time to peak expiratory flow to total expiratory time(tPEF/tE)at baseline and after the administration of 400 mcg salbutamol was evaluated.RESULTS A total of 56 infants(35 boys),aged 7.4±2.8 mo,were included.Of them,12.5%were exposed to tobacco smoke and 41.1%were breastfed less than 2 mo.There were no differences in baseline TBFV measurements between the breastfeeding groups;however,those who breastfed longer than 2 mo had a greater change in tPEF/tE after bronchodilation(12%±10.4%vs 0.9%±7.1%;P<0.001).Moreover,there was a clear dose-response relationship between tPEF/tE reversibility and duration of breastfeeding(P<0.001).In multivariate regression analysis,infants who breastfed less(regression coefficient-0.335,P=0.010)or were exposed to cigarette smoke(regression coefficient 0.353,P=0.007)showed a greater change in tPEF/tE after bronchodilation,independent of sex,prematurity,and family history of asthma or atopy.CONCLUSION Infants who recover from bronchiolitis and have a shorter duration of breastfeeding or are exposed to cigarette smoke,have TBFV measurements indicative of obstructive lung disease.展开更多
The prevalence of pediatric obesity continues to increase worldwide,bringing with it various metabolic,functional,social,and psychological complications.1 Both the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity must be...The prevalence of pediatric obesity continues to increase worldwide,bringing with it various metabolic,functional,social,and psychological complications.1 Both the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity must be based on multidisciplinary approaches combining nutrition,physical activity(PA),and psychological support.2 As an essential element of these multicomponent strategies,regular physical activity has been acknowledged as having beneficial effects on children's and adolescents,body composition,physical fitness,and metabolic profile,as well as on their health-related quality of life,social and psychological health,and academic achievement.3,4 Given that only a relatively small proportion of children and adolescents meet the public health recommendations for PA,5 and given that weight loss exercise-based interventions suffer from a high attrition rate,there is a clear need for appropriate PAs.展开更多
Aim: Adult studies indicate that gastrointestinal symptoms vary with sex and socioeconomic status. We examined socioeconomic factors, infant sex, smoking and gastrointestinal symptoms, especially constipation, in 2.5 ...Aim: Adult studies indicate that gastrointestinal symptoms vary with sex and socioeconomic status. We examined socioeconomic factors, infant sex, smoking and gastrointestinal symptoms, especially constipation, in 2.5 year- old children. Methods: This study was part of a prospective cohort study of children born 01.10.97- 01.10.99 (the ABIS study; All Babies in Southeast Sweden). Socioeconomic factors, infant sex, smoking were analyzed vs. constipation, diarrhoea, anorexia, abdominal pain, meteorism and vomiting using logistic regression. All data were obtained through questionnaires distributed at infant birth, at 1 and 2.5 years of age. Results: Out of 8341 children, 539 (6.5% ) suffered from constipation. In a backward stepwise regression analysis (AOR; and 95% CI AOR = are given within brackets), constipation correlated with low maternal education (1.60; 1.08- 2.35), female sex (1.52; 1.23- 1.85), living in a large community with > 3000 inhabitants (1.35; 1.09- 1.64) and having no older siblings (1.28; 1.04- 1.59). Smoking during pregnancy was linked to diarrhoea (multivariate analysis: 1.76; 1.02- 3.02), anorexia (univariate analysis: 1.43; 1.09- 1.87) and meteorism (univariate analysis: 1.58; 1.11- 2.27). Adjusting for confounders, paracetamol use was linked to a five- fold increased risk of anorexia (5.12; 1.26- 20.70). Conclusions: This study indicates that socioeconomic status, infant sex and parental smoking, are associated with gastrointestinal symptoms in children.展开更多
文摘Introduction: Acute otitis media is an acute inflammation of the mucosa of the middle ear cavities. It is often secondary to nasopharyngitis, which favors the passage of infection through the Eustachian tube to the middle ear. The aim of our study was to improve the management of AOM in the Paediatric Department of the Hospital National Ignace Deen (Conakry). Patients and Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study lasting 6 months from 01 July to 31 December 2011;the study covered 525 cases out of a total of 6276 children, i.e. a frequency of 8.36%. Results: The most affected age group was 6 to 11 months. Males predominated (69.71%). 82.29% had a history of recurrent rhinopharyngitis. The most frequent reason for consultation was incessant crying (66.29%). Rhinopharyngitis and malaria were the most commonly associated pathologies (87.62% and 39.62% respectively). 72.19% of our patients were admitted with congestive AOM and received medical treatment. We recorded one case of otomastoiditis which was treated surgically. Conclusion: AOM is more common in children aged between 6 and 24 months. Good collaboration between paediatricians and ENT specialists is essential to reduce the morbidity of AOM.
文摘<strong>Ba</strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>ckground:</strong></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Angina is a common </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">paediatric</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> condition. It has certain peculiarities in children, particularly </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">with regard to</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> the frequency of bacterial germs and the use of diagnostic tests. </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The aim of this study was</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> to determine the place of the rapid diagnostic test in the management of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal angina in children in the </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">paediatric</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> ward at Donka National Hospital. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Methods:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> This was a prospective descriptive study lasting 6 months from 1st February to 31st July 2019 concerning childr</span></span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">en aged between 3 and 15 years old who were diagnosed with angina. Epidemiological, clinical, para-clinical </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">and</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> therapeutic variables were studied. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Results:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Out of 1494 registered children, we collected 116 cases of angina (7.76%). Out of 52 patients who benefited from the rapid diagnostic test, we recorded 13 cases of angina due to group A beta-hemolytic </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">strptococcus</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">. The male sex was the most dominant with 31 cases (59.69%) and a G/F sex ratio of 1.47. The age group most affected was between 3 and 5 years old (50%). The average age of our patients was 4.8 years with extremes of 3 and 14 years. Clinical manifestations were dominated by fever and dysphagia (100%) followed by odynophagia (11.79%). We recorded 13 cases of streptococcal angina (25%). </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Conclusion:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> The factors that influence it are multiple, dominated by community life, passive smoking </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">and</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> allergies. The use of RDTs in these young children would help in the diagnosis of acute group A </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">beta hemolytic</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> streptococcal angina and rational antibiotic prescription.</span></span></span></span>
文摘Introduction: Sickle cell disease has physical and emotional repercussions on the child and his family. The aim of this study was to describe the psychosocial experiences of mothers of children with sickle cell disease in order to improve the overall care of the child. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in the pediatrics department of Bouaké University Teaching Hospital from June to September 2023. It focused on mothers of major sickle-cell-affected children followed up in the pediatrics department of the Bouaké University Teaching Hospital. The variables studied were sociodemographic, psychological, social and economic. Results: Of the 40 mothers surveyed, 15% were not in school and 32.5% were unemployed. For them, sickle cell disease was of natural (genetic) origin in 90% and supernatural in 10%. They stated that the child had an average age of 36 months (extremes 7 and 108 months) when the disease was discovered. And 52% of them were satisfied with the way the disease was clearly and completely announced. Following the announcement, the questioned mothers said they had felt shock (35%), sadness (31.7%), guilt (23.3%) and discouragement (10%). Anxiety and depression were experienced by 77.5% and 22.5% respectively. In 60% of cases, they stated that the disease was incurable, and the outcome was fatal in 2.5% of cases. The child’s illness was a source of problems in the home in 25% of cases, represented by arguments in 92% and divorce in 8%. In 97.5% of cases, the mother told her family and friends about the child’s illness. In 90% of cases, the mother and child benefited from psychological support from family and friends. Conclusion: Sickle cell disease is a serious illness with a psychological and social impact on mothers. We recommend psychological support for mothers from the moment of diagnosis and throughout follow-up.
文摘<strong>I</strong><strong>ntroduction:</strong> Priapism is a rare pathology, known since antiquity. Sickle cell disease is the main aetiology in Africa. The aim of our work was to report our experience in its treatment. <strong>Material and Methods:</strong> This is a prospective, descriptive study carried out at the urology department of the Libreville University Hospital from January 2018 to December 2020. All sickle cell patients admitted to urology for priapism were included. The parameters studied were socio-demographic, clinical and therapeutic parameters as well as the evolution after treatment. <strong>Result:</strong> We collected 19 priapisms in sickle cell patients. The average age was 20.9 years with extremes of 4 and 53 years. Fifteen patients were homozygous SS. All patients had stasis priapism. The average consultation time was 22.4 hours. All patients had perioperative medical management combining hyperhydration, analgesia and antibiotic prophylaxis. A vasoactive drug was administered to 13 patients. Sixteen patients had a puncture of the corpus cavernosum. A distal cavernosal-spongiosum shunt under penile block was performed in 6 patients. The outcome was favorable from the outset in 12 cases, marked by complete detumescence of the corpus cavernosum. Partial detumescence was noted in 7 patients with the need for a new puncture of the cavernous body. A complication such as edema of the penis was in only one of our patients. A recurrence was noted in 2 patients. After an average follow-up of 6 months, no sequelae erectile dysfunction was observed. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Priapism is a frequent complication among sickle cell patients in Libreville. Medical management associated with a cavernous puncture with administration of vasoactive drugs allows a favourable evolution without after-effects.
文摘Objectives: The main objective was to evaluate antibiotic prescribing in the Department of Pediatrics at Gabriel Touré teaching hospital. Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study conducted from September 1 to November 31, 2018, in the Department of Pediatrics at Gabriel Touré teaching hospital. All children aged 0 to 15 years hospitalized for any pathology during the study period and having received at least one antibiotic had been included. Results: We collected 445 children’s records out of 1032 admissions during the study period, representing a hospital frequency of 43.1%. The sex ratio was 1.3%. The 2 - 5 age group accounted for 48.1%. Fever was the reason for consultation in 45.6% of cases. Patients’ general condition was altered in 60% of cases. The fathers were blue-collar workers in 65.4% and the mothers housewives in 85%, and had no education in 42.9% and 64.5% respectively. Hepatomegaly was present in 18.2%, splenomegaly in 9.6% and peripheral adenopathy in 3.1%. The site of infection was pulmonary in 37.6% and ENT in 9.2%. Bacterial infection was assumed on admission in 54% of cases, and meningitis in 57.7%. The discharge diagnosis was malaria in 54.6%, severe acute malnutrition in 18.6% and meningitis in 6.7%. The death rate was 3.8%. Neutrophilic leukocytosis was present in 47.3% of patients. CRP was positive in 85% of patients. Blood cultures taken in 27.6% of patients were positive in 5. CSF analysis in 30% of patients showed elevated leukocytes in 6.5%. No cultures were positive. Antibiotic prescription was justified by infectious hypotheses in 43.1% of patients. β-lactam antibiotics were prescribed in 98.6%. Antibiotic therapy was not adapted to national/international recommendations in 68.3% of cases, and was not justified in 16.3% of cases on D5 of hospitalization. Conclusion: Antibiotic use was justified in more than half of patients, but remained inadequate in almost two-thirds of cases, in line with national and international recommendations.
基金Supported by The Belgian National Fund for Medical Research, the Région Wallonne-DGTRE(Grant WALEO/HEPATERA) and "La Fondation St Luc-ARC Thérapie Cellulaire"Stéphenne Xis recipient of a Grant-FNRS for cell cryopreservation
文摘Liver cell transplantation presents clinical benefit in patients with inborn errors of metabolism as an alternative,or at least as a bridge,to orthotopic liver transplantation.The success of such a therapeutic approach remains limited by the quality of the transplanted cells.Cryopreservation remains the best option for long-term storage of hepatocytes,providing a permanent and sufficient cell supply.However, isolated adult hepatocytes are poorly resistant to such a process,with a significant alteration both at the morphological and functional levels.Hence,the aim of the current review is to discuss the state of the art regarding widely-used hepatocyte cryopreservation protocols,as well as the assays performed to analyse the post-thawing cell quality both in vitro and in vivo. The majority of studies agree upon the poor quality and efficiency of cryopreserved/thawed hepatocytes as compared to freshly isolated hepatocytes.Intracellular ice formation or exposure to hyperosmotic solutionsremains the main phenomenon of cryopreservation process,and its effects on cell quality and cell death induction will be discussed.The increased knowledge and understanding of the cryopreservation process will lead to research strategies to improve the viability and the quality of the cell suspensions after thawing.Such strategies,such as vitrification,will be discussed with respect to their potential to significantly improve the quality of cell suspensions dedicated to liver cell-based therapies.
基金funded by King Abdulaziz University(Jeddah,Saudi Arabia)Kashef Diagnostics Factory(Jeddah,Saudi Arabia)
文摘BACKGROUND： Although cupping remains a popular treatment modality worldwide, its efficacy for most diseases, including hypertension, has not been scientifically evaluated. OBJECTIVE： We aimed to determine the efficacy of wet-cupping for high blood pressure, and the incidence of the procedure＇s side effects in the intervention group. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS： This is a randomized controlled trial conducted in the General Practice Department at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between May 2013 and February 2014. There were two groups （40 participants each）： intervention group undergoing wet-cupping （hijama） in addition to conventional hypertension treatment, and a control group undergoing only conventional hypertension treatment. Three wet-cupping sessions were performed every other day. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE： The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured using a validated automatic sphygmomanometer. The follow-up period was 8 weeks. RESULTS： Wet-cupping provided an immediate reduction of systolic blood pressure. After 4 weeks of follow-up, the mean systolic blood pressure in the intervention group was 8.4 mmHg less than in the control group （P = 0.046）. After 8 weeks, there were no significant differences in blood pressures between the intervention and control groups. In this study, wet-cupping did not result in any serious side effects. CONCLUSION： Wet-cupping therapy is effective for reducing systolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients for up to 4 weeks, without serious side effects. Wet-cupping should be considered as a complementary hypertension treatment, and further studies are needed.
文摘Sleep and epilepsy are two well recognized conditions that interact with each other in a complex bi-directional way. Some types of epilepsies have increased activity during sleep disturbing it; while sleep deprivation aggravates epilepsy due to decreased seizure threshold. Epilepsy can deteriorate the sleep-related disorders and at the same time; the parasomnias can worsen the epilepsy. The secretion of sleep-related hormones can also be affected by the occurrence of seizures and supplementation of epileptic patients with some of these sleep-related hormones may have a beneficial role in controlling epilepsy.
文摘AIM: To determine if dopamine is effective in treating neonatal hypotension and safe to use comparing to other inotropes. METHODS: This is a review of evidence on inotropic treatment of neonatal hypotension. Databases searched were MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library, a total of 134 studies were identified. Only studies with high quality evidence(level 1a and b and 2a) were included. After review, only eight studies were included in the final analysis. Pooled risk ratios derived for each outcome [Mantel-Haenzel(M-H) fixed effect] with CI, as reported in the Cochrane reviews were plotted in forest plot form. RESULTS: Eight articles met inclusion criteria, which all included treatment in preterm infants. Dopamine increased mean arterial blood pressure(BP)(n = 163; r = 0.88, 95%CI: 0.76 to 0.94) and systolic BP(n = 142; r = 0.81, 95%CI: 0.42 to 0.94) comparing to placebo. Dopamine has been shown overall to be statistically more effective in increasing BP than dobutamine(n = 251, r = 0.26, 95%CI: 0.20-0.32). However there were no differences in short term outcomes(periventricular leucomalacia, periventricular haemorrhage) and mortality between both drugs. There is no statistical evidence of dopamine being more effective than adrenaline or corticosteroids. There was no difference in morbidity and mortality outcomes when dopamine was compared to hydrocortisone(RR 1.81, 95%CI: 0.18 to 18.39) or adrenaline. CONCLUSION: In preterms, dopamine is the most studied drug, and we suggest it could be used as first line treatment in hypotension.
文摘Objective: To observe the effect of Astragalus Injection (AD on levels of blood selenium (Se) and cytokines, and T cellular immune function with viral myocarditis (VM) in children. Methods: Eighty children with VM were randomly divided into 2 groups. The control group consisted of 38 patients, to whom conventional therapy, including energy mixture, vitamin C and coenzyme Q10, etc. were given. The treated group (n = 42), to whom combination therapy of conventional therapy and Al were given. The levels of blood Se and cytokine, including interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and also evaluation of T lymphocyte subsets and cardiac function were observed. Results: The results showed that after treatment, the levels of blood Se were significantly higher (P<0.01), while IL-1,IL-6 and TNF-a were significantly lower (P<0.01) than those before treatment in the control group. The left ventricular end diameter (LVED) were significantly decreased (P<0.01), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) were significantly increased than those before treatment in the treated group(P<0.01, P<0.05). T lymphocyte subsets got normalized (P<0.01), and compared with the control group, the difference was significant (P<0.01). Conclusion: Astragalus membranaceus possesses anti-viral effect, adjusts the balance of cytokine and T cellular immunity, and improves the clinical manifestation and cardiac function. It is an effective approach in treating viral myocarditis.
文摘BACKGROUND Lisfranc injuries are rare and can be easily missed. This injury is extremely rare in children, with limited published data. Different treatment options have been described; one of the options in adults is the "mini" TightRope^(TM) Syndesmosis Device that provides non-rigid fixation with impressive results. However, there is no reference regarding the use of this device in children.CASE SUMMARY We describe the case of an 11-year-old girl who sustained a Lisfranc injury of her right foot that was initially missed in the Accident and Emergency department of her local hospital. This case was a ligamentous/periosteal sleeve avulsion type of Lisfranc injury and a percutaneous technique using the "mini" TightRope^(TM)syndesmosis device was used. Clinical and radiological results were excellent at final follow up.CONCLUSION The "mini" TightRope^(TM) syndesmosis device is a promising method of fixation for children with certain Lisfranc injuries. This method has many advantages,including the non-rigid type of the fixation and no need for subsequent metalwork removal.
文摘Congenital heart disease is a common problem in children with Down syndrome(DS). Echocardiography plays an important role in the detection of both structural and functional abnormalities in this group of patients. Fetal echocardiography can help in the early recognition of DS by detecting soft markers of DS, but its main role is to define the exact nature of the suspected cardiac problem in the fetus. Postnatal echocardiography is mandatory in the first month of life for all neonates with DS. It is also indicated before any cardiac surgery and for serial follow-up after cardiac surgery.In this article, we discuss the types and mechanism of cardiac abnormalities in DS children and the role of both fetal and postnatal echocardiography in the detection of these abnormalities.
基金Supported by European Laboratory for Food Induced Diseases, Federico Ⅱ University of Naples
文摘AIM: To estimate the burden of undiagnosed celiac disease (CD) in the Mediterranean area in terms of morbidity, mortality and health cost. METHODS: For statistics regarding the population of each country in the Mediterranean area, we accessed authoritative international sources (World Bank, World Health Organization and United Nations). The prevalence of CD was obtained for most countries from published reports. An overall prevalence rate of 1% cases/total population was finally estimated to represent the frequency of the disease in the area, since none of the available conf idence intervals of the reported rates significantly excluded this rate. The distribution of symptoms and complications was obtained from reliable reports in the same cohort. A standardized mortality rate of 1.8 was obtained from recent reports. Crude health cost was estimated for the years between symptoms and diagnosis for adults and children, and was standardized for purchasing power parity to account for the different economic prof iles amongst Mediterranean countries. RESULTS: In the next 10 years, the Mediterranean area will have about half a billion inhabitants, of which 120 million will be children. The projected number of CD diagnoses in 2020 is 5 million cases (1 million celiac children), with a relative increase of 11% compared to 2010. Based on the 2010 rate, there will be about 550 000 symptomatic adults and about 240 000 sick children: 85% of the symptomatic patients will suffer from gastrointestinal complaints, 40% are likely to have anemia, 30% will likely have osteopenia, 20% of children will have short stature, and 10% will have abnormal liver enzymes. The estimated standardized medical costs for symptomatic celiac patients during the delay between symptom onset and diagnosis (mean 6 years for adults, 2 years for children) will be about €4 billion (€387 million for children) over the next 10 years. A delay in diagnosis is expected to increase mortality: about 600 000 celiac patients will die in the next 10 years, with an excess of 44.4% vs age-and sexmatched controls. CONCLUSION: In the near future, the burden of CD will increase tremendously. Few Mediterranean countries are able to face this expanding epidemic alone.
文摘Objective: The aim of this study was to assess school indoor exposure to microbial products and prevalence of asthma and allergies in rural and urban children.Methods: This study was carried on a rural and an urban school.Environmental endotoxin level was measured in multiple samples of the ambient indoor air dust collected on special aseptic filter papers from the two schools.For two hundred children history taking,clinical examination,allergen skin prick test and basic pulmonary function test were preformed.Results: Environmental endotoxin levels showed significantly higher mean values(P<0.01) in rural school(3 EU/mg) as compared to the urban school(0.1 EU/mg) with(OR=5.163;95% CI: 0.95-28).History of allergic symptoms was significantly more in urban than rural students(P=0.01).Mean values of pulmonary function parameters were significantly lower values in urban students compared to rural students.Skin prick test results showed significant reactions to all tested allergens in urban children compared to rural children(P<0.05).Conclusion: There is an inverse association between environmental exposure to endotoxins and susceptibility for allergic manifestations in school children.
文摘Background: Both glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and sickle cell disease (SCD) are prevalent in malaria-endemic regions. Controversy however persists as to whether G6PD deficiency is commoner in SCD subjects compared with the general population. Co-existence of the enzyme-deficient state with a chronic haemolytic disorder, like SCD, could potentially predispose to fatal haemolytic episodes. There is however a dearth of paediatric studies on this subject. Aims and Objectives: To determine the prevalence and demographic determinants of G6PD deficiency in children with SCD. Methods: Red cell G6PD activity was determined in 115 steady-state sickle cell disease children aged 0.5 - 17 years, in steady state and equal number of age & gender-matched non-SCD controls using the quantitative method. A measured G6PD activity of U/gHb defined G6PD deficiency while values ≥6.97 U/gHb were regarded as normal. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20. Statistical analyses done include chi-square, student t-test and ANOVA. For all statistical analyses, p values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: There were 64 (55.7%) males and 51 (44.3%) females in each of the arms of the study. The mean age of the study population was 8.4 ± 4.7 years. Seven of the subjects were G6PD-deficient giving a prevalence of 6.1% which was not significantly different from the 7.0% obtained in the controls (p = 0.789). G6PD deficiency was more frequently encountered in the older age groups although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.438). Similarly, mean G6PD activity was highest in the under-5 age-group compared to the older age-groups analysed (p = 0.573). The condition was also commoner in the males than females although the difference did not attain statistical significance (p = 0.897). Conclusions: The prevalence of G6PD deficiency among SCD children was 6.1%. The condition is marginally commoner in males and older children.
文摘BACKGROUND Tidal breathing flow-volume(TBFV)analysis provides important information about lung mechanics in infants.AIM To assess the effects of breastfeeding on the TBFV measurements of infants who recover from acute bronchiolitis.METHODS In this cross-sectional study,TBFV analysis was performed in infants with bronchiolitis prior to hospital discharge.The ratio of time to peak expiratory flow to total expiratory time(tPEF/tE)at baseline and after the administration of 400 mcg salbutamol was evaluated.RESULTS A total of 56 infants(35 boys),aged 7.4±2.8 mo,were included.Of them,12.5%were exposed to tobacco smoke and 41.1%were breastfed less than 2 mo.There were no differences in baseline TBFV measurements between the breastfeeding groups;however,those who breastfed longer than 2 mo had a greater change in tPEF/tE after bronchodilation(12%±10.4%vs 0.9%±7.1%;P<0.001).Moreover,there was a clear dose-response relationship between tPEF/tE reversibility and duration of breastfeeding(P<0.001).In multivariate regression analysis,infants who breastfed less(regression coefficient-0.335,P=0.010)or were exposed to cigarette smoke(regression coefficient 0.353,P=0.007)showed a greater change in tPEF/tE after bronchodilation,independent of sex,prematurity,and family history of asthma or atopy.CONCLUSION Infants who recover from bronchiolitis and have a shorter duration of breastfeeding or are exposed to cigarette smoke,have TBFV measurements indicative of obstructive lung disease.
文摘The prevalence of pediatric obesity continues to increase worldwide,bringing with it various metabolic,functional,social,and psychological complications.1 Both the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity must be based on multidisciplinary approaches combining nutrition,physical activity(PA),and psychological support.2 As an essential element of these multicomponent strategies,regular physical activity has been acknowledged as having beneficial effects on children's and adolescents,body composition,physical fitness,and metabolic profile,as well as on their health-related quality of life,social and psychological health,and academic achievement.3,4 Given that only a relatively small proportion of children and adolescents meet the public health recommendations for PA,5 and given that weight loss exercise-based interventions suffer from a high attrition rate,there is a clear need for appropriate PAs.
文摘Aim: Adult studies indicate that gastrointestinal symptoms vary with sex and socioeconomic status. We examined socioeconomic factors, infant sex, smoking and gastrointestinal symptoms, especially constipation, in 2.5 year- old children. Methods: This study was part of a prospective cohort study of children born 01.10.97- 01.10.99 (the ABIS study; All Babies in Southeast Sweden). Socioeconomic factors, infant sex, smoking were analyzed vs. constipation, diarrhoea, anorexia, abdominal pain, meteorism and vomiting using logistic regression. All data were obtained through questionnaires distributed at infant birth, at 1 and 2.5 years of age. Results: Out of 8341 children, 539 (6.5% ) suffered from constipation. In a backward stepwise regression analysis (AOR; and 95% CI AOR = are given within brackets), constipation correlated with low maternal education (1.60; 1.08- 2.35), female sex (1.52; 1.23- 1.85), living in a large community with > 3000 inhabitants (1.35; 1.09- 1.64) and having no older siblings (1.28; 1.04- 1.59). Smoking during pregnancy was linked to diarrhoea (multivariate analysis: 1.76; 1.02- 3.02), anorexia (univariate analysis: 1.43; 1.09- 1.87) and meteorism (univariate analysis: 1.58; 1.11- 2.27). Adjusting for confounders, paracetamol use was linked to a five- fold increased risk of anorexia (5.12; 1.26- 20.70). Conclusions: This study indicates that socioeconomic status, infant sex and parental smoking, are associated with gastrointestinal symptoms in children.
