IntroductionRotavirus gastroenteritis is an important public health problem all over the world, causing a notable economic burden in both developing and developed countries.AimTo explore the relationship between blood group typing, rotavirus gastroenteritis, and its severity in Egyptian children.Material and methodsA cross sectional case control study was conducted on 231 cases of acute gastroenteritis attending the outpatient clinic of Al-Zahraa University Hospital. Full history taking, clinical examination, and clinical data collection were done. Blood samples were collected for an ABO grouping. Stool samples were tested for viral gastroenteritis agents.ResultsRota positive cases of GE were significantly more prevalent among cases with blood group A (p < 0.05) and significantly less among cases with blood group B (p < 0.05). The rate of hospitalisation was highly significantly greater among cases with group A (p < 0.005), and significantly lower among cases with group AB and O (p < 0.05). As regards the degree of dehydration, moderate and severe cases were highly significant in groups A and O (p < 0.005). Rota-positive gastroenteritis showed significant positive correlations with indicators of severity such as hospitalisation, degree of dehydration, and duration of fever (p < 0.005).ConclusionsBlood group A is highly associated with paediatric rotavirus gastroenteritis. This could highlight an important risk factor, which could play a significant role for the pathogenesis of rotavirus gastroenteritis and severity as well. Furthermore, more intervention care could be needed for blood group A paediatric patients, if gastroenteritis especially rotavirus affect this group to avoid comorbidities.

Background Diarrheal disease is one of the major causes of mortality of infants and toddlers in developing countries. Bee honey is a functional food that has a unique composition, antimicrobial properties, and bifidogenic and anti-inflammatory effects.Objective The present study was carried out to assess the effect of using pure honey as a form of adjuvant to oral rehydration solution (ORS) in the management of acute infantile diarrhea. Patients and methodsThe effect of floral honey on 150 infants aged 6-24 months suffering from acute diarrhea with mild to moderate dehydration was assessed. They were randomized into three groups of 50 infants each. Group I received WHO ORS only. The other two groups received floral honey in various forms: group II: received 50 ml honey in 1 l of ORS; group III: received pure honey at a dose of 5 ml every 6 h/day, in addition to ORS. The studied groups were observed for rehydration time, vomiting, diarrhea, and recovery time. Stool culture was carried out at admission. Stool pH and serum sodium and potassium levels were estimated and followed up until recovery. ResultsThe recovery time was significantly shorter in group III, which was treated with pure honey and ORS (3.1 ± 0.6 days) as compared with group I and group II (P < 0.05). Moreover, pure honey and ORS shortened the recovery time significantly both in infants with bacterial and in those with nonbacterial diarrhea. A significant positive correlation was found between the degree of dehydration and frequency of diarrhea (r = 0.340, P < 0.01). The recovery time was significantly negatively correlated with the frequency of diarrhea and stool pH (r = -0.340, P < 0.05).Conclusion Honey is a nonallergic, natural agent of high nutrient value. Pure honey administered as a form of adjuvant therapy in addition to ORS in cases of acute infantile diarrhea causes significant shortening of the recovery period, decreases the frequency of passing loose stools, and improves stool consistency. Further studies on pure honey as an adjuvant therapy in infantile diarrhea are recommended on a large scale.

BACKGROUND:Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) caused by decreased surfactant and structural lung immaturity. The imbalance between oxidative status and antioxidant defence system was suggested to be an important trigger for lung affection with RDS.AIM:The goal of the current research was to elucidate the significance of the oxidant/ antioxidant status in the pathogenesis of RDS in preterm infants.PATIENTS AND METHODS:This controlled study included 31 preterm neonates with RDS and 36 healthy preterm neonates. Quantification level of oxidative stress biomarkers; malondialdehyde (MDA) & hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) along with antioxidant enzymes activity; catalase (CAT) & superoxide dismutase (SOD) in plasma of healthy premature neonates compared with those with RDS.RESULTS:status of oxidative stress markers (MDA & H2O2) showed a significant increase with decreased levels of antioxidant enzymes activity (CAT & SOD) in neonates with RDS when compared to healthy prematures.CONCLUSION:The results obtained in this study indicate that the increased oxidative stress accompanied by reduced antioxidant defences may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of respiratory distress in preterm newborns.

BACKGROUND:Intestinal fatty acid binding proteins (I-FABPs) are mainly expressed in the intestinal villi, which are the initial site of destruction in viral gastroenteritis.AIM:This study was designed to assess serum I-FABPs as a predictor of gut wall integrity loss in viral gastroenteritis.PATIENTS AND METHODS:This case-control cross-sectional study was conducted on 93 cases of acute viral gastroenteritis. Twenty-eight healthy children matching in age were recruited as control group. Serum I-FABPs were measured using ELISA technique. Viral detection and typing were done by PCR for adenovirus, and by Reverse transcriptase PCR for rotavirus, astrovirus and norovirus.RESULTS:Serum I-FABPs level was significantly higher in the cases compared to the controls and was also higher in the 46 rotavirus gastroenteritis cases compared to other viral gastroenteritis cases. Serum I- FABPs level was significantly higher in severely dehydrated cases as compared to mildly dehydrated ones (P=0.037).CONCLUSION:Serum I-FABPs could be used as an early and sensitive predictor marker of gut wall integrity loss in children with viral gastroenteritis and its level can indicate case severity.

Objective: to assess whether Doppler velocimetry is predictive of neonatal outcome in bichorionic and monochorionic twin pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction.Methods: were collected retrospectively data of all twin pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction during the period between