BACKGROUND:Beta thalassemia major is considered one of the serious health problems and the commonest hemoglobinopathy in Egypt that creates a burden not only on health system but also on the affected families and children who become vulnerable to emotional, social, psychological and behavioural problems.AIM:This study was designed to assess the psychosocial burden and the adaptive functioning in children with beta-thalassemia major.SUBJECTS AND METHODS:A group of 50 children with thalassemia major and 50 normal children matched for age and sex were included in a case-control study. Vineland Adaptive Functioning Scale was used to assess the adaptive functions; while the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSCL) was used to assess psychosocial morbidity.RESULTS:A group of 50 children aged 5-17 years old with thalassemia major, their mean age was 11.05 ± 3.8, showed a statistically significant lower total adaptive behaviour score and communication subscale score. All the mean values of adaptive behaviour for cases and controls were within the average values. Results from the PSCL revealed no significant difference between mean scores of children with thalassemia and controls. A score of attention domain was markedly higher in children with thalassemia. Internalising behaviour was the most dominant as it was detected in 10% of the patient group.CONCLUSION:Thalassemic patients had a relatively mild affection for adaptive and psychosocial functioning that can be explained by social and medical support they receive, which may increase their competence and psychological wellbeing.

Lead remains a public health problem in Egypt. High blood lead levels were significantly associated with bad health habits and housing with increased exposure, as well as abnormal behavior and pallor.

BACKGROUND:Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is one of the essential intrauterine hormonal mediators of growth, and its serum values are often low after preterm delivery.AIM:To evaluate the influence of immediate breast milk feeding on serum IGF-1 in preterm newborns.SUBJECTS AND METHODS:This prospective, observational cohort study included 60 premature infants born < 32 weeks of gestation, divided into group A and B regarding breastfeeding or formula feeding. Growth measurements were taken at birth. The standard deviation of each measurement was calculated. Serum IGF-I was measured one day postnatal and at a time equivalent to 40 weeks of gestation.RESULTS:Significant higher level of mean serum IGF-1 was detected in group A than B at postnatal age equivalent to 40 weeks of gestation. In group A, the higher significant level was detected in mean serum IGF-1 at an age equivalent to 40 weeks of gestation than at birth (25.21 ± 6.69 and 20.13 ± 5.46 p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that high birth weight, increased age of gestation and breastfeeding were correlated to the elevated serum level of IGF-1 at a postnatal age corresponding to 40 weeks gestational age.CONCLUSION:Immediate breast milk feeding was accompanied by elevated IGF-1 in the serum of preterm infants.

Association of higher levels of urinary BPA with the diagnosis of asthma in children may indicate the potential risk of BPA exposure in the precipitation of bronchial asthma. Further clinical and biochemical research are needed to clarify the proper mechanism explaining this association.

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