Although Turkey is located in a sunny region, vitamin D deficiency is still a serious health problem in pregnant women and their infants, especially among the low socio-economic status Turkish population. This study was carried out in order to measure serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D] concentrations of the pregnant women in the last trimester and in their neonates at delivery and to determine the factors associated with maternal serum 25(OH)D concentrations. Among the patients visiting the Ege Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital in the period March to May 2008, 258 healthy pregnant women ≥37 weeks of gestation were included in this study. The information on different characteristics such as the number of pregnancies and births, nutritional status, vitamin and mineral support during gestation, educational status, clothing style and the economic level of the family was collected from women. Blood samples from the mothers and umbilical cord of the newborns were taken to measure 25(OH)D. The mean 25(OH)D concentrations of the mothers and their infants were 11.5 ± 5.4 ng/mL and 11.5 ± 6.8 ng/mL, respectively. We found a strong positive correlation between maternal serum and umbilical cord blood 25(OH)D concentrations (r = 0.651, P < 0.001). The concentration of 25(OH)D was ≤20 ng/mL in 233 mothers (90.3%) and ≤10 ng/mL in 130 mothers (50.4%). Maternal serum 25(OH)D concentrations related strongly to factors such as uncovered dressing style, sufficient consumption of dairy products and multivitamin use during gestation (P < 0.05). About half (52.7%) of these women had a covered dressing style. 25(OH)D concentrations of these covered dressing mothers and their infants were 9.7 ± 5.1 ng/mL and 9.7 ± 5.6 ng/mL, respectively, which were significantly lower compared with those of uncovered mothers and their babies (P < 0.001). This study showed that, despite a sunny environment, vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are highly prevalent among the mothers and their neonates. This is generally due to the life style and nutritional status of the mothers. These findings suggest that much more effective vitamin D prophylaxis programmes should be implemented for pregnant women as well as for their babies.

TWO hundred and twenty-four children aged 6 months to 5 years, with rectal temperatures greater than or equal to 39°C (104°F). were randomly treated with sponging alone or with medication including a single oral dose of aspirin 15 mgkg, or paracetamol 15 m a g , or ibuprofen 8 m a g . Twenty-three children were excluded from the final analysis because they did not complete the study. Demographic characteristics of the patients were found to be comparable in all groups. Rectal temperatures were recorded every 30 min for a 3 h period. During the first 30 min of intervention, sponging was found to be more effective than all of the three medications. After 60 min, the effects of each medication became superior to sponging with tepid water in reducing body temperature. Twenty-three children were excluded from the final analysis because they did not complete the study. Comparing the effect of the three different medications, it was seen that the antipyretic efficacy of aspirin and ibuprofen were significantly more than paracetamol 3 h after intervention ( P < 0.05).For the management of fever over 39°C it is therefore recommended to give children an antipyretic drug, preferably ibuprofen, and at the same time to begin sponging to provide a rapid and sustained antipyresis.

Retinol and alpha-tocopherol levels in breast milk of Turkish mothers under different socioeconomic status were investigated. Mature milk samples were collected from 92 lactating mothers living in Izmir and in Manisa, cities of Turkey, who were at 60-90 days of the lactating period. Socio-economic, anthropometric, and dietary data were collected by means of a questionnaire. The body mass index was used to determine the nutritional status. The retinol and alpha-tocopherol contents of breast milk were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography; the concentration of alpha-tocopherol was 9.84 microg/ml whereas retinol levels were 81.5 microg/100 ml. The questionnaire survey was used to determine the level of these vitamins in the daily ration of the women. No significant differences were found in terms of milk retinol and alpha-tocopherol levels for the variables income, educational level and mothers' body mass index.

The frequencies of negative childhood experiences for the last one year and for the life-long period were determined using ISPCAN child abuse screening tool in Turkey for the first time in three provinces and in such a large population. The frequency of negative childhood experiences related with child abuse and neglect screened were found to be 42%-70% and it was elucidated that we are confronted with a very significant public health problem and adult health risk in these regions of Turkey.

Breakthrough varicella is not rare in Turkey where varicella infections are common. A longer interval since vaccination may be a risk factor for developing breakthrough varicella. Children who had been vaccinated >5 years previously were at risk for breakthrough disease. A two-dose varicella vaccine policy may be needed to provide improved protection.