International Journal of Child Health and Nutrition

Early Detection of Allergy Symptoms in Children and Adolescents, Characteristics of Possible Pathogens, Pre-Treatment Prevention Measures (in Poland)

2024-04-29T12:14:40+00:00

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the main allergens and signs of the onset of allergic diseases and explore methods of prevention that do not include medicines.

Methods: Non-parametric statistical methods were used. A retrospective study was conducted, which included 270 case histories. The average age of the patients was 19 (12.5; 40.1) years, 127 (47%) were men and 143 (53%) were women. Clinical diagnoses, early symptoms, allergen spectrum, and treatment recommendations provided by doctors were analyzed. It was established that the early signs of allergic rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis are nasal congestion, runny nose, and lacrimation, and the onset of atopic dermatitis is -characterized by dry and itchy skin.

Results: Allergy to triggers from one group was present in 136 (50.4%) patients, irritants from two groups – in 95 (35.2%) patients, and irritants from three groups – in 39 (14.4%) patients. Polish doctors advised patients to limit their exposure to allergens but did not give recommendations for concrete actions.

Conclusion: The results of the study can be used to help in the identification of the most common symptoms of allergic diseases and allergens, which is vital for the early diagnosis of this pathology by clinicians.

Complementary Feeding Practices and Weaning Practices in Morocco: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2024-04-29T12:14:39+00:00

Introduction: Complementary feeding represents a crucial phase in an infant's developmental journey. Inadequate implementation, marked by an imbalance in both quantity and quality, can lead to varying degrees of nutritional disorders, whether from excess or deficiency.

Study Objectives and Methods: Conducted from December 2023 to February 2024, this research aims to assess the weaning age and the age of initiating dietary diversification among Moroccan infants. Additionally, it seeks to scrutinize specific nutritional practices and behaviors within the Moroccan infant population. Our methodology involved an extensive bibliographic search using databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar, focusing on research conducted in Morocco from 2005 to 2020. Variables examined include the prevalence of breastfeeding at six months, the age of weaning, the commencement of dietary diversification at six months, and the prevalence of advice from healthcare professionals, particularly nursing experts, provided to Moroccan mothers.

Results and Discussion: Complementary feeding practices in Morocco navigate the intersection of maternal nutritional beliefs and a plethora of infant feeding concepts, resulting in a complex landscape. The crucial role of medical and nursing personnel in conveying appropriate information and advice to Moroccan mothers is highlighted.

Conclusion: Complementary feeding is a pivotal milestone in infant nutrition, necessitating adjustments and updates in Moroccan practices. The active involvement of medical and nursing personnel is essential to ensure optimal weight development and prevent infant nutritional disorders.

Impact and Contribution of Patient or Public: Emphasizing the importance of the results in positively influencing infant feeding practices in Morocco, with a focus on the crucial role played by medical and nursing personnel in promoting infant health.

Prevalence of Bronchial Asthma in Children in Southern Kyrgyzstan

2024-04-29T12:14:37+00:00

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of bronchial asthma and other allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis among 6075 school-aged children in Osh, Jalal-Abad and Batken regions of Kyrgyzstan.

Methods: 6075 children were questioned using the ISAAC questionnaire. Bronchial asthma symptoms are frequent – 21.1% of children had difficulty wheezing, and 13.4% had night cough. This indicates a high prevalence of bronchial asthma among children in the study population. The obtained morbidity rates significantly exceed the official statistics for the region. This indicates insufficient diagnosis of allergic diseases in children and substantiates the need to develop a set of measures aimed at optimizing the detection of cases of allergic pathology and increasing the effectiveness of therapeutic and preventive measures.

Results: The results of the study demonstrate a high need for the development and implementation of a regional program for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of allergic diseases in children of Osh, Jalal-Abad, and Batken regions.

Conclusion: Implementing such a program will contribute to better control of bronchial asthma and other allergic pathologies and improve the quality of life of the child population in the region.

Prevalence of Para-Pneumonic Effusion and the Associated Factors among Children: A 3-Year Experience in a Single Tertiary Hospital

2024-04-29T12:14:34+00:00

Background: Previous studies have highlighted the significant morbidity associated with para-pneumonic effusions in pediatric populations. However, comprehensive data on the prevalence and associated factors in children remain limited, particularly in tertiary care settings.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted over a three-year period at a single tertiary hospital. Medical records of pediatric patients diagnosed with pneumonia were reviewed to identify cases of para-pneumonic effusion. The study analyzed demographic data, clinical presentations, laboratory findings, and management approaches to determine factors associated with the development of para-pneumonic effusions.

Results: 150 patients were identified with para-pneumonic effusions. The majority of patients with effusions were male (60%) and under five years of age (70%). Factors significantly associated with the development of effusions included the presence of comorbidities (p<0.01), higher CRP levels (p<0.05), and hospital-acquired pneumonia (p<0.001). The length of hospital stay was notably longer in patients with effusions than those without (p<0.001).

Conclusion: The study found a considerable prevalence of para-pneumonic effusions among children with pneumonia in a tertiary hospital setting. Notably, associated factors were underlying comorbidities, elevated inflammatory markers, and hospital-acquired infections. These findings underscore the need for heightened surveillance and tailored management strategies in high-risk pediatric populations to mitigate the impact of effusions.

Role of Fetal Cardiac ECHO and Fetal Cardiac MRI in Prediction of Post Natal Hemodynamic Maladaptation in Fetuses of Diabetic Mothers

2024-04-29T12:14:32+00:00

Background: Maternal diabetes mellitus (DM) is defined as a degree of glucose intolerance with recognition during pregnancy (pregestational or gestational, type 1 or type 2), and it is estimated to be 15% in pregnant females in 2019. The current study aimed to study the role of fetal echocardiography and fetal cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in anticipation and diagnosis of hemodynamic maladaptation changes in fetuses of diabetic mothers as predictors for (closure of Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), persistent pulmonary hypertension and diastolic dysfunction) which were confirmed with post-natal echocardiographic and clinical assessment.

Methods: This study was an observational follow-up study that included 80 pregnant diabetic females who were following in the specialized clinics of Ain Shams University Hospitals during the period starting from August 2020 till December 2022.

Results: Diabetes affected left ventricle (LV) diastolic function and global cardiac function but did not affect LV systolic function (p-value=0.000). Interventricular septum (IVS) thickness had a significant positive correlation with LV- Myocardial performance index (MPI) and indices of DM such as HbA1c. Diastolic dysfunction was the most affected cardiac parameter in infants of diabetic mothers (p-value=0.002). The hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was the most significant predictor for IVS thickness in diabetic mothers' fetuses, especially with a long duration of DM (p-value=0.012).

Conclusion: Fetal echocardiography in diabetic mothers is essential and the gold standard modality not only for diagnosing structural abnormalities but also for evaluating the cardiac function of the fetuses. Fetal cardiac MRI could be considered a complementary imaging modality that uses no ionizing radiation, good tissue contrast, and a larger field of view.