Serum eosinophil-derived neurotoxin: a new promising biomarker for cow's milk allergy diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Cow's Milk Allergy (CMA) diagnosis is often a challenge due to the non-specific nature of symptoms and lack of a confirmatory diagnostic test. To our knowledge no previous studies investigated serum Eosinophil-Derived Neurotoxin (sEDN) in CMA. So, we aimed to assess the role of sEDN in CMA diagnosis. METHODS: Forty-five infants with CMA were compared to 45 infants with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and 45 healthy controls. For all participants, Cow's Milk-related Symptom Score (CoMiSS) was documented, and sEDN level with hematological parameters were measured before starting elimination diet. RESULTS: Receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curve identified sEDN > 14 ng/mL and CoMiSS > 9 as the optimal cut-off points to discriminate CMA from other groups with sensitivity 86.67%, 97.78% and specificity 60.00%, 78.89% respectively. Additionally, absolute neutrophil count (ANC) showed the highest sensitivity and specificity (80.0% and 78.89%) among hematological parameters. Although CoMiSS and ANC showed a significant positive correlation with sEDN in CMA group, CoMiSS was the only significant predictor for sEDN in multivariate linear regression. CONCLUSIONS: sEDN showed high sensitivity in discriminating infants with and without CMA. Therefore, it is suggested as a potential biomarker for CMA diagnosis. Also, ANC should be closely monitored in these infants. IMPACT: CMA presents with high heterogeneity, which complicates the diagnosis especially non-IgE-mediated and mixed types. So, oral food challenge continues to be the gold standard for its diagnosis. ROC curve identified CoMiSS > 9 as the best cut-off point to identify CMA. However, CoMiSS is a good awareness tool for CMA but not a diagnostic tool. sEDN level was significantly higher in infants with CMA with a good diagnostic performance in differentiating them than those without CMA. So, it is suggested as a potential biomarker for CMA diagnosis. ANC could have a role in CMA diagnosis and differentiating it from FGIDs.

Evaluation of Cow's Milk Related Symptom Score [CoMiSS] accuracy in cow's milk allergy diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Cow's Milk-related Symptom Score (CoMiSS) is an awareness tool to recognize cow's milk allergy (CMA) symptoms in infants. We aimed to assess the best cut-off point of CoMiSS in our country and investigate other parameters suggested to raise the strength of CoMiSS in CMA diagnosis. METHODS: We enrolled 100 infants with CMA-suggestive symptoms with documentation of CoMiSS initially and 4 weeks after cow milk-free diet (CMFD) followed by an open food challenge (OFC) test. Infants with symptom recurrence upon challenge were diagnosed with confirmed CMA. RESULTS: Initial mean CoMiSS was 15.76 ± 5.29, being higher in the confirmed CMA group (84% of infants). Following CMFD, median CoMiSS significantly reduced to 1.5 in the confirmed CMA group compared to 6.5 in the negative group. Receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curve identified a CoMiSS score of ≥12 as the best cut-off value with 76.19% sensitivity, 62.50% specificity and overall accuracy of 74.00%. Mucoid stool, bloody stool and faltering growth were reported in 80, 41 and 52% of confirmed CMA infants, respectively, with considerable improvement following CMFD. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed a CoMiSS score of ≥12 to be the best cut-off point. However, CoMiSS cannot be used alone for accurate diagnosis of CMA. IMPACT: CoMiSS ≥12 can predict a positive response to CMFD; nevertheless, CoMiSS is a good awareness tool and cannot be regarded as a stand-alone CMA diagnostic test. CoMiSS reduction following CMFD was predictive of a reaction to OFC to diagnose CMA as well as for monitoring symptom improvement. Symptoms commonly associated with CMA as mucoid stool, bloody stool, marked abdominal distention not responding to medical treatment and faltering growth, in addition to their improvements in response to CMA are suggested parameters to be added to CoMiSS to improve its accuracy.

Impact of two ketogenic diet types in refractory childhood epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: Ketogenic diet (KD) refers to any diet in which food composition induces a ketogenic state of human metabolism. OBJECTIVE: To assess short- and long-term efficacy, safety, and tolerability of KD [classic KD and modified Atkins diet (MAD)] in childhood drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) and to investigate the effect of KD on electroencephalographic (EEG) features of children with DRE. METHODS: Forty patients diagnosed with DRE according to International League Against Epilepsy were included and randomly assigned into classic KD or MAD groups. KD was initiated after clinical, lipid profile and EEG documentation, and regular follow-up was done for 24 months. RESULTS: Out of 40 patients with DRE, 30 completed this study. Both classic KD and MAD were effective in seizure control as 60% in classic KD group and 53.33% in MAD group became seizure free, and the remaining showed ≥50% seizure reduction. Lipid profile remained within acceptable levels throughout the study period in both groups. Adverse effects were mild and managed medically with an improvement of growth parameters and EEG during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: KD is an effective and safe non-pharmacologic, non-surgical therapy for the management of DRE with a positive impact on growth and EEG. IMPACT: Both common types of KD (classic KD and MAD) are effective for DRE, but unfortunately, nonadherence and dropout rates are frequent. High serum lipid profile (cardiovascular AE) is often suspected in children following a high-fat diet, but lipid profile remained in the acceptable level up to 24 months. Therefore, KD constitutes a safe treatment. KD had a positive impact on growth, despite inconsistent results of the KD's effect on growth. In addition to showing strong clinical effectiveness, KD also considerably decreased the frequency of interictal epileptiform discharges and enhanced the EEG background rhythm.

Predictive Ability of Conventional and Combined Apgar Scores versus Neonatal Resuscitation and Adaptation Score in Early Neonatal Assessment.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the Neonatal Resuscitation and Adaptation Score (NRAS) value compared with the conventional and combined Apgar scores in predicting neonatal morbidity and mortality. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 289 neonates delivered at the Menoufia University Hospital. Trained physicians measured conventional Apgar score, combined Apgar score, and NRAS for the neonates at 1 and 5 minutes after delivery in the delivery room. Admitted neonates were followed during their stay to detect any adverse outcomes. RESULTS: Morbidities such as the need for neonatal intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation, surfactant and inotropes administration, need for extensive phototherapy, intravenous immunoglobulin or exchange transfusion, anemia, metabolic acidosis, abnormal liver and kidney function tests, coagulopathies, hypoglycemia, development of seizures in the first 72 hours of life, and positive changes in cranial ultrasound were significantly higher in neonates who lie within low or moderate NRAS than conventional and combined Apgar scores (p < 0.05). As predictors of mortality, the low and moderate values of the NRAS had higher positive predictive values at 1 (73.91 and 30.61%) and 5 minutes (88.89 and 50.94%) than the conventional Apgar scores at 1 (49.18 and 20.53%), 5 minutes (81.25 and 41.27%) and the combined Apgar scores at 1 (35.63 and 12.45%) and 5 minutes (53.1 and 41.33%). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that the NRAS is better than conventional and combined Apgar scores in predicting neonatal morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, a depressed 5-minute NRAS is more predictive of mortality than 1-minute score. KEY POINTS: · NRAS is better than conventional and combined Apgar scores in predicting neonatal morbidity.. · NRAS is more predictive of mortality than conventional and combined Apgar scores.. · A depressed 5-minute NRAS is more predictive of mortality than 1-minute score..

Clinical Assessment of Neuroinflammatory Markers and Antioxidants in Neonates with Hyperbilirubinemia and Their Association with Acute Bilirubin Encephalopathy.

Objective: To assess the oxidant and antioxidant status in neonates with and without hyperbilirubinemia and their association with early manifestations of acute bilirubin encephalopathy (ABE), in addition to eliciting the possible oxidative effects of phototherapy. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted with 104 full-term newborns at Menoufia University Hospitals from January 2020 to January 2021 to help resolve the debate regarding whether bilirubin is an antioxidant. The cases group (Group I) included 52 full-term newborns (37−40 weeks) with hyperbilirubinemia during the neonatal period, while the control group (Group II) included 52 healthy, full-term age and sex-matched newborns who did not have hyperbilirubinemia. The cases group was further subdivided into Group Ia (n = 12), which included newborns who presented with neurological manifestations suggesting early ABE, and Group Ib (n = 40), which included newborns with no signs suggestive of ABE. All newborns were subjected to clinical and neurological examinations, as well as laboratory investigations. Results: Comparing the specific biological markers between the Group 1 subgroups before phototherapy, the mean plasma levels of prostaglandin-Em, prostaglandin E2, and TSB were significantly higher in Subgroup I(a) (all p < 0.05). After phototherapy, Subgroup I(a) patients had significantly higher levels of prostaglandin-Em, DSB, and TSB (p < 0.05). The biological marker levels improved after phototherapy in terms of TAC (0.811 vs. 0.903), MDA (8.18 vs. 5.13), prostaglandin-Em (37.47 vs. 27.23), prostaglandin E2 (81.09 vs. 31.49), DSB (1.21 vs. 0.55), and TSB (16.63 vs. 8.26; p-value < 0.05). Conclusion: Our study showed that an elevated level of serum bilirubin increases oxidative stress and decreases antioxidant capacity. The reduction in bilirubin levels by phototherapy is associated with a decrease in oxidative stress markers (MDA, PGEm, and PGE2) and an upsurge in TAC, highlighting the absence of oxidative stress effects arising from phototherapy. Neonates with neurological manifestations suggesting ABE had higher levels of oxidative stress markers and lower levels of total antioxidant capacity than those without.

A Survey to Identify the Current Management of Cow's Milk Disorders and the Role of Goat Milk-Based Formulas in the Middle East and North Africa Region.

BACKGROUND: Cow's milk allergy (CMA) and cow's milk intolerance (CMI) are the major cow's milk disorders observed in infants and young children. This study investigates, for the first time, physician knowledge regarding CMA and CMI prevalence, diagnosis, and management in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. In addition, we explore the role of goat milk-based formula as an alternative in infants suffering from CMI. METHOD: This cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 2020 to February 2021. A convenience sample of 2500 MENA-based physicians received the questionnaire, developed by a working group of pediatric experts. RESULTS: 1868 physicians completed the questionnaire, including pediatric specialists (80.8%), training physicians (0.2%), dermatologists (0.1%), family/general physicians (12.9%), neonatologists (3.6%), neurosurgeons (0.2%), allergy nurse specialists (0.3%), pharmacists (2.1%), and public health workers (0.1%). Differentiation between CMA and CMI was recognized by the majority of respondents (80.7%), for which the majority of respondents (35.4%) identified that the elimination and challenge test was the best test to differentiate CMA from CMI, whereas 30.7% and 5.4% preferred the immunoglobulin E (IgE) test and skin prick test, respectively. In addition, 28.5% of respondents reported that there is no confirmatory test to differentiate CMA from CMI. The majority of respondents (47.3%) reported that amino acid-based formula (AAF)/ extensively hydrolyzed formula (EHF) is the cornerstone for the management of CMA. However, most respondents (33.7%) reported that lactose avoidance was best for the management of CMI. Overall, 65% of the respondents were aware of nutritionally adapted goat's milk formula as an alternative to cow's milk products and 37% would recommend its routine use in infants (≤2 years of age). CONCLUSION: The results of this survey demonstrate that the majority of physicians are aware of the underlying pathophysiology and management of CMA and CMI. However, a significant proportion of physicians do not follow the clinical guidelines concerning CMA/CMI diagnosis and management. Notably, this survey identified that goat's milk formulas may offer a suitable alternative to AAF/EHF in infants with CMI as they contain ß-casein protein which is easily digestible. In addition, goat's milk formulas contain higher levels of oligosaccharides and medium-chained fatty acids compared with standard cow's milk formulas, yet further clinical trials are warranted to support the inclusion of goat's milk formulas in clinical guidelines.

Comparing oral iron bisglycinate chelate, lactoferrin, lactoferrin with iron and iron polymaltose complex in the treatment of children with iron deficiency anemia.

OBJECTIVES: Iron amino acid chelates have been developed to be used as food fortificants and therapeutic agents in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of Oral iron bisglycinate chelate (FeBC), lactoferrin (LF), lactoferrin with iron and iron polymaltose complex (IPC) in treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA). METHODS: a comparative study was conducted on 120 children with IDA, they attended to outpatient clinic at Menoufia University Hospitals within a period from April to November 2019. All subjects were classified into FeBC Group (30 children received iron bisglycinate), LF Group (30 children received lactoferrin 100 mg), LF with iron Group (30 children received 30% iron saturated lactoferrin) and IPC Group (30 children received iron polymaltose complex with elemental iron of6 mg/kg/day). Serum iron, serum ferritin, transferrin saturation was investigated. RESULTS: After treatment serum iron, serum ferritin and transferrin saturation improved in FeBC group than LF group, in LF with iron group than LF group, and in IPC group than LF group. Serum ferritin improved in LF with iron group than IPC group. Side effects of drugs were higher in FeBC group than LF group, and higher in LF with iron group than FeBC group. CONCLUSIONS: Adding lactoferrin to iron helps increasing iron stores more than using iron alone in treatment of iron deficiency anemia. Lactoferrin is less effective than lactoferrin with iron, iron bisglycinate chelate and iron polymaltose complex in treatment of iron deficiency anemia.

Neurophysiological and Neuroradiological Changes in Children With Chronic Kidney Disease.

Background: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on maintenance hemodialysis frequently present with neurological complications. These complications include peripheral neuropathy, encephalopathy, and stroke. Objectives: To detect the prevalence of neurological manifestations and complications in children with CKD through neurophysiological and neuro-radiological findings. Methods: The study included 50 patients with CKD admitted to a pediatric nephrology unit. Their history and complete physical and neurological examination findings had been recorded. All patients underwent nerve conduction, electromyography, electroencephalography, and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. Results: Fifty children of both sexes (23 males and 27 females) with a mean age of (12.08 ± 3.46 year) were studied. Eleven (22%) patients with CKD developed polyneuropathy, mostly of an axonal polyneuropathy pattern, while 39 (78%) of them showed normal electrophysiological studies. No myopathy was detected. Abnormal electroencephalography findings were detected in 18% of patients, mostly generalized and focal (temporal, occipital, and frontal) epileptogenic activity. Abnormal MRI brain findings were detected in 16% of patients, mostly of encephalomalacia. Conclusion: Uremic neuropathy was highly prevalent in children with CKD on maintenance hemodialysis. They developed polyneuropathy, mostly of an axonal polyneuropathy pattern. EEG is a useful method for early recognition of subclinical uremic encephalopathy and/or epileptogenic activity. Early demonstration and management of uremic neurological conditions may decrease the physical disability of CKD patients.

Prevalence of and mothers' knowledge, attitude and practice towards glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency among neonates with jaundice: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal jaundice (NNJ) is a frequent complication of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of G6PD deficiency among neonates with jaundice and to assess mothers' perception towards G6PD and NNJ. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 487 ethnic Egyptian neonates with indirect hyperbilirubinaemia from June 2018 to July 2019. The collected data included maternal and neonatal characteristics. Laboratory investigations included serum bilirubin, reticulocyte count, ABO grouping, Rh typing and neonatal serum G6PD test. Mothers were interviewed individually using a structured, researcher-administered questionnaire to assess their perceptions of G6PD deficiency and NNJ. RESULTS: The prevalence of G6PD deficiency was 10.10%. Neonates with G6PD deficiency showed higher levels of serum bilirubin (p<0.001). Male gender, family history of G6PD deficiency and consanguinity were risk factors for G6PD deficiency (OR=4.27, 95% CI 1.66 - 10.99; OR=9.54, 95% CI 4.80- 18.95; OR=10.219, 95% CI 5.39 - 19.33, respectively). Mothers' perceptions of NNJ and G6PD were low, with only 30% having good knowledge on NNJ and 17.10% on G6PD deficiency, 46.8% with positive attitude towards NNJ and 45.0% towards G6PD deficiency, and 29.9% with good practice towards NNJ and 19.9% towards G6PD deficiency. CONCLUSION: G6PD deficiency seems to be an important cause of NNJ. Mothers' perceptions of both NNJ and G6PD deficiency were low. A mass health education programme on both of these diseases is needed to ensure better and early detection, good timing of treatment, and better prevention of the triggering factors to ensure better health for children.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice toward COVID-19 among Egyptians.

COVID-19 is a public Health Emergency of International Concern. The aim of this work was to assess the level of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) among Egyptians toward COVID-19. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1st to April 1st, on 3712 participants of different ages and sex. An author designed KAP questionnaire toward COVID-19 administered online and personally was delivered. Satisfactory knowledge, positive attitude and good practice were reported among 70.2%, 75.9% and 49.2% of the participants respectively. Middle-aged participants reported high knowledge and attitude levels with poor practice level (p < 0.001). Females reported high knowledge and practice levels and low attitude (p < 0.001 and p = 0.041 respectively). Despite reporting high knowledge and attitude among urban residents (p < 0.001), practice level was high among rural residents (p = 0.001). Post-graduate education reported the highest levels of KAP (p < 0.001). Rural residents, working and non-enough income participants reported lower level of practice (p < 0.001). Logistic regression was carried out. It was found that unsatisfactory knowledge was associated with low education [Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.51-2.56], and of rural residency (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.05-1.41). Negative attitude was associated with not working (OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.61-2.35) and not enough income (OR = 1.29, 95%CI: 1.10-1.51 respectively). Poor practice is associated with young age (OR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.94-2.98) and low education (OR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.03-1.37) and not working (OR = 4.95, 95% CI: 4.07-6.02). Satisfactory knowledge, positive attitude and poor practice were found among the participants. A good knowledge and lower practice level were found among middle-aged, working participants, and participants with insufficient income. The demographic characters associated with KAP could be the cornerstone in directing policy-makers to target the health education campaigns to the suitable target groups.

Effect of Omega-3 supplements on quality of life among children on dialysis: A prospective cohort study.

Children with end stage renal disease (ESRD) are liable to various health disorders that possibly impair their quality of life (QoL). Low dietary intake of Omega-3 fatty acids also called marine n-3 fatty acid (n-3 FA) may be associated with health problems which are among the leading causes of impaired QoL.The objective of this study was to assess the effect of omega-3 Fatty acid (n-3 FA) supplements on quality of life among children on dialysis and to evaluate its use regarding adequacy of dialysis and inflammatory markers.A prospective cohort study was conducted on 31 hemodialysis children. Quality of life was measured for patients and an equal number of matched controls using the PedsQL Inventory where the higher the score the poorer is the quality of life. n-3FA supplementation had been given to the patients for 3 months to study its effects on QoL. Laboratory investigations like hemoglobin, lipid profile, inflammatory markers, and tests for adequacy of dialysis had been carried out.Patients had significantly higher QoL scores (42.22 ±â€Š13.31) than controls (22.70 ±â€Š1.31) (P < .001). Young ages showed higher score of physical functioning (18.23 ±â€Š4.22) than older ones (13.92 ±â€Š6.84) (P = .049). Females had significantly higher total QoL score (25.53 ±â€Š6.61) than males (20.06 ±â€Š7.09) (P = .010). The total QoL score was significantly lower post than pre administration of n-3FA (35.41 ±â€Š10.36 vs 42.22 ±â€Š13.31) (P < .001). Triglycerides and CRP were significantly lower post than pre n-3FA supplementation (160.64 ±â€Š32.55 vs 169.35 ±â€Š31.82) (P < .001) and (10.29 ±â€Š4.39 vs 11.19 ±â€Š4.83) (P = .006) respectively. Means of Kt/V and urea reduction ratio (URR) were significantly higher post (1.37 ±â€Š0.09, 70.0 ±â€Š5.99 respectively) than pre n-3FA (1.31 ±â€Š0.07 and 65.25 ±â€Š6.06 respectively) (P = .005, .001 respectively).Quality of life and adequacy of dialysis get improved after n-3FA supplementation among children on dialysis which encourages its testing for more patients to evaluate its long term effects and support its routine use.

Development and validation of Egyptian developmental screening chart for children from birth up to 30 months.

BACKGROUND: Detecting developmental delay in children is an ongoing world commitment, especially for those below three years. To accurately assess the development of children; a culturally appropriate screening tool must be used. Egypt lacks such tool and multiple studies have shown that western tools are not suitable in other cultures. OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate an easy, rapid, culturally appropriate and applicable screening chart for early detection of developmental delay among Egyptian children from birth up to 30 months and develop a Z-score chart for motor and mental development follow up based on our Egyptian screening chart. METHODS: A cross sectional randomized study was carried out on 1503 Egyptian children of both genders aged from birth up to 30 months assumed to have normal development according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were selected from vaccination centers and well-baby clinics. Developmental milestones from Baroda development screening test (BDST) were applied on them after items were translated and adapted to Egyptian culture. Egyptian children developmental milestones scores were analyzed and carefully prepared in tables and charts. A 97% pass level of developmental achievements represents the threshold below which children are considered delayed. A Z-score chart for motor and mental development follow up was designed by calculating each age group achievement. The developed Egyptian developmental screening chart (EDSC) was validated against Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ-3) as a reference standard in another different sample of 337 children in different age groups. RESULTS: The developed EDSC is represented in a chart format with two curves 50% and 97% pass level. Children considered delayed when the score below 97% pass level. Results revealed a statistically significant difference between EDSC and BDST at 50% and 97% pass levels. A Z-score chart for motor and mental development follow up was designed by calculating each age group achievement. EDSC sensitivity and specificity were calculated 84.38 (95% CI [67.21%-94.72%]) and 98.36 (95% CI [96.22%-99.47%]) respectively with an overall test accuracy 97.03 (95% CI [94.61%-98.57%]) (p ≤ .001). Agreement between EDSC and ASQ-3 was high (kappa score was 0.827) with negative and positive agreement 98.36 and 84.38, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Extensive revision of the BDST was needed in order to create and validate a more culturally appropriate Egyptian screening chart. This is the first study to create and validate an Egyptian-specific screening tool, to be rapid and easy to use in Egypt for early detection of developmental delay and enabling early intervention practices. A Z-score curve is reliable for follow up motor and mental development by calculating each age group achievement.

Establishment of Z Score Reference of Growth Parameters for Egyptian School Children and Adolescents Aged From 5 to 19 Years: A Cross Sectional Study.

Background: Growth charts are an important method for evaluating a child's health, growth, and nutritional status. Objective: To establish Lambda-Mu- Sigma (LMS) and Z score references for assessment of growth and nutritional status in Egyptian school children and adolescents. Methods: A total of 34,822 Egyptian school children and adolescents from 5 to 19 years were enrolled in a cross sectional randomized study from December 2017 to November 2019 to create LMS and Z score references for weight, height and body mass index (BMI) corresponding to ages. They were selected from different districts in Egypt. Apparent Healthy children with good nutritional history and not suffering from any chronic diseases were included in the study. Results: Egyptian children of both sexes (54.3% boys and 45.7 % girls) from 5 to 19 years old were studied. Then LMS and Z scores for weight for age, height for age, BMI for age of both sexes were represented in detailed tables and graphs. There was no statistically significant difference between the Egyptian Z score charts and the reference values of WHO for weight, height and BMI corresponding to age (P > 0.05). Conclusion: This is the first national reference for growth and nutritional assessment using LMS and Z score charts in Egyptian school children and adolescents, this tool is essential for healthcare and research.

Prevalence of short stature and malnutrition among Egyptian primary school children and their coexistence with Anemia.

BACKGROUND: Under nutrition and overweight typically occur during nutritional transition periods in developing countries including Egypt. Short stature and anemia are public health concern due to its strong link with malnutrition which is a preventable risk factor. OBJECTIVES: to estimate the prevalence of overweight, obesity, underweight and short stature and its concurrence with anemia, also to determine the etiological profile of short stature among primary school children in Egypt. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 33,150 Egyptian children aged 6-11 years old from January 2018 to January 2020, allocated in 59 primary schools from diverse geographical districts in Egypt. Complete anthropometric measurements were conducted and applied according to WHO growth charts. Hemoglobin level was measured. Systematic approach to detect the etiology of short stature was applied randomly to a sample of 380 stunted children. RESULTS: The prevalence of underweight was 8.2%, while obesity and overweight represented 21.8% (9.6 and 12.2% respectively). Overall short stature constituted 17%. The main etiologies of short stature were familial (40.8%) and constitutional (24.2%). Anemia was diagnosed in 26% of children; while concurrent anemia and stunting was reported in 9.9%. Regarding anemia and anemia with stunting were more common among girls (30.0% (OR = 1.50, CI95%: 1.43-1.58) and 11.4% (OR = 1.39, CI95%:1.29-1.49) respectively), who were living in rural areas (33.4% (OR = 1.96, CI 95%:1.87-2.06) &12.7% (OR = 1.72, CI 95%:1.60-1.85)) and those who had low socioeconomic status)34.6% (OR = 2.54, CI 95%:2.29-2.82) & 17.2% (OR = 3.32, CI 95%:2.85-3.88() respectively. Anemia with stunting was significantly higher among children aged ≥9 years old representing 12% (OR = 1.40, CI 95%:1.30-1.51). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of short stature, obesity and anemia was high among primary school children in Egypt with a strong concurrence between anemia and stunting. Intensive parental health education and in-depth nutritional assessment are required.

Development of LMS and Z Score Growth References for Egyptian Children From Birth Up to 5 Years.

Background: The Lambda-Mu-Sigma (LMS) and Z score methods are important for assessment of growth and nutritional status. In Egypt, there is a lack of this tool for monitoring growth in preschool children. Objective: To develop LMS and Z score growth references for assessment of growth and nutritional status for Egyptian children from birth up to 5 years. Methods: A total of 27,537 children [13,888 boys (50.4%) and 13,649 girls (49.6%)] from birth up to 5 years were included in a multistage cross sectional randomized study from different Egyptian geographic districts to create LMS and Z score references for weight, length/height, and body mass index corresponding to age in addition to weight for length/height. Healthy term infants and children, exclusive breast feeding for at least 4 months and not suffering from any chronic diseases were included in this study. Children with dysmorphic features, preterm infants, admitted in neonatal or pediatric intensive care units and having any chronic diseases (hematological, cardiac, hepatic, and renal) were excluded. In addition any health condition that affects child growth including nutritional disorders was also excluded. Un-paired t-test was calculated to compare the means of weight for age, length/height for age, weight for length/height, and BMI for-age z scores of the Egyptian and WHO reference values. Results: Through detailed tables and graphs, LMS and Z scores for weight for age, length/height for age, weight for length/height, and BMI for age of both sexes were represented. Our findings showed no statistically significant difference between reference charts of WHO and Egyptian Z score charts (P > 0.05). Conclusion: This study provides the first reference for Egyptian children from birth up to 5 years based on Z score tool for assessment the growth and nutritional status in various clinical conditions and research, also allows comparison with references of other countries.

Establishment of blood pressure nomograms representative for Egyptian children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To define nomograms for blood pressure in Egyptian children and adolescents. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: A total of 60 025 Egyptian children from birth to 19 years were enrolled in this cross-sectional randomised study from December 2015 to March 2017. They were selected from diverse geographical districts in Egypt. Healthy children who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, which included good nutritional history, absence of fever or documented underlying disease at the time of examination, no evidence of haemodynamically significant illness, and no antihypertensive drugs or other chronic drug administration, were included in the study. Body weight, recumbent length (for less than 24 months) and height (from 2 years to 19 years), and blood pressure were measured using standard mercury sphygmomanometers. RESULTS: Blood pressure increases with age in both boys and girls. The 90th percentile of systolic and diastolic blood pressure among Egyptian children was different from other ethnic populations (American and Turkish children) in both sexes. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure showed a positive correlation with weight and height in both sexes (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: We assumed that normal blood pressure curves should be used cautiously during childhood, and it is recommended that every population have its own normal standard curve to define measured blood pressure levels in children. These centiles increased our knowledge and awareness of normal blood pressure among Egyptian children and adolescents. The percentiles will distinguish children and young adolescents with increased blood pressure and will be of value to both medical practice and scientific research.