Evaluation of Antibody Response to Polysaccharide Vaccine and Switched Memory B Cells in Pediatric Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, whose etiologies are still unknown. This study was performed to evaluate the humoral immune response in terms of B cell functions in selected IBD patients. METHODS: Eighteen pediatric patients with IBD, including 12 cases of ulcerative colitis (UC) and six with Crohn disease (CD), were enrolled in this study. The pneumococcal vaccine was injected in all patients, and the IgG antibody level to the polysaccharide antigen was measured before and 4 weeks after injection. The B cell switch-recombination process was evaluated. RESULTS: Five patients with IBD (three CD and two UC) had defects in B cell switching, which was significantly higher than in controls (p=0.05). Ten patients had a specific antibody deficiency and exhibited a higher frequency of bacterial infection than the healthy group. The mean increased level of IgG after vaccination was lower in IBD patients (82.9+/-32.5 microg/mL vs 219.8+/-59.0 microg/mL; p=0.001). Among the patients who had an insufficient response, no significant difference in the number of switched memory B-cell was observed. CONCLUSIONS: A defect in B lymphocyte switching was observed in pediatric IBD patients, and especially in those patients with CD. Owing to an increased risk of bacterial infections in those patients with antibody production defects, pneumococcal vaccination could be recommended. However, not all patients can benefit from the vaccination, and several may require other prophylactic methods.

Status of hepatitis B immunization in medical stuffs at Children Medical Center Hospital-Tehran

Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus [HBV], which is transmitted through percutaneous [i.e., puncture through the skin] or mucosal [i.e., direct contact with mucous membranes] exposure to infectious blood or body fluids. HBV can cause chronic infection, resulting in cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death. Persons with chronic infection also serve as the main reservoir for continued HBV transmission. This is a prospective cross sectional study was performed in Children Medical Center Hospital on 396 medical personals [including 172 students, 92 interns, 56 residents and 56 fellowships] during September 2012 to October 2013. All of medical staff had done HB vaccination. In 93% of them the vaccination was complete. The others, 16% had only one, and 84% had two dose injections. 73% didn't check HBsAb after vaccination. Results showed in 21.4% of fellowships, 42.8% of residents, non of interns and 35% of students, had checked HBsAb. Hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable disease. HB is a serious world wide infection and medical staff are one of the most high risk groups. So Vaccinate their and HBS Antibody titer determination after complete vaccination is mandatory

Is there any association between passive smoking and esophagitis in pediatrics?

Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke [ETS] is one of the major factors of predisposing children to develop several hazardous health problems. We decided to investigate the association between nicotinine, one of the nicotine metabolites and esophagitis in children with gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD]. In a case control study 46 children suffering from esophagitis referred to endoscopy ward were recruited. The control group consisted of 45 healthy children. Urine samples were collected and urinary cotinine level [UCL] measured. The mean age of esophagitis and control groups were 5.11 +/- 2.93 and 6.72 +/- 2.8 respectively. Sixty children were passive smokers; 31 of them had non-smoker parents. In control group, 32 [71.1%] children and in esophagitis group 29 [63%] children had non-smoker parents. The mean value of UCL in patients suffering from esophagitis was significantly higher than those in normal group [P=0.04, 24.98 +/- 6.4 ng/ml vs. 15.16 +/- 3.9 ng/ml]. Considering 50ng/ml as a cutoff point for UCL, it was significantly higher in passive smoker group than in non smoker group [P=0.02]. The mean cotinine level differed significantly in esophagitis and control group. Our results indicate the increased risk of developing esophagitis in children with ETS exposure

Prevalence of vitamin d deficiency and rickets in children with cholestasis in Iran

This study was aimed to determine prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency and rickets in children with cholestatic liver diseases. Forty eight children with established cholestatic liver disease who referred to gastrointestinal clinic of Children Medical Center [Tehran, Iran] between April 2010 and March 2011 were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Laboratory analysis including calcium, phosphate, albumin, total and direct bilirubin, aminotransferases, alkalinephosphatase [ALP], prothrombin time [PT], parathyroid hormone [PTH], total protein determined by routine laboratory techniques. Mean age of participants was 299.1 +/- 676.8 days [range 2-3600 days] whereas twenty one were female [43.8%] and 27 [56.3%] were male. Twenty two [45.8%] had evidences of rickets in X-ray evaluation. Three children with rickets and two with normal X-ray had Vitamin D deficiency while ten in rickets group and 16 in normal group had Vitamin D insufficiency. The main underlying diseases were anatomical biliary atresia in cases with rickets and idiopathic in other group. Rickets and Vitamin D deficiency should be considered in chronic cholestatic children.

Upper endoscopic findings in children with recurrent abdominal pain: high prevalence of hiatus hernia

Recurrent abdominal pain [RAP] by itself is one of the common reasons in child-aged patients to refer to a clinician. Some of these patients are presented with more serious features, so-called the "red flag". The most important issue in management of RAP is to distinguish the type of it, whether it is functional or organic. In this study we aimed to assess the redundancy of red-flagged RAP with findings of esophago-gastro-deudonoscopy. In a 2 year prospective study 150 consecutive children with RAP who showed red flags underwent esophago-gastro-deudonoscopy. The prevalence of each finding was recorded. Overall positive predictive value of predicting an endoscopic finding while having a red-flag was calculated. Among all the patients, 126 cases showed at least a positive finding in their endoscopy that corresponded to the positive predictive value of 84% for predicting the presence of an endoscopic finding according to red flags. Interestingly, 20% of patients showed hiatus hernia when surveyed. Comprehensive physical examination is needed to avoid performing esophago-gastro-deudonoscopy without indication in patients with recurrent abdominal pain

Red flags of organic recurrent abdominal pain in children: study on 100 subjects

A variety of sign, symptoms and laboratory findings are more common in children with organic abdominal pains. This study was performed to evaluate the prevalence of organic and functional abdominal pains and relation of red flags to organic pains in 100 children with recurrent abdominal pain [RAP]. One hundred consecutive patients with RAP were enrolled in the study. A complete interview and physical examination was made for each patient, accompanied by a series of laboratory, clinical and paraclinical examinations. The data were recorded and analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used to model and formulize correlations between sign, symptoms, and laboratory findings with organic and functional abdominal pain. Among 100 patients [52% male, 48% female, Age: 9.29 +/- 3.17] diagnostic works up revealed organic pain for 57 patients. The most common symptoms of the patients included constipation, diarrhea, chest pain, cough, headache, vomiting, hematuria, and dysuria. Fecal incontinence, delayed puberty, organomegaly, jaundice, and family history of inflammatory bowel disease were reported in none of the patients with RAP. Fever, pain not located in periumbilical area, nocturnal pain, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, weight loss, growth disorder, and abdominal tenderness were among the red flags which revealed diagnosis of organic pain in this study. A series of red flags could increase likelihood of finding organic pain in children with RAP

Comparing oral route paraffin oil versus rectal route for disimpaction in children with chronic constipation; a randomized control trial

Functional constipation is a common and challenging problem in pediatrics. Fecal disimpaction prior to maintenance therapy is recommended to ensure successful treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and patient's compliance of the two methods of paraffin oil administration [oral and rectal route] with the purpose of disimpaction in treatment of children with functional constipation. A total of 80 children [49 males and 31 females] aged 1-12 years, with functional constipation according to Rome III criteria, whose rectal examination confirmed fecal impaction were divided into two groups randomly. Group I received 3 ml/kg/day paraffin oil orally and group II received 3ml/kg/day paraffin oil rectally during 3 consequent days. Successful treatment was defined as no detectable fecal impaction in rectal examination after at most 72 hours. Patient compliance and family satisfaction also was evaluated using a scored questionnaire. Response to the treatment in both groups was with 92.5% and 82.5% in group I and II, respectively. So, there was no significant difference between the two methods of therapy. Family satisfying and compliance were obviously more achieved in group 1 [87.5% vs 57.5%] than in Group 2 [P<0.001]. No parents in group I complained about type of treatment while 12.5% of parents in group II were unsatisfied with the mode of paraffin oil administration. The most common side effect of paraffin oil in both groups was anal oil seepage [27.5%]. Nausea and abdominal pain were more common side effects in group 1 and 2 respectively. It seems that using paraffin oil per oral route in comparison with rectal route could be a preferred option for disimpaction in children causing less anxiety to the family

Familial achalasia, a case report

Although achalasia is a relatively rare disease in pediatric age group, it must be considered for differential diagnosis of esophageal disorders in children with positive family history even in the absence of typical clinical manifestations. A 5-month old boy was hospitalized for cough and mild respiratory distress. Because of positive history of achalasia in his mother, achalasia was detected in esophgagography. Pneumatic dilation through endoscopy was successful. A 12-month follow-up revealed no problem. Achalasia must be considered for differential diagnosis in children with positive family history of achalasia even in the absence of typical clinical manifestations. An autosomal recessive mode of inheritance is probable. We suggest further researches and genetic studies to establish the pattern of inheritance

Reinfection rate after successful Helicobacter pylori eradication in children

Reinfection rate of Helicobacter pylori after successful eradication is low in developed countries. This study was performed to determine the reinfection rate of H. pylori during a follow up period of 12 months in Iranian children. In this prospective study, children with H. pylori infection were treated with triple omeprazole based regimen. Patients with negative [13]C urea breath test [UBT] performed after 8 weeks of therapy, were followed up by the same test after 1 year. Thirty seven patients, aged 5 to 17 years, were studied. Among them 25 [67.5%] were boys. After eradication therapy of H. pylori, 34 patients had negative [13]C UBT. Reinfection occurred in 5 [14.7%] patients. Reappearance or continuing symptoms after treatment were associated with higher rate of recurrence [P=0.042]. Recurrence rate of H. pylori was high in our children. Successful eradication significantly decreased complaints and further symptoms. Follow up and reevaluation of patients is necessary especially when there are symptoms after eradication

Colorectal polyps: a clinical, endoscopic and pathologic study in Iranian children

To study the clinical presentation, histology and colonoscopic features of lower gastrointestinal polyps in Iranian children. Medical reports of children with colorectal polyps were retrospectively reviewed from 1996 to 2005 at the Children's Medical Center Hospital, Iran. A total of 563 cases were studied. Data related to age, sex, family history, signs and symptoms, the size, location, polyp types and associated lesions were collected and analyzed. The mean age of children was 5.66 +/- 2.88 years [range 2 months to 17 years], with a male-to-female ratio of 1.61:1.0. The highest incidence was between ages 2 and 10 years [85.1%]. Rectal bleeding was the presenting symptom in 78.5% cases. The polyps were solitary in 94% of cases. A majority of polyps [86.3%] were juvenile and 86.7% located in the rectosigmoid area. Three percent of cases had a positive family history. One case of Turcot syndrome was also identified. Juvenile polyps remain the most common polyps in Iranian children. Although the presence of a solitary polyp in the rectosigmoid colon is more prevalent, in a significant number of cases they are multiple and located in proximal parts. Polyps must be removed even when asymptomatic because of their probable neoplastic potential

Success rate of furazolidone-based triple therapy for eradication of helicobacter pylori in children

Helicobacter pylori [H. Pylori] is now recognized as a major etiological factor in the pathogenesis of gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. There is concrete evidence that eradication of the bacterium reverses histological gastritis, and results in significant reduction of duodenal and gastric ulcer recurrence. Poor compliance and antibiotic resistance are the main causes for failure of anti H. pylori therapy. In this study we determined efficacy of omeprazole based triple therapy with b.i.d. dosing of furazolidone, amoxicillin for 2 weeks and omeprazole in Iranian children. This prospective study included 37 children, in whom H. Pylori infection was diagnosed endoscopically. H.Pylori positive children were treated with a two weeks course of furazoidone [6 mg/kg/day] and amoxicillin [50 mg/kg/day] plus omeprazole [1-2 mg/kg/day]. Eradication was assessed by 13C UBT. Mean age of patients was 10.2 yr [5-15 yr], 25 [67.5%] patients were boys. H. Pylori was eradicated in 34 children [per patient 91.9%, per protocol 86%]. Side effects occurred in 3 [8.1%] patients, but these were mild and it was not necessary to discontinue treatment. Three children [8.1%] remained H. pylori positive. Our study showed that the association of furazolidone plus amoxicillin with a proton-pump inhibitor could be a valuable alternative for eradication of H. Pylori infection in children. It is an effective, affordable treatment that allows good compliance and produces low adverse effect rates

Embryonal biliary atresia with levocardia and situs inversus: a case report

Biliary atresia [BA] is a rare disease and the end result of a destructive inflammatory process in bile ducts, leading to fibrosis and liver cirrhosis. It has two forms: 1] syndromic or fetal or embryonic [10-35%] with various congenital anomalies, 2] non syndromic [70-90%], in which BA is an isolated anomaly. In this article we report on an infant with the first form of BA in which diagnosis and operation was not based on routine liver biopsy but on associated malformations and clinical features that were highly suggestive of embryonal form of biliary atresia. A 70-day old infant with syndromic BA, levocardia, situs inversus and polysplenia. He developed jaundice in 4th day of life, liver was not palpable. Kasai operation was not effective. He developed liver cirrhosis at 3 months of age. Syndromic type of EHBA is a very rare disease with a worse outcome than non syndromic type of BA. Early diagnosis is important and may be difficult as the liver sometimes could not be palpable because of its malposition

Crohn's disease and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in a patient with ectodermal dysplasia and immunodeficiency

In this case report we will describe a rare association between anhyrotic ectodermal dysplasia [AED] and immunodeficiency and autoimmunity [in our case: Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura [ITP] and Crohn disease]. AED is a rare congenital disorder characterized by sparse hair, abnormal teeth and anhidrosis due to lack of eccrine glands. The survey of 87 cases with [AED] revealed only one Irritable Bowel Disease [IBD]. AED has only two relevancies with immunodeficiency: [EDA-ID: Ectodermal Dysplasia Anhyrotic with Immunodeficiency] and APE-CED [Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy, Candidiasis and Ectodermal Dysplasia] that in our case EDA-ID is strongly suspected