ABSTRACT
Iron deficiency can cause cognitive and functional learning disorders in children. Some studies have reported a relationship between low serum ferritin levels in patients with anemia and Helicobacter pylori [H. pylori] infection. Therefore, we aimed to determine the relationship between these two common diseases. This descriptive analytical cross-sectional study was performed to assess serum ferritin levels and H. pylori antibody titers [IgG] among 6-12 year old healthy primary school children in Tehran during the academic year 2005-2006. Specimen collection was done by cluster and randomization methods [multistage sampling]. Personal information and laboratory results were compiled in questionnaires and data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistics via SPSS software. 165 primary school children [43% boys, 57% girls] with mean age 9.2 +/- 1.5 years were enrolled in the study. H. pylori IgG antibody titer was positive in 26% of cases with mean values of 0.79 +/- 0.42 units in boys and 0.75 +/- 0.39 units in girls, which showed a significant statistical difference [P=0.004]. H. pylori infection was more common among children of large families or those with low economic status [P=0.002]. 29% of children had low serum ferritin levels. Out of the children with low serum ferritin levels, 71% and 28% had negative and positive anti H. pylori antibody titers [IgG levels], respectively. Also, 296 children [25%] with normal ferritin levels had H. pylori infection. We did not find a significant relationship between H. pylori infection and low serum ferritin levels or iron deficiency anemia
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Helicobacter Infections , Ferritins/blood , Schools , Child , Helicobacter pylori , Cross-Sectional StudiesABSTRACT
Wilson's disease is a rare but treatable condition with variable clinical presentations. Its diagnosis depends on a combination of clinical and laboratory findings. We evaluated the clinical and laboratory findings in children with Wilson's disease [WD]. Twenty-seven children [4-14 years, 59.2% male, 40.7% female] with confirmed WD were evaluated between 1994 and 2003 at Imam Khomeini Hospital. Seventeen patients [64%] presented with liver abnormalities, 3[11%] with neurological features, 3[11%] with fulminant hepatic failure and 4[14%] were asymptomatic siblings of patients with WD. The presence of Kayser Fleischer rings, high urine copper excretion, low ceruloplasmin level, and elevated liver copper concentration were detected in 51.8%, 77.7%, 92.5% and 72.7% of patients respectively. We emphasize on clinical findings together with one or more laboratory findings as a diagnostic guide in WD and also recommend evaluation of serum ceruloplasmin level and 24 hour urine copper excretion particularly when liver biopsy may not be obtained
ABSTRACT
Triple therapy with a proton pump inhibitor, clarithromycin and amoxicillin and quadruple therapy with a proton pump inhibitor, bismuth citrate, metronidazole and amoxicillin have been proposed in Maastricht 2000 as the optimal treatment of Helicobacterpylori infection. We aimed to compare these two regimens in Iranian pediatric patients.Arandomized clinical trial in Emam Khomeini Hospital between 1381 and 1382 was done. Patients with confirmed H. pylori infection by histology were divided in to two groups in a randomized 1:1 scheme.Triple regimen group: Clarithromycin 15 mg/kg/d, Amoxicillin 50 mg/kg/d and Omeprazole 1 mg/kg/day for 10 days.Quadruple regimen group: Omeprazole 1 mg/kg/d, Amoxicillin 50 mg/kg/day, Met-ronidazole 20 mg/kg/day and Bismuth citrate 8 mg/kg for 10 days. The eradication was assessed by c-urea breath test 4 weeks after the end of treatment and by perprotocol analysis.In our study, 100 patients [50 in each group] were found and the eradication rates in the triple and quadruple group were 92% and 84% respectively [p= 0.046].According to our results, we recommend triple therapy as first-line treatment in Iranian pediatric patients and quadruple therapy as a second line regimen