Telemedicine experiences at a pediatric endocrinology clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected all aspects of life, including the routine follow-up of patients with chronic illnesses. In this study, we aim to share our experience of telemedicine in our pediatric endocrinology clinic during the pandemic. METHODS: We were able to continue caring for children with endocrine disorders using various communication methods such as e-mail and e-message. RESULTS: A total of 267 patients received telemedicine care over the course of 608 contacts. The number of hospital visits and physical contact was effectively reduced to help protect against the COVID-19 infection. The patients were supported in terms of receiving their prescriptions and patient education also continued. No complications were observed. CONCLUSION: The advantages and disadvantages of telemedicine were discussed and consequently, we propose that telemedicine can be utilized to maintain and continue the care of children with endocrine disorders during and even after the pandemic. Further studies are needed to standardize this method for general use.

Association of Myeloperoxidase Gene Polymorphism With Iron Deficiency Anemia in Turkish Children.

This study was performed to investigate the gene polymorphisms of the myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme and to determine whether MPO gene polymorphisms influence the response to iron therapy in pediatric patients with iron deficiency anemia (IDA). In this case-control study, 50 Turkish children with IDA and 50 healthy controls were enrolled. Three MPO gene alleles were selected for genotyping in the study: GG, AG, and AA. The relationships of alleles with IDA were analyzed and compared in patients and controls. Pretreatment and posttreatment laboratory parameters and gene polymorphisms were compared in the patient group. There was a significant difference between patients with IDA and controls regarding genotype frequencies of the AA, GG, and AG alleles (P=0.005). However, the AG allele was found to be associated with variations in hemoglobin, red blood cell, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volumes, and mean corpuscular Hb concentrations levels. The frequency of AA, GG, and AG alleles of the MPO gene was potentially associated with changes in iron metabolism and the AG allele led to variations in various hemogram parameters.