Childhood Obesity as a Global Problem: a Cross-sectional Survey on Global Awareness and National Program Implementation

Objective: The rising global epidemic of childhood obesity is a major public health challenge. Despite the urgency, there is a lack of data on the awareness and implementation of preventative measures. The aim of this study was to identify areas for improvement in the prevention and management of childhood obesity worldwide. Methods: A cross-sectional electronic survey was distributed to 132 members of national pediatric societies of the International Pediatric Association. Results: Twenty-eight (21.2%) participants, each from a different country across six World Health Organization (WHO) regions completed the survey. Most participants reported that national prevalence data of childhood obesity is available (78.6%), and the number increased during the Coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic (60.7%). In most countries (78.6%), the amount of sugar and salt in children's products is provided but only 42.9% enacted regulations on children-targeted advertising. Childhood obesity prevention programs from the government (64.3%) and schools (53.6%) are available with existing support from private or non-profit organizations (71.4%). Participants were aware of WHO's guidance concerning childhood obesity (78.6%), while fewer were aware of The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund's (UNICEF) guidance (50%). Participants reported that WHO/UNICEF guidance acted as a reference to develop policies, regulations and national programs. However, progress was hindered by poor compliance. Lastly, participants provided suggestions on tackling obesity, with responses ranging from developing and reinforcing policies, involvement of schools, and prevention across all life stages. Conclusion: There are different practices in implementing prevention measures to counter childhood obesity globally, particularly in statutory regulation on food advertising and national programs. While support and awareness was relatively high, implementation was hindered. This reflects the need for prompt, country-specific evaluation and interventions.

Nutritional Status of Syrian Refugees in Early Adolescence Living in Turkey.

This study evaluated the nutritional status of Syrian refugees in the early adolescent period living in different vulnerable settings. Nutritional assessment of Syrian refugee adolescents is often neglected but essential for a healthy physical, pubertal and mental development. Growth parameters of Syrian refugee adolescents going to a public school in an urban area and in a temporary protection center (TPC) were recorded along with the Turkish adolescents. Stunting percentages were similar between the groups (p = 0.811). While the proportion of children with a BMI over 85th percentile were significantly higher among Syrian adolescents living in TPC, Turkish children have the highest percentage of underweight (p = 0.01). Both food insecurity and unhealthy weight gain continue to be major concerns for refugee adolescents after their resettlement to a host country. The findings suggest that nutritional assessment and intervention at early adolescence is critical for Syrian refugees depending on their living conditions.

An adolescent case of extensive Behçet`s disease successfully treated with Infliximab.

Isiyel E, Bakkaloglu S, Oguz D, Yenicesu I, Boyunaga Ö, Özdemir Y, Damar Ç, Kandur Y, Akçaboy M, Aslan AT, Sismanlar T, Hasanoglan E, Buyan N. An adolescent case of extensive Behçet`s disease successfully treated with Infliximab. Turk J Pediatr 2019; 61: 585-588. Cardiac involvement is an uncommon and life-threatening complication of Behçet`s Disease. We present a 14-year-old boy, admitted to our hospital for recurrent hemoptysis. In his radiologic evaluation, a right ventricular thrombus and pulmonary arterial aneurysm were identified. He was diagnosed with Behçet`s Disease, and then he received prednisone and cyclophosphamide. However, his cardiac thrombus enlargened. After his treatment was replaced with infliximab, the pulmonary aneurysms regressed, and the cardiac thrombus disappeared. In conclusion, infliximab should be considered as a reliable option for vascular Behçet`s Disease resistant to conventional treatment.

Mental health of Syrian refugee adolescents: how far have we come?

Akgül S, Hüsnü S, Derman O, Özmert E, Bideci A, Hasanoglu E. Mental health of Syrian refugee adolescents: how far have we come? Turk J Pediatr 2019; 61: 839-845. Among the consequences of war, its impact on the mental health of children and adolescents is one of the most significant. A previous study from our team evaluated the psychiatric symptoms of Syrian refugee adolescents living in one of Turkey`s Temporary Accommodation Centers (TACs) in 2016. Findings suggested that mental health had been compromised in these teens. Since then many measures have been taken to address this problem. The aim of the current study was to re-assess the mental health status of adolescents living in the same center. A total of 76 adolescents (35 female, 41 male) aged between 12-18 years (14.2 ± 0.83 years) received the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) which assessed their anxiety, depression, negative self-concept, somatization and hostility levels in addition to a Global Severity Index (GSI). Results > 1.0 indicated psychopathological symptoms. All BSI sub-scores decreased from 2016 to 2019 showing significant improvement in psychopathological symptoms. The most significant change was in the GSI score which decreased from 2.15 to 0.8. For the 2019 participants a significant correlation was found between years of stay at the camp and the depression subscale. Evaluation to assess gender differences found that adolescent girls reported significantly higher scores than males in anxiety, depression, somatization and the global severity index. This study has shown that interventions designed to tackle post-traumatic stress symptomology may have been effective in improving the mental health status of these teens and can provide a roadmap for tackling existing issues in vulnerable conditions. Additionally, females are under higher risk for psychopathology so gender targeted interventions may specifically be necessary to deal with such issues.

Successful treatment of a childhood synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome with subcutaneous methotrexate: A case report.

Akçaboy M, Bakkaloglu-Ezgü SA, Büyükkaragöz B, Isiyel E, Kandur Y, Hasanoglu E, Buyan N. Successful treatment of a childhood synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome with subcutaneous methotrexate: A case report. Turk J Pediatr 2017; 59: 184-188. SAPHO syndrome (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis) is defined as a syndrome that is related to various osteoarticular manifestations and chronic dermatological conditions especially severe acne. SAPHO syndrome is a rare and unusual clinical entity in childhood and treatment choices are variable. We report an 11-year-old girl who suffered from SAPHO syndrome and successfully treated with subcutaneous methotrexate. We report our case in order to take attention to this rare clinical condition in evaluating patients and also to point out that treatment options beyond biologic agents should be the first line treatment in childhood.

Cerebral Vasculitis in Henoch-Schönlein Purpura: A Case Report.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura is a common form of systemic small vessel vasculitis in childhood. Although headache and behavioral changes have been described in a significant proportion of children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura, severe neurological complications are rare. In this article, we report a case of central vasculitis in a four-year-old boy who presented with hemiplegia and aphasia. The treatment options for cerebral vasculitis of Henoch-Schönlein purpura are numerous but controversial in pediatric patients. Our patient was successfully treated by pulse methylprednisolone and pulse cyclophosphamide. The patient was followed-up for four years without any sequel.

Attitudes of Pediatricians Regarding Prevention and Treatment of Vitamin D Deficiency.

To determine the adherence of pediatricians to the nationwide 'Vitamin D Prophylaxis Program' and to evaluate their attitudes about vitamin D intake. The study was conducted using the Turkish National Pediatrics Association network. The pediatricians were asked to respond to an online questionnaire that included five questions on 'What dose of vitamin D they recommend for supplementation?', 'At what age they start vitamin D supplementation?', 'Supplementation method', 'Clichés and truths about vitamin D', and 'High-dose vitamin D therapy indications'. Responses of 167 pediatricians were evaluated in this study. 75.5% of pediatricians indicated that they recommended vitamin D supplementation in a daily dose of 400 IU. 47.1% started vitamin D supplementation by the end of the 2nd week. 7.83% of pediatricians suggested doubling the daily dose of vitamin D supplementation in infants with delayed tooth eruption, 19.9% suggested immediate cessation of vitamin D supplementation in infants with small anterior fontanels. This study showed that the majority of the pediatricians still prescribe vitamin D prophylaxis late, recommend high doses of vitamin D in cases of delayed tooth eruption, and think that low serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D level regardless of alkaline or phosphatase parathyroid hormone measurement is an indication for high-dose vitamin D (stoss) therapy. These results suggest a need for new training programs focusing on vitamin D supplementation.

Changes in hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control rates in Turkey from 2003 to 2012.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess the current epidemiology of hypertension, including its prevalence, the awareness of the condition and its treatment and control, in Turkey to evaluate changes in these factors over the last 10 years by comparing the results with the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in Turkey (PatenT) study data (2003), as well as to assess parameters affecting awareness and the control of hypertension. METHODS: The PatenT 2 study was conducted on a representative sample of the Turkish adult population (n = 5437) in 2012. Specifically trained staff performed the data collection. Hypertension was defined as mean SBP or DBP at least 140/90 mmHg, previously diagnosed disease or the use of antihypertensive medication. Awareness and treatment were assessed by self-reporting, and control was defined as SBP/DBP less than 140/90 mmHg. RESULTS: Although the prevalence of hypertension in the PatenT and PatenT 2 surveys was stable at approximately 30%, hypertension awareness, treatment, and control rates have improved in Turkey. Overall, 54.7% of hypertensive patients were aware of their diagnosis in 2012 compared with 40.7% in 2003. The hypertension treatment rate increased from 31.1% in 2003 to 47.4% in 2012, and the control rate in hypertensives increased from 8.1% in 2003 to 28.7% in 2012. The rate of hypertension control in treated patients improved between 2003 (20.7%) and 2012 (53.9%). Awareness of hypertension was positively associated with older age, being a woman, residing in an urban area, a history of parental hypertension, being a nonsmoker, admittance by a physician, presence of diabetes mellitus, and being obese or overweight; it was inversely associated with a higher amount of daily bread consumption. Factors associated with better control of hypertension were younger age, female sex, residing in an urban area, and higher education level in Turkey. CONCLUSION: Although some progress has been made in recognizing hypertension from 2003 to 2012, there is still a large population of untreated or inadequately treated hypertensives in Turkey. Strengthening of population-based efforts to improve the prevention, early detection, and treatment of hypertension is needed.

The evaluation of bone metabolism in children with renal transplantation.

This study aims to evaluate BMD and bone biomarkers and to investigate the effects of immunosuppressives on bone disease after RTx. Thirty-three RTR aged 16.7 ± 3.7 yr and healthy controls (n = 32) were enrolled. There was no difference between pre-RTx BMD and BMD at the time of study (45.9 ± 30.9 months after RTx), while both values were lower than controls (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). Worst BMD scores were obtained at sixth month after RTx (-0.2 ± 0.9) and best at fourth year (1.4 ± 1.3). 25-hydroxy-(OH) vitamin D and OPG were higher in RTR (p < 0.001). BMD z scores negatively correlated with OPG and cumulative CS doses at the time of study (r = -0.344, p < 0.05 and r = -0.371, p < 0.05, respectively). Regression analysis revealed OPG as the only predictor of BMD (ß -0.78, 95% CI -0.004 to -0.013, p < 0.001). The increase in OPG, a significant predictor of BMD, could either be secondary to graft dysfunction or for protection against bone loss. CS doses should be minimized to avoid their untoward effects on bone metabolism.

Controlling hypertension in Turkey: not a hopeless dream.

Despite major progress in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment during the recent decades, hypertension remains the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality throughout the world. The prevalence of hypertension in developing countries continues to rise reaching alarming rates. Several risk factors of hypertension appear to be more common in developing countries than in developed countries. In Turkey, hypertension is a prevalent condition affecting approximately 22.5 million individuals. Hypertension control (defined as blood pressure <140/90 mm Hg) rate increased from 8.1% in 2003 (first Prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in Turkey (PatenT) study) to 28.7% in 2012 (PatenT 2 study). Meanwhile, rates of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality remained high in Turkey. Controlling risk factors such as hypertension, tobacco use, unhealthy diet, obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and physical inactivity can prevent most of the deaths from cardiovascular disease. It is also crucial for the public health system to have a hypertension education program aimed at reducing cardiovascular disease and prevention and control of hypertension promoting a healthy lifestyle in Turkey. Such a program could positively affect other lifestyle-related diseases as well. Importantly, cooperation among the components of the health system could contribute to improved outcomes in hypertensive populations.

Use of home sphygmomanometers in Turkey: a nation-wide survey.

The purposes of this study were to detect the prevalence of ownership of a home sphygmomanometer among hypertensive subjects through a nation-wide survey, to investigate parameters affecting ownership of a sphygmomanometer, to compare how home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) was actually used in daily practice with some aspects of the current guidelines, and to discuss what we implemented to increase the reliability of HBPM in a developing country. A total of 2747 hypertensive patients from 34 cities, representative of the Turkish population, were enrolled in the study. A multiple-choice questionnaire was administered to each participant using the computer-assisted telephone interviewing method. Among 2747 hypertensive patients, 1281 of them (46.6%) had a home sphygmomanometer. Most of the patients were using wrist devices. The factors associated with ownership of a sphygmomanometer were female gender, older age, obesity, higher educational status, higher income level, living in urban areas, awareness of hypertension and anti-hypertensive drug usage. Only 16% of the devices were used on the advice of a physician. The patients learned usage of their device mainly from the sellers and their relatives. The ownership of a home sphygmomanometer is common among hypertensive patients in Turkey, but regular monitoring of blood pressure before physician visits is rare despite common ownership of these devices. Daily practice of HBPM in Turkey was far from the recommendations of the current guidelines. More effort is needed to improve the reliability of HBPM.

The relationship between hypertension and salt intake in Turkish population: SALTURK study.

This population-based epidemiological study was aimed to evaluate the daily salt intake and its relation to blood pressure in a representative group of Turkish population. The enrolled normotensive and hypertensive individuals (n = 1970) completed a questionnaire including demographics, dietary habits, hypertension awareness and drug usage. Blood pressure was measured and to estimate salt consumption, 24-h urine samples were collected. The daily urinary sodium excretion was 308.3 ± 143.1 mmol/day, equal to a salt intake of 18.01 g/day. Salt intake was higher in obese participants, rural residents, participants with lower education levels and elderly. A positive linear correlation between salt intake and systolic and diastolic blood pressures was demonstrated (r = 0.450, p = 0.020; r = 0.406, p = 0.041; respectively), and each 100 mmol/day of salt intake resulted in 5.8 and 3.8 mmHg increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressures, respectively. Salt intake and systolic blood pressure was significantly correlated in normal weight individuals (r = 0.257, p < 0.01). The Turkish population consumes a great amount of salt; salt intake and blood pressure was positively correlated. Efforts in sodium restriction are therefore crucial in the management of hypertension as part of national and global health policies.

Acute adrenal crisis mimicking familial Mediterranean fever attack in a renal transplant FMF patient with amyloid goiter.

The most devastating complication of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is amyloidosis which is capable of resulting in chronic renal failure. Although amyloid deposits are frequent in adrenal glands based on the autopsies of FMF patients however; to our knowledge, symptomatic adrenal insufficiency has not been reported yet. We describe a 21-year-old-FMF amyloidosis case with a well-functioning allograft who presented to the emergency clinic with the complaints of abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea mimicking FMF attack. adrenocorticotrophic hormone stimulation test was performed due to resistant hyponatremia and disclosed Addison disease. In countries with a high prevalence of FMF, adrenal crisis should be borne in mind in long standing FMF patients.

Hypertension incidence in Turkey (HinT): a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: Hypertension incidence is an important determinant of hypertension prevalence and progression. Few studies have been published on hypertension incidence in developing countries despite the high prevalence observed. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of hypertension in Turkey. METHODS: The study was designed as an epidemiological cohort study which included the population of the Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in Turkey (PatenT) Study which had 4910 volunteers. Blood pressure measurements were performed three times and a questionnaire was used to obtain data on the present status of hypertension with regards to distributions and alterations of risk factors. RESULTS: In the present study, 4008 (81.6%) participants of the PatenT Study population were contacted after 4 years. After excluding 173 dead and 67 pregnant individuals, the study cohort comprised of 3768 individuals. The overall 4-year incidence rate of hypertension was 21.4%; it reached a maximum of 43.3% in individuals over 65 years of age. Age, initial blood pressure category, and body mass index were the best predictors of the hypertension incidence rate. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age, obesity, alcohol consumption, and living in rural areas were significant predictors of hypertension. CONCLUSION: Follow-up periods scheduled considering age, initial blood pressure category, and body mass index are important for the early determination of hypertension. As there are limited data regarding hypertension incidence in developing countries, the results of data collected in this study might serve as a model.

Unresponsiveness to colchicine therapy in patients with familial Mediterranean fever homozygous for the M694V mutation.

OBJECTIVE: More than 50 disease-associated mutations of the Mediterranean fever gene (MEFV) have been identified in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), some of which were shown to have different clinical, diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications. The aim of our study was to define the frequency of mutation type, genotype-phenotype correlation, and response to colchicine treatment in patients with FMF. METHODS: This study included 222 pediatric FMF patients. All patients were investigated for 6 MEFV mutations. Then patients were divided into 3 groups according to the presence of M694V mutation on both of the alleles (homozygotes), on only 1 allele (heterozygotes), and on none of the alleles, and compared according to their phenotypic characteristics and response to treatment. M694V/M694V was denoted Group A, M694V/Other Group B, and Other/Other, Group C. RESULTS: Complete colchicine response was significantly lower while the rate of unresponsiveness was significantly higher in Group A compared to Groups B and C (p = 0.031, p < 0.001 and p = 0.005, p = 0.029, respectively). No differences except proteinuria were found between the phenotypic features of 3 groups. Group C had the lowest rate of proteinuria development (p = 0.024). All the amyloidosis patients were in Group A. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the M694V/M694V mutation is associated with lower response to colchicine treatment. Therefore, patients homozygous for M694V/M694V may be carrying an increased risk for development of amyloidosis.

Reference values for urinary calcium, sodium and potassium in healthy newborns, infants and children.

The urinary calcium/creatinine ratio (UCa/Cr) in spot urine samples has been used extensively for screening and diagnosis of hypercalciuria (HC). The aim of this study was to determine the normal values for UCa/Cr, urinary sodium/creatinine (UNa/Cr), urinary potassium/creatinine (UK/Cr) and urinary sodium/potassium (UNa/K) ratios in healthy Turkish children aged 0-5 years. A total of 425 children were enrolled in the study. The urine samples were obtained from the second morning urine in children after breakfast and the first urine after feeding in infants. Urine Ca, Cr, Na and K levels were studied. A positive correlation was found between the UCa/Cr, UNa/Cr, UK/Cr and UNa/K ratios. Our results suggest that UCa/Cr is age-related and declines in the first five years of life except for in the newborn period. It might be concluded that determination of the upper limit of UCa/Cr in children less than five years old for every population can prevent unnecessary laboratory investigations and misdiagnosis of hypercalciuria.

Sulphasalazine treatment in protracted familial Mediterranean fever arthritis.

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by self-limited attacks of fever and polyserositis. Articular involvement in early-onset FMF is a common finding characterized by non-erosive, generally asymmetric monoarthritis in large joints. Protracted FMF arthritis was reported in 2.6% of Turkish patients. An 8-year-old female who has a history of FMF for 5 years applied to our hospital with complaints of persistent swelling and pain of her left knee for 8 months. The patient had been tried to be managed with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as well as intra-articulary steroids and colchicine. However, arthritis and acute phase response persisted. With sulphasalazine, complete recovery was achieved. It is our belief that sulphasalazine can be a choice of medical treatment in protracted FMF arthritis.