The Effect of the Direction of Primary Lateral Spinal Curvature on Postural Stability in Children with Scoliosis.

Background: The purpose of the present study was to determine the impact of the direction and magnitude of primary lateral spinal curvature in children with scoliosis. Methods: Ninety-six children diagnosed with scoliosis were included in the study group, and fifty healthy peers were included in the control group. Posturographic measurements of body weight distribution and posturometric tests with eyes open and closed were performed. Results: Based on the symmetry index values, the study group was divided into children with symmetrical and asymmetrical body weight distributions on the basis of support. Then, taking into account the direction of the primary curvature, children with asymmetrical body weight distributions were divided into: (1) children with left-sided or right-sided scoliosis with overload on the same side of the body; and (2) children with left-sided or right-sided scoliosis with overload on the opposite side of the body. According to both posturometric tests, increased CoP spatial displacement was observed in the children with scoliosis compared to the healthy controls. The obtained results showed that increased asymmetry index and Cobb angle values significantly increase medial-lateral postural instability in children with scoliosis. Conclusions: These findings suggest that treatment to restore symmetric body weight distribution may prevent the progression of postural instability; however, this requires confirmation through further investigation.

Body Composition in Outpatient Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Case-Control Study.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify quantitative (BMI z-score and BMI percentile) and qualitative (BC) differences between high functioning outpatient children with CP (GMFCS levels I/II) vs TD children, using BIA. We hypothesized that: 1) BMI z-score and BMI percentile will be lower in children with CP compared with their TD peers; and 2) body components (BC) directly associated with muscle mass (including fat free mass (FFM%) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and predicted muscle mass (PMM)) in children with CP will be lower than in their TD peers. Patients and Methods: Ninety children with CP (GMFCS levels I/II) aged 8-16 years were enrolled in this study. Due to the fact that there is lack of normative values of particular body components in the pediatric population, ninety typically developing (TD) peers were used as references. The examination consisted of two parts: 1) the height measurement and 2) body composition assessments, both using the bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA). Results: Average values for height, weight, BMI z-score, and BMI percentile in children with CP were significantly statistically lower than in the reference group. BC's directly associated with muscle mass (including FFM%, SMM, and PMM) in children with CP were lower than those in their TD peers. Conclusion: Altered body compositions were evident in children with CP.

Body Composition and Spasticity in Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy-A Case-Control Study.

The aim of this study was to identify the correlations between segmental body composition and the spasticity level of the affected lower limb in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (spastic hemiplegia). Additionally, an attempt was made to identify the differences in composition between the affected and unaffected lower limbs using segmental body composition analysis. This case-control study included 31 children with spastic hemiplegia aged 8 to 16 years with differing severities of spasticity in the lower limbs. The reference group consisted of a control group which included 31 peers with corresponding age and sex to the tested group. Negative correlations obtained in the statistical analysis showed that higher spasticity level in the iliopsoas muscle is associated with lower limb fat-free mass and lower limb muscle mass. Our results showed that children with spastic hemiplegia have worse parameters of body composition in the affected limb than in the unaffected one. To confirm the importance of these results, further studies are needed in a larger population which includes non-ambulatory children.

Association between Cardiopulmonary Capacity and Body Mass Composition in Children and Adolescents with High Body Weight: A Cross-Sectional Study.

(1) Background: Excessive body weight is a global problem in the 21st century. Children and adolescents, in particular, are at risk. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in the relationship between aerobic capacity and body composition. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the association between the individual parameters of cardiopulmonary capacity obtained in cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and selected parameters of body mass composition in high-BMI children and children over the 85th percentile according to the WHO growth reference. (2) Materials and Method: The research included 100 children of school-age (7-15 years) with an excessive BMI, i.e., over the 85th percentile as per the WHO Growth Reference (BMI percentile 95.21 ± 4.65; Z-score BMI: 2.07 ± 0.94). The study consisted of three parts: anthropometric measurements, measurement of body mass composition using a body composition analyzer (TANITA MC-780 S MA) using the bioimpedance method, and a cardiopulmonary exercise test on a pediatric cycle ergometer (Corival Pediatric, Lode BV) using the Godfrey protocol; (3) Results: The correlation between BMI and fat mass (FM) was very high (rho = 0.83; p = 0.00) with moderate body fat percentage (BF%) (rho = 0.48; p = 0.00). There was a relevant correlation between the amount of fat-free mass in total body mass and cardiopulmonary capacity expressed as the absolute aerobic capacity (VO2peak) (rho = 0.55; p = 0.00). (4) Conclusions: In the case of children and youth with higher BMI, there was a correlation between the amount of fat-free mass in total body mass and cardiopulmonary capacity in terms of absolute aerobic capacity.

Design and Construct Validity of a Postural Control Test for Pre-Term Infants.

A review of the literature indicated that the greatest prognostic value for predicting motor impairment in high-risk infants is the absence of fidgety movements (FMs) at 3 months of post-term age. The purpose of the present study was to characterize a new posturometric test (PT) based on a center-of-pressure (CoP) movement analysis, in terms of design and construct validity, for the detection of postural control disturbances in pre-term infants. The comparative studies were carried out between pre-term infants who presented normal FMs (18 participants) and infants with absent FMs (19 participants), which consisted of the analysis of the CoP trajectory and CoP area in supine and prone positions using the force platform. New PT was performed simultaneously with GMs recorded using a force platform. Statistical analyses revealed significant differences between the groups of infants who presented absent FMs and normal FMs for almost all CoP parameters describing spontaneous sway in the supine position. Based on these preliminary results, it can be concluded, that the application of PT based on the analysis of CoP trajectory, area, and velocity in the supine position has been demonstrated to be valid for the detection of postural control disturbances in pre-term infants.

Systematic Review of Literature on Eating Disorders During Pregnancy-Risk and Consequences for Mother and Child.

Background: Eating disorders (ED) are a diagnostic category that includes several nosological units such as anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), or binge eating disorder (BED). This category most often concerns women, while the peak incidence falls on the reproductive age. Therefore the issue of ED during pregnancy is an interesting topic. Due to the creation of unrealistic ideal of "desired," slim figure both by the mass media and social media even during and right after gestation, more and more pregnant women introduce behaviours aimed at maintaining the "perfect" appearance. However in some cases it may have serious consequences for the health of both mother and child leading to the creation of the term "pregorexia" by the media to describe this issue. Aim: The aim of this paper was to conduct a systematic review of the literature dealing with eating disorders in pregnant women, with particular emphasis on pregorexia. Method: A systematic review of literature published within the last 5 years (2016-2021) in English or Polish and available through MEDLINE / PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library databases was conducted based on the previously assumed inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Initially, 634 publications were obtained during the review, of which 55 papers were selected in the course of the title analysis. After further evaluation of abstracts, 28 papers were qualified for full text analysis. Ultimately, 10 papers were selected for the final analysis. Conclusions: The issue of ED in pregnant women is a broad topic covering a heterogeneous group of women-both those with a previous history and those with the onset during pregnancy. The occurrence of ED symptoms during this period is associated with a high likelihood of negative consequences for both the mother and the child. The course of pregnancies and deliveries in these patients is more complicated. Therefore, it seems reasonable to develop a multidisciplinary screening strategy and standards of management and supervision over this group of patients.

Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Training on Lower Limb Blood Flow in Children with Myelomeningocele-A Randomized Trial.

The objective of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of a three-week Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) training on the vascular blood flow of the lower limbs in children with myelomeningocele. The secondary goal was to evaluate the effect of WBV on the ROM of lower limb joints in this population. A total of 30 children with MMC (7-16 years old) were enrolled in the study. Children were randomly allocated to two groups of equal numbers, using an envelope code. The experimental group underwent a 3-week WBV training, while the control group received a 3-week conventional physiotherapy (PT) program. The examination consisted of two parts: (1) Doppler USG examination of the lower limb vascular blood flow; (2) evaluation of ROM. The results obtained revealed three main findings. First, WBV training effectively improved blood flow by increasing flow velocities in all tested arteries, while the impact of the PT program was limited to a single parameter. Second, WBV training effectively improved vascular resistance in arteries of the lower legs, while the PT program did not achieve any significant differences. Third, both types of treatment intervention significantly improved ROM in all joints of the lower limbs in MMC participants.

Cardiopulmonary Capacity in Overweight and Obese Children and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: One of the objective methods of assessing the level of cardiopulmonary capacity in overweight and obese children and adolescents is cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Aims: The purpose of present study is an evaluation of aerobic capacity in high body mass index (BMI) children and adolescents by comparing them with a normal weight control group by CPET. Methods and Procedures: The subjects were recruited from participants of the Program of Treatment for Overweight and Obese Children organized by a local pediatric rehabilitation center in Poland. Based on BMI for age and gender, two validation groups were selected: (1) a group of overweight children (n = 49) and (2) a group of obese children (n = 48). The study included also 53 normal weight participants as a reference group (REF). The study consisted of two parts: anthropometric measurements and CPET. The Godfrey protocol for CPET was applied. Outcomes and Results: In this study, obese children and adolescents showed similar absolute VO2peak values in liters per minute (1.64 L/min) compared to overweight children (1.48 L/min), but significantly higher than children with normal body weight (1.39 L/min). The obese children and adolescents presented lower VO2peak in relation to body weight (25.44 ml/kg/min) compared to their peers with normal body weight (36.5 ml/kg/min), and overweight children (29.18 ml/kg/min). Conclusion and Implications: The main finding of our study was recognition of significant differences between cardiopulmonary capacity parameters in obese children in comparison not only to normal weight peers, but to overweight, too.

Effects of Whole-Body Vibration-Assisted Training on Lower Limb Blood Flow in Children With Myelomeningocele.

This study investigated the effectiveness of whole-body vibration (WBV) training incorporated into a conventional physiotherapy (PT) program (WBV-assisted training) in improving blood flow in the lower limbs and range of motion in the lower limb joints of children with myelomeningocele (MMC). A total of 31 children with MMC (7-15 years old) underwent a 6 weeks treatment program consisting of 2 weeks of conventional PT followed by 4 weeks of WBV-assisted training. The assessment comprised two parts: evaluation of lower limb joint range of motion and Doppler ultrasonography of the superficial femoral, popliteal, and anterior tibial arteries and was performed three times for each of the participants (at baseline, after 10 sessions of PT but before WBV-assisted training, and after 20 sessions of WBV-assisted training). Our results showed that WBV-assisted training significantly improved lower limb circulation in patients with MMC, increasing velocity and reducing resistivity in all tested arteries. Moreover, WBV-assisted training alleviated lower-extremity contractures, especially of the knee. Thus, WBV-assisted training is effective as an adjunctive rehabilitation program for improving functional mobility in children with MMC.

Leg Venous Properties in Children With Myelomeningocele.

Introduction: The vascular properties of individuals with myelomeningocele (MMC) are an underestimated problem, as evidenced by the lack of relevant research. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the venous properties of the leg in children with MMC. This study compared the duration of retrograde flow (RF) of the distal and proximal sites of the great saphenous vein (GSV) in children with MMC and typically developing (TD) children. Additionally, the impact of MMC clinical features, such as the anatomical level of the spinal cord defect, muscle strength of the lower limbs, and level of gross motor functional abilities on the of GSV sufficiency were assessed. Methods: Thirty ambulant children between 7 and 12 years with MMC and an age- and sex-matched sample of thirty children with typical development (TD) were included in the study. All participants underwent a complete physical examination that included gross motor assessment, manual muscle testing, and duplex ultrasound examination of the GSV reflux. The duration of retrograde flow (RT) in the GSV was evaluated at four sites: P1: proximal thigh; P2: medial thigh; P3: upper leg; and P4: lower leg. The measurements were performed in two body positions: horizontal position (HP) and vertical position (VP). Results: Children with MMC showed increased duration of RT of both the proximal and peripheral sites of GSV, as compared with the TD peers. The prevalence of GSV reflux in peripheral segments was significantly higher than in the proximal segments. The severity of MMC (expressed by higher level of the spinal cord defect), deficit of thigh and leg muscle strength, and lower functional independence negatively influenced the GSV sufficiency in patients with MMC. Gravity directly influenced GSV reflux occurrence and reflux hemodynamic parameters in MMC. Conclusion: These findings may help better understand aspects concerning the risk of developing venous insufficiency in children with MMC and determine better screening, prevention, and treatment algorithms for venous insufficiency in patients with SB.

Nesfatin-1 in the neurochemistry of eating disorders. / Nesfatyna-1 w neurochemii zaburzen odzywiania.

The vast majority of new neuropeptides feature unique biochemical properties as well as awide spectrum of physiological activity applied in numerous neuronal pathways, including hypothalamus and the limbic system. Special interest should be paid to nesfatin-1 - the relatively recently discovered and still intensively studied regulatory factor and a potential modulator of eating behaviors. New information about it now allows to consider this neuropeptide as a potentially important factor involved in the pathogenesis of many different mental disorders. The considered pharmacomodulation of nesfatinergic signaling may be potentially helpful in the future treatment of some neuropsychiatric and metabolic disorders including anorexia nervosa. Although the results of some basic and clinical tests seem to be promising, all possible applications of the aforementioned neuropeptides, together with their agonists and antagonists still remain in the area of speculation. The intensive search of selective modulators of their known receptors may facilitate the opening of a promising chapter in the eating disorders therapy. This paper provides a review of recent scientific reports regarding the hypothetical role of nesfatin-1 in the neuronal pathways related to pathophysiology of anorexia nervosa.

Canonical correlation between body-posture deviations and gait disorders in children with cerebral palsy.

Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) show the postural constraints while standing, and gait disorders, resulting from both primary and secondary impairments of brain injury. In our previous studies, several characteristic postural and gait patterns in children with unilateral as well as with bilateral CP were defined, and the relationship between these patterns was demonstrated. The purpose of present study was to identify which features of body posture deviation during standing were strongly related to gait deviations in independently ambulatory children with CP. For this aim we explored the cross-relationship between features of body posture while standing examined by surface topography and the selected gait parameters from three-dimensional instrumented gait analysis in one hundred twenty children with cerebral palsy, aged between 7 and 13 years, who were able to walk independently. First, our study documented that that sagittal misalignment of the spine curvature was significantly related to kinematic deviations such as deviations of pelvic tilt, inadequate swing phase and knee flexion, and peak dorsiflexion in stance. Second, the study shows that the static asymmetry of pelvis and trunk was significantly associated with kinematic deviations during gait cycle such as pelvic rotation, hip abduction in swing, ROM of knee flexion, peak dorsiflexion in stance. Based on obtained results and referring to our previous findings it can be assumed that the first model of the relationship between postural deviation and gait disturbances, called 'postural and gait complex of disorders in sagittal plane', is related to children with bilateral CP, whereas the second model 'postural and gait complex of disorders in coronal plane' to children with unilateral CP. The clinical applications of this study relate to the early recognition of particular features of postural deviation using surface topography, instead of more difficult and demanding expensive tools 3-D gait analysis.

Clinical picture and treatment of bipolar affective disorder in children and adolescents. / Obraz kliniczny i leczenie choroby afektywnej dwubiegunowej u dzieci i mlodziezy.

Bipolar disorder (BD) is characterized by pathological changes in mood as well as recurring episodes of mania, hypomania, depression and mixed symptoms. In recent years, the number of BD diagnoses has risen considerably in children and adolescents. Itis believed that anaverage rate of prevalence of bipolar spectrum disorder in the pediatric population is 1.8%, and BD type I - 1.2%, and the prevalence of the disorder increases with the age of patients. Despite the same diagnostic criteria, there are premises that suggest thatthe symptoms of the disorder are present with a different frequency among children and adolescents than in adults. The most frequent manic symptom in persons with childhood-onset of the illness is thought to be irritability, and in adolescence -hyperactivity. BD in children and adolescent population is accompanied by a high rate of comorbid psychiatric conditions. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and borderline personality disorder constitute particular diagnostic challenges. Early onset of BP is linked with a more severe course of the illness, worse prognosis, and a higher suicidal rate. Pharmacotherapy of BD in the pediatric population includes 1st and 2nd generation mood stabilizers, while their efficacy and safety profiles are different than in adults. The American Food and Drug Administration recommends treating manic episodes in young persons with lithium, aripiprazole, quetiapine, risperidone, olanzapine and depressive episodes with a combination therapy of olanzapine and fluoxetine.

Differences in oxytocin and vasopressin levels in individuals suffering from the autism spectrum disorders vs general population - a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social interactions, communication, and the presence of stereotyped, repetitive behaviors. Oxytocin (OXT) and arginine-vasopressin are neuropeptides produced in hypothalamus and they are related to processing emotions and social behavior. In the light of a growing number of scientific reports related to this issue, the two neurohormones started to be linked with the basis of neurodevelopmental disorders, including the ASD. The aim of this study was a systematic review of previous studies regarding the differences in OXT and vasopressin levels in ASD and neurotypical persons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature review focused on publications in the last 10 years located via the MEDLINE/PubMed database as well as the Google Scholar browser. Selection was made by assumptive criteria of inclusion and exclusion. RESULTS: From the 487 studies qualified to the initial abstract analysis, 12 met the six inclusion criteria and were included in the full-text review. CONCLUSION: Currently, available study reports still do not provide unequivocal answers as to the differences in concentrations of those neuropeptides between children with ASD and neurotypical control. Therefore, it is necessary to continue the research taking into account necessity of proper homogenization of study groups, utilization of objective and quantifiable tools for ASD diagnosis and broadening the range of biochemical and molecular factors analyzed.

Systematic Review of Literature on Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms Within the Oxytocin and Vasopressin Receptor Genes in the Development of Social Cognition Dysfunctions in Individuals Suffering From Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is found in virtually all population groups regardless of ethnic or socioeconomic backgrounds. Among others, dominant symptoms of autism persistent throughout its course of development include, inter alia, qualitative disorders of social communication and social interactions. Numerous studies have been performed on animal models as well as groups of healthy individuals to assess the potential role of oxytocinergic and vasopresynergic systems in normal social functioning. These studies have also discussed their potential participation in the development of social cognition dysfunctions in the course of ASD. This literature review aimed to identify studies examining single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the oxytocin (OXT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) receptor genes and their differential effects on social cognitive dysfunction in the development of ASD. Methods: A systematic review of literature published within the last 10 years and accessible in PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and APA PsycNET databases was conducted by each author separately. Inclusion criteria required that articles should 1) be published between January 2008 and August 2018; 2) be published in English or Polish; 3) be located in periodical publications; 4) focus on the role of polymorphisms within oxytocin and vasopressin receptor genes in autistic population; 5) provide a clear presentation of the applied methodology; and 6) apply proper methodology. Results: From the 491 studies qualified to the initial abstract analysis, 15 met the six inclusion criteria and were included in the full-text review. Conclusions: The analysis of available literature seems to indicate that there is an association between social cognition dysfunctions in the course of autism and selected alleles of polymorphisms within the OXT receptor AVP 1A receptor genes. However, previous studies neither specify the nature of this association in an unequivocal way nor select genotypes that are the basis for this association.

Validation of the Polish Version of the Washington 4-Digit Diagnostic Code for the Assessment of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. / Walidacja polskiej wersji Kwestionariusza Waszyngtonskiego do Oceny Spektrum Poalkoholowych Wrodzonych Zaburzen Rozwojowych.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper is a quantitative assessment of FASD facial phenotype in the Polish population using the Polish version of the 4-Digit Diagnostic Code. METHODS: The study covered 2 groups of children: 30 children aged 4-7 and 30 children aged 8-11 with a facial phenotype characteristic for the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). The control group consisted of 60 children (4-11 years old) developing normally. We compared 3 facial features (small palpebral fissure lengths, smooth philtrum and thin upper lip). The repeatability, conformity and diagnostic accuracy of particular dysmorphic features of the study were assessed. RESULTS: Obtained values for palpebral fissure were "poor", "good" and "very good", for philtrum "good" and "very good" and for upper lip "good" and "very good". As for conformity, values for palpebral fissure were "moderate" and 'good", for philtrum - "good" and for upper lip also "good". In the experimental group, the FAS diagnostic criteria were met by 13 subjects, partial FAS criteria were met by 37 subjects and the criteria of static encephalopathy with no FAS phenotype were met by 2 subjects. None of the subjects in the control group met these criteria. CONCLUSIONS: The pictorial scale for the assessment of the facial dysmorphic features proved to be a useful tool in the clinical diagnostics of FAS in the Polish conditions. Due to the problems associated with the measurement of the palpebral fissure, it is necessary to verify the normal growth charts for the Polish population.

Influence of etanercept on leptin and ghrelin secretion in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Objective To assess possible changes in leptin and ghrelin secretion due to etanercept in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Methods 50 patients with JIA and 16 age-matched controls were enrolled into this prospective, cross-sectional study. Serum leptin, total and acyl ghrelin were measured in addition to white blood cell (WBC) and lymphocyte counts. Results 25 patients received etanercept and 25 conventional therapies (including methotrexate) for JIA. There was no difference between treatment and control groups in leptin or ghrelin levels and no evidence of a relationship between leptin and ghrelin in patients with JIA. In all children with JIA there was a correlation between leptin and body mass index (BMI). However, compared with children in the conventional treatment group, children in the etanercept group showed a positive correlation between total ghrelin and BMI and those with a low BMI showed a negative correlation between acyl ghrelin and BMI. Conclusion No differences in leptin and ghrelin concentrations were found when patients with JIA and controls were compared or when patients who received etanercept were compared with those who received conventional treatment for JIA.

The assessment of orthorexia nervosa among 1899 Polish adolescents using the ORTO-15 questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE: Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is considered an eating disorder (ED), with an excessive fixation on the consumption of healthy food and an obsession with its biological purity. Since the adolescent period poses a risk for EDs, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of ON in a population of Polish urban adolescents and some possible contributory factors. METHOD: 1899 high school students, 992 girls and 907 boys aged 15-21 years were studied. Demographic and clinical data were collected using a validated questionnaire including information on preferred living choices, in the context of pro- and antihealth activities. The Polish version of the ORTO-15 questionnaire was used. RESULTS: The mean value of the ORTO-15 was 39.2 ± 3.6 points, with no sex difference. The main factors connected with orthorexia, according to the 'Orthorexia 33.35 and 40' definitions were excess weight, sporting activities, out-of-school activities, smoking status, working parents and a high family income. CONCLUSIONS: This study, of a large number of adolescents, showed a prevalence of ON similar to that recorded in adult populations. Since factors predisposing to ON in adolescence differ from those for other eating disorders, it is not clear whether ON should be treated as a new form of ED.

Leptin concentration in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Leptin regulates the organism's immune response. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a chronic joint disease in children, leading to chronic changes in motor organs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In children with JIA (n = 42) and healthy subjects (n = 28), leptin concentration (LEP), body mass index (BMI), haematocrit (HTC), haemoglobin (HB), morphotic elements (WBC,LYMPH), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and ANA Hep-2 antibodies were analysed. JIA group was divided into: children with a longer (51-148 months) (IA) n = 22 and a shorter disease period (2-18 months) (IB) n = 20. RESULTS: Only 58.3% of the IA and 50% of the IB group had ANA Hep-2 confirmed. The ill children had higher and more diversified LYMPH and ESR levels compared to the healthy children. The highest LEP for the IA group was 37.5 ng/cm3, (Me 5.85), for IB - 40.10 ng/cm3, (Me 2.46) as compared to the IC - 3.74 ng/cm3 (Me 2.85), respectively. The average BMI value for the IA group was 16.61 kg/m2, for IC it was 18.91 kg/m2, and the median for IB was 15.89 kg/m2. Children with BMI values < 23 kg/m2 from the IA and IB group had a reduction in LEP as compared to control group (p = 0.04). The relationship between the illness and LEP diversification per BMI unit was found in both groups. Children with a shorter illness period had higher LEP differentiation per BMI unit compared to the healthy children. CONCLUSIONS: Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis with BMI < 23 kg/m2 had lower leptin concentrations than healthy subjects. Ill children with a shorter-term disease had a higher diversification of leptin concentration per BMI unit as compared to healthy controls.

[Validation of ORTO-15 Questionnaire in the group of urban youth aged 15-21]. / Walidacja kwestionariusza ORTO-15 w grupie mlodziezy miejskiej w wieku 15-21 lat.

AIM: The aim of the study was the validation and adaptation of the ORTO-15 Questionnaire in the group of the Polish schoolgirls and schoolboys. METHODS: The study included 399 participants (15-21 years old), all of them high school students in the city of Sosnowiec. The ORTO-15 is a tool created in Italy by L.M. Donini, comprising of 15 items describing intensification of orthorexia risk (population diagnosis). The validation procedure incorporated three basic methods to be applied in the reliability analysis - the comparison of double tests with the same method, the statistical properties analysis of test items as well as analysis of the relation of test items with the general test result. Moreover, the compliance of the ORTO-15 Questionnaire results with other questionnaire focused on eating habits (EAT-26) was studied. RESULTS: The reliability analysis of the ORTO-15 Questionnaire based on repeatability of the responses presents a very good (kappa: 0.81 - 1.00 for 5 items) and a good repeatability (kappa: 0.61 - 0.80 for 10 items). The reliability analysis based on the value of the Cronbach's α reached a satisfactory level (0.7 - 0.9). A full agreement of in the occurrence of orthorexia risk and the risk of eating disorders concerned 47.2% (Kappa = 0.04; 95% CI: 0.004 - 0.09) for the Ortho-40 and 88.2% (Kappa = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.17 - 0.47) for the Ortho-35. CONCLUSIONS: The ORTO-15 questionnaire is a reliable tool to identify the risk of ON in population studies in the group of urban youth aged 15 - 21.