Topical prebiotics/postbiotics and PRURISCORE validation in atopic dermatitis. International study of 396 patients.

Aim: To investigate the efficacy and tolerability of a cream (Rilastil Xerolact PB) containing a mixture of prebiotics and postbiotics, and to validate the PRURISCORE itch scale in the management of atopic dermatitis.Methods: The study is based on 396 subjects of both sexes in three age groups (i.e., infants, children, adults) suffering from mild/moderate Atopic Dermatitis, recruited from 8 European countries and followed for 3 months.Results: The product demonstrated good efficacy combined with good/very good tolerability in all age groups. In particular, SCORAD, PRURISCORE and IGA scores decreased significantly over the course of the study. The PRURISCORE was preferred to VAS by the vast majority of patients.Conclusion: Even though the role of prebiotics and postbiotics was not formally demonstrated since these substances were part of a complex formulation, it can be reasonably stated that prebiotics and postbiotics have safety and standardization features that probiotics do not have. In addition they are authorized by regulatory authorities, whereas topical probiotics are not.

Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements in Albanian versus Turkish children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: Understanding intercultural, regional and interracial differences in blood pressure and anthropometric indices may help to determine the contributors of mortality from coronary artery disease in different populations. DESIGN AND SETTING: In this article we used data collected from two different countries: (a) Survey on school children from Istanbul, Turkey, (b) Cross Sectional Study of Albanian school children. RESULTS: We compared age- and gender-matched Albanian and Turkish children and adolescents (age 11-12 y and 15-17 y) living in 2 different countries with regard to blood pressure, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-hip (WHpR) and waist-to-height (WHtR) ratio. We observed significant differences in blood pressure, BMI and other anthropometric indices among age- and gender-matched subjects from the two countries. Birthweight was lower among Turkish children and adolescents compared to Albanian subjects (3258 vs. 3510 g, P < 0.01). Turkish children had lower BMI and WHtR compared to Albanian children, while adolescents displayed similar BMI and WHtR. Paradoxically, Turkish children and adolescents displayed higher systolic blood pressures compared to Albanian children and adolescents. Significant differences were observed in the dietary intake and physical activity, which may partially explain the differences in blood pressure and anthropometric indices. CONCLUSIONS: The socio-economic, dietary and physical activity status may account for significant differences in blood pressure and anthropometric indices of children and adolescents living in two different countries. Future studies should focus on the ethnic differences in the definition and prevention of cardiovascular risks among children and adolescents.