[Protocols Related to Food Allergies and Intolerances in Preschools in Reykjavik, Iceland].

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to explore prevalence of food allergies and intolerances among children in preschools in Reykjavik, Iceland. Also, to investigate how well preschools maintain a safe environment for children with food allergies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 2014, a questionnaire designed specifically for this study, was sent to 65 preschools. Forty-nine participated (75%) representing a total of 4225 children. Prevalence of food allergy and intolerance was determined based on medical certificates from physi-cians delivered to the preschools. Descriptive statistics were used to assess whether there were protocols related to food allergy, and if there was a difference between schools based on staff's education and number of children. RESULTS: The prevalence of documented food allergies/intolerances in children aged 2-6 years was 5%, 1% had severe allergy and 1% had multiple food allergies. Lactose intolerance was most frequent (2%), then milk allergy (2%) and egg allergy (1%). Only 41% preschools had a protocol that was activated if food with an allergen was accidentally given. Moreover, only 55% of preschools with children with severe -allergy reported all of their staff to have knowledge of symptoms related to anaphylaxis and only 64% were trained to respond to an anaphylactic shock. The education of preschool principals, kitchen employees and number of children in preschool were not related to having an active protocol at site. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of food allergy and intolerance was 5% in preschools in Reykjavik. Strategy for an active protocol related to food allergy was lacking in 59% of pre-schools.

[Energy and protein intake of patients at the Department of Cardiothoracic surgery, Landspítali - the National University Hospital of Iceland]. / Orku - og próteinneysla sjúklinga á hjarta- og lungnaskurddeild Landspítala.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to estimate energy and protein intake of patients at the Department of Cardiothoracic surgery, Landspítali the National University Hospital of Iceland. Another aim was also to assess their nutritional status. METHODS: The energy and protein content of meals served by the hospital's kitchen is known. Starting at least 48 hours after surgery, all left over food and drinks were weighed and recorded for three consecutive days. Energy and protein requirements were estimated according to clinical guidelines for hospital nutrition at Landspítali (25-30 kcal/kg/day and 1.2-1.5 g/kg/day, respectively). Nutritional status was estimated using a validated seven question screening sheet. RESULTS: Results are presented for 61 patients. The average energy intake was 19±5.8 kcal/kg/day. Protein intake was on average 0.9±0.3 g/kg/day. Most patients (>80%) had an energy and protein intake below the lower limit of estimated energy and protein needs, even on the fifth day after sugery. According to the nutritional assessment 14 patients (23%) were defined as either malnourished or at risk for malnutrition. This group was closer than the well-nourished group to meeting their estimated energy- and protein needs. The use of nutrition drinks was more common among malnourished patients and those at risk of malnutrition than the well-nourished patients. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the energy and protein intake of patients is below estimated requirements, even on the fifth day after surgery. Attention must be paid to malnutrition and nutrition in general in the hospital wards.

[Screening for risk factors of sudden cardiac death in young athletes]. / Skimun fyrir áhættutháttum skyndidauda íthróttamanna.

OBJECTIVE: Sudden cardiac death in young athletes is relatively uncommon and is usually caused by occult underlying cardiovascular disease. Studies have indicated that preparticipation screening may reduce the incidence of sudden death. Our aim was to study the feasibility of standardized preparticipation screening in young competitive Icelandic athletes. The prevalence of risk factors was studied in order to evaluate how often further examination is indicated and to assess possible costs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 105 randomly selected competitive athletes (70 men, 35 women) between the age 18-35 received standard screening with medical history, cardiac examination and 12 lead ECG. RESULTS: The most frequent complaints revealed by medical history were allergy, excema, asthma, dyspnea on exercise, chest pain on exercise, palpitations on exercise, dizziness and fainting on exercise. Physical examination was abnormal in 20 (19%). 12 lead ECG was distinctly abnormal in 22 (21%) and mildly abnormal in 23 (22%). Transthoracal echocardiography (TTE) was performed on 19 (18%). Of those, TTE was normal in six athletes (32%) and mildly abnormal in 13 (68%), none had abnormal findings indicating structural heart disease. CONCLUSION: Symptoms associated with cardiac disease are frequently described among young athletes. Abnormal ECG was commonly found. Further examination with echocardiography may be indicated in one of every four athletes screened.