Effects of Anatolian Propolis and Hypertonic Saline Combination Nasal Spray on Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms: A Prospective, Multicenter Study.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate how Rhinapi nasal spray affects symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Methods: In this prospective, multicenter, observational study, 10,000 patients (comprising 5028 males and 4972 females) exhibiting symptoms of allergic rhinitis (namely, nasal discharge, sneezing, nasal itching, and nasal obstruction) from different centers in different regions of Turkey were enrolled in the study between March 2022 and March 2023. All the patients wanted to participate in the study and were administered Rhinapi one puff to each nostril three times a day, for a period of 3 weeks. Total symptom scores, quality of life (QoL) scores, and otolaryngological examination scores were evaluated before and 3 weeks after treatment. Results: The scores for discharge from the nose, sneezing, nasal pruritus, and blockage of the nose all indicated improvement when compared to pre-medication and post-medication. This difference achieved statistical significance (P < .001). The mean total symptom score fell following treatment (P < .001): whilst the score was 11.09 ± 3.41 before administering Rhinapi; after administration, the average score was 6.23 ± 2.41. The mean QoL scores also altered after medication (P < .001), improving from a mean value of 6.44 ± 1.55 to a mean of 7.31 ± 1.24. Significant improvement was also noted in the scores for conchal color and degree of edema after the treatment had been administered (P < .001). Conclusion: The study demonstrates that Rhinapi nasal spray decreases total symptom scores, and results in improved QoL and otolaryngological examination scores. Propolis spray may be recommended for patients with allergic rhinitis alongside other treatments.

Self-effectiveness and healthy lifestyle behaviors in adolescents with asthma.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the self-efficacy and healthy lifestyle behavior levels in adolescents with asthma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Socio-demographic questionnaire form, questions about adherence to asthma medication, asthma control test, healthy lifestyle behaviors scale, and self-efficacy scale for children and adolescents with asthma were administered to 150 patients whom age range between 12-18, in follow up with asthma in the pediatric allergy outpatient clinic. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant relationship between healthy lifestyle behaviors scale and self-efficacy scale scores between adolescents with controlled and uncontrolled asthma. When patients were grouped regarding the treatment compliance, both healthy lifestyle behaviors scale and asthma self-efficacy scale scores were found to be higher in patients with treatment compliance. When the patients were grouped on the basis of gender, regular follow-up visits, and smoking, there was no significant difference between healthy lifestyle behaviors and self-efficacy scale scores. CONCLUSIONS: The findings showed us the importance of the relationship between healthy living and adolescent self-efficacy in adherence to treatment, while there are many more components in asthma control.

Factors affecting formula compliance of infants with IgE mediated cow's milk protein allergy during the pandemic.

Introduction: Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is the most commonly encountered food allergy in the world, usually seen in infants under the age of 2 years. This study aims to determine the factors including COVID-19 affecting formula compliance of CMPA patients. Methods: This study is a prospective, observational study based on 10 different Paediatric Allergy-Immunology clinics in Turkey. Patients aged between 6 months and 2 years, who were followed up with IgE-mediated CMPA treatment or newly diagnosed and using breast milk and/or formula were included in the study. The sociodemographic characteristics of the patients, their symptoms, the treatments they received, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on adherence to formula were evaluated with a questionnaire administered to the parents. Results: The compliance rate for formula-based treatment was 30.8% (IQR: 28.3, SD: 21.86). The number of patients with a single and multiple food allergy was 127 (51.6%) and 71 (28.9%), respectively. Breastfeeding duration, daily amount of prescribed formula and addition of sweetener to the formula were found to reduce compliance (p = 0.010, p = 0.003, and p = 0.004, respectively). However, it was determined that the patient's height, weight, age at diagnosis, and age of formula onset did not have a significant effect on compliance. Conclusion: It was found that the duration of breastfeeding, the increase in the daily amount of formula requirement, and the addition of sweeteners had adverse effects on formula compliance. There was no significant correlation between the formula adherence of CMPA patients and the pandemic.

Evaluation of the Impact of Environmental Changes on Asthma Control in Children, Access to Health Care, and Treatment Adherence in Early COVID-19 Lockdown.

OBJECTIVE: During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, lockdown measures and difficulties in accessing healthcare have impacted asthma management in children. This study aimed to determine the evaluation of the impact of environmental changes on asthma control in children, access to health care, and treatment adherence in early coronavirus disease 2019 lockdown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included children with asthma aged 6-11 years. A survey form was administered to the patients who visited the pediatric allergy outpatient clinic between June 1 and 30, 2020. The survey acquired demographic information about the children and their families as well as information about their asthma symptoms, how they reached healthcare services, and adherence. The childhood asthma control test was administered. The P values <.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: The study included a total of 123 children (female/male : 48/75) with a mean age of 8.4 ± 1.9 years. According to the mothers' self-report, it was found that 78% of the patients were not able to follow-up routinely, 19.5% were non-adherence to treatment, and 16.2% were poorly controlled asthma. It was found that, based on childhood asthma control test scores, asthma control was better during the pandemic lockdown period (P = .001). Asthma symptoms were better in 41.5% of the patients compared to the previous months and in 53.7% compared to the same period last year. CONCLUSION: Our study found that the children's asthma was controlled although most of them did not have their follow-up visits, and poorly controlled asthma was higher in older children in early coronavirus disease 2019 lockdown.

Anxiety Levels and Changes in Health and Hygiene Behaviors in Mothers of Children with Asthma in Early COVID-19 Lockdown in Turkey.

Objective: The restrictions imposed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have caused significant changes in people's lives. This study aimed to investigate anxiety levels and changes in health and hygiene behaviors in mothers of children with asthma in early COVID-19 lockdown in Turkey. Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey conducted on children with asthma, 6 to 11 years of age, between June 1 and 30, 2020, in Turkey. A sociodemographic data form, health and hygiene behavior form, childhood asthma control test, and state-trait anxiety inventory were administered to the mothers of the children. Results: The asthma group included 123 children (Female: 39.0%) and median age, interquartile range (IQR) [minimum-maximum]: 8.0 (6) [6-12] years; the control group included 88 children (Female: 47.7%) median age, IQR [minimum-maximum]: 8.0 (7) [5-12] years. Increased hygiene behaviors and high compliance with social isolation measures were recorded in the early lockdown, with no difference between the groups. Before the pandemic, the most frequently used cleaning products were general-purpose cleaners. During the early lockdown, however, the most frequently used product was disinfectants and was similar in both groups. In both groups, the rate of using nutritional supplements increased during the pandemic period, but the rate was higher in children with asthma both before and during the early lockdown (P < 0.001). The anxiety levels of the mothers in asthma and control groups were similar. Conclusion: This study is the first in Turkey demonstrating that, in mothers of children with asthma, lifestyle changes related to health and hygiene and anxiety levels are similar to those of other children and their mothers during the early lockdown period of COVID-19 pandemic.

An evaluation of the factors affecting the clinical and laboratory findings, prognosis, and treatment response in children with chronic urticaria.

Chronic urticaria (CU) is a rare disease in childhood, and studies in children are limited. In this study, the aim was to investigate the clinical and laboratory findings and demographic characteristics of children with CU and to determine the factors affecting prognosis. The study included 141 patients aged 0-18 years who were diagnosed with CU in the pediatric allergy outpatient clinic between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2018. Risk factors related to prognosis were investigated by comparing the duration of CU and treatment response with clinical and etiological features. IBM SPSS version 24 was used for statistical analyses. In the study group, the female/male ratio was 69/55, and the median age at first visit was 9.5 years (min:1, max:17). Among patients, 63 (44.5%) had an accompanying atopic disease, and 23 (16.3%) had chronic disease. Of the patients, 124 (88%) had chronic spontaneous urticaria, and 17 patients (12%) had chronic inducible urticaria (CIU). Of those with CIU, 72.2% had symptomatic dermographism, 16.7% had cholinergic urticaria, and 11.1% had cold urticaria. After the evaluations, the most common pathological findings in our patients were intestinal parasitosis (n = 14), anemia (n = 10), and urinary tract infection (n = 8). The median total duration of urticaria was 47 weeks (min:8, max:284). The duration of urticaria was longer in patients with atopy (p < 0.05), and the group that went into remission with standard-dose antihistamine was the group with highest eosinophil count (p = 0.022). In most children with CU, the underlying cause/disease cannot be determined. In our study, treatable triggers were found in some of the patients. Therefore, it is appropriate for each patient to be evaluated with selected laboratory tests after detailed history and physical examination.

Comparison of diagnostic tests for suspected cow's milk allergy in children with atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. A third of pediatric AD patients have also food allergy. Although food challenge test is gold standard test for the diagnosis of food allergies, they should be administered by experienced physicians, considering that the test is time-consuming and carries some risks. Documentation of the efficacies of specific IgE (sIgE), skin prick test (SPT), and atopy patch test (APT) are important for determining the necessity of oral food challenge tests(OFC). METHODS: Fifty-three AD patients with suspected cow's milk allergy (CMA) were included in our study. Diet-related questions were asked to the patients. Blood samples were taken for measurement of total blood count, total IgE, and milk sIgE. OFC, SPT, and APT were performed using pasteurized cow milk. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 1.4±0.8 years, and the male:female ratio was 1.12. Cow milk allergy was detected in 45.3% of the patients after OFC. A comparison between CMA(+) and CMA(-) patients revealed no significant difference in sIgE positivity (P=0.940), but there was a significant difference in SPT (P=0.000) and APT (P=0.001) positivity. When our study group was divided into immediate reaction, delayed onset reaction, and not reactive subgroups after OFC, efficacy of SPT was more prominent in immediate reaction subgroup while APT was more efficient in delayed reaction subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that using SPT test with APT test in allergic reactions with IgE and other mechanisms such as AD will increase the diagnostic yield, thereby reducing the need for OFC.

Evaluation of choroidal thickness in children with acute asthma attack by optical coherence tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the change in central choroidal thickness in children with asthma attack before and after treatment with ß2 agonists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: About 100 eyes of 50 patients (5-17 years old) with visual acuity of 20/20 who had no retinal, choroidal, and systemic comorbidity were examined by enhanced depth optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) before and after asthma attack treatment. Sixty eyes of 30 healthy children of similar age and gender were evaluated as the control group. The central choroidal thickness, peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory volume 1(FEV1), oxygen saturation, and heart rate were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 9.2 ± 3.1 years, and the mean saturation values of patients was 97.2 ± 1.3 before treatment, and it increased to 98.3 ± 0.9 after treatment with a statistically significant difference. The mean FEV1 values were 80.8 ± 15.2 before, and 92.7 ± 12.9 after the treatment and PEF values were 75.9 ± 18.6 before and 89.3 ± 18.9 after treatment. This differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001). The average choroidal thickness before the treatment were 310.4 ± 34.2 µm and decreased to 302.7 ± 34.4 µm after the treatment, this decrease was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The mean choroidal thickness of the control group was 303.0 ± 7.3 µm and compared to the pre-treatment and post-treatment values, it was more similar to the post-treatment values, although there was no statistically difference. CONCLUSION: In our study, it was shown that choroidal thickness was significantly reduced in children with asthma who received attack treatment with ß2 agonists, and it was similar to the control group after the treatment.

Tropicamide and anaphylaxis: A case report.

A 6-month-old boy was brought to the ophthalmology outpatient clinic of our hospital by his parents with the suspicion of esotropia of his left eye. He was able to follow the objects, pupillary light reactions were normal, orthophoric in primary position with corneal light reflex (Hirschberg) test, ductions and versions were normal in all gaze positions. One drop of tropicamide (1%) was instilled in both eyes of the infant for cycloplegic retinoscopy and fundus examinations. After 10 min, anaphylaxis, respiratory and circulatory failure developed. He was immediately examined by the pediatrician, and emergency code was announced. At the 5th min of treatment, he regained consciousness, his respiratory and circulatory symptoms started to improve, and blood pressure returned to normal. In this case report, we aim to point out that tropicamide may rarely lead to life-threatening complications.

The effects of maternal anxiety and attitudes on the adherence to inhaled corticosteroids in children with asthma.

OBJECTIVE: Long-term inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use in children with asthma causes serious concerns in parents, leading to treatment non-adherence. This study aimed to investigate the effect of maternal anxiety and attitudes on adherence to ICS therapy in children with asthma. METHOD: The patient group included the children with mild to moderate persistent asthma, aged 6-11 years. Healthy children in a similar age range were included as a control group. The patient group was divided into two categories (treatment adherent and non-adherent) according to the regularity of ICS use. All patients were assessed with Childhood-Asthma Control Test (C-ACT), and their mothers were assessed using Parent Attitude Research Instrument (PARI) and Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI). RESULTS: A total of 156 children (age: 7.4 ± 1.4 years, F/M: 71/85) with persistent asthma and 60 healthy children (age: 7.5 ± 1.3 years, F/M:25/35) were included in the study. The rate of adherence in children with asthma was 52.6%. Mothers of non-adherent patients had significantly higher BAI scores than those of the adherent patients and controls (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The number of mothers who indicated that they did not have enough information about asthma and treatment was also higher in the non-adherent group. PARI subtest scores were not different between the adherent and non-adherent groups. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, it was found that mothers' anxiety levels and their knowledge about asthma and medications were associated with treatment adherence in children with asthma. Psychological and educational support to the families of children with asthma would improve their treatment adherence and efficacy.

The effects of maternal anxiety and attitudes on the adherence to inhaled corticosteroids in children with asthma

Objective: Long-term inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use in children with asthma causes serious concerns in parents, leading to treatment non-adherence. This study aimed to investigate the effect of maternal anxiety and attitudes on adherence to ICS therapy in children with asthma. Method: The patient group included the children with mild to moderate persistent asthma, aged 6–11 years. Healthy children in a similar age range were included as a control group. The patient group was divided into two categories (treatment adherent and non-adherent) according to the regularity of ICS use. All patients were assessed with Childhood-Asthma Control Test (C-ACT), and their mothers were assessed using Parent Attitude Research Instrument (PARI) and Beck’s Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Results: A total of 156 children (age: 7.4 ± 1.4 years, F/M: 71/85) with persistent asthma and 60 healthy children (age: 7.5 ± 1.3 years, F/M:25/35) were included in the study. The rate of adherence in children with asthma was 52.6%. Mothers of non-adherent patients had significantly higher BAI scores than those of the adherent patients and controls (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The number of mothers who indicated that they did not have enough information about asthma and treatment was also higher in the non-adherent group. PARI subtest scores were not different between the adherent and non-adherent groups. Conclusions: In our study, it was found that mothers’ anxiety levels and their knowledge about asthma and medications were associated with treatment adherence in children with asthma. Psychological and educational support to the families of children with asthma would improve their treatment adherence and efficacy (AU)

Physicians' Approach to Anaphylaxis in Childhood.

METHODS: A questionnaire form consisting of a total of 18 questions was prepared. Six questions concerned demographic data; 7 questions inquired about physician's knowledge level about treatment of anaphylaxis. In the last part, 5 different case scenarios were given, and their diagnoses and treatments were asked. RESULTS: A total of 120 physicians participated in the study. Of the participants, 66.7% were residents. The rate of correct answer about dose of epinephrine was 57.5%. The rates of making correct diagnoses in anaphylaxis case scenarios 1, 2, and 3 were 60%, 73.3%, and 91.7%, respectively, whereas epinephrine administration rates were 54%, 67.5%, and 92.5%, respectively. When the answers of all these questions given by the residents and specialists and among physicians who updated and did not update were compared, there were no statistically significant differences except epinephrine administration rate and its route (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study suggest that physicians' knowledge levels were inadequate in making the diagnosis of anaphylaxis, and physicians use epinephrine in conditions without hypotension or an undefined possible/known allergen contact. Information about epinephrine administration was partially correct. It is currently considered to be the simplest measure to have a written anaphylaxis action plan including diagnostic criteria for anaphylaxis.

Una nueva mutación de la enfermedad de Dent en un niño de 11 años con nefrolitiasis y nefrocalcinosis / A novel mutation of Dent's disease in an 11-year-old male with nephrolithiasis and nephrocalcinosis

La enfermedad de Dent es una tubulopatía recesiva ligada al cromosoma X caracterizada por proteinuria de bajo peso molecular (bpm), hipercalciuria, nefrocalcinosis o nefrolitiasis, disfunción tubular proximal e insuficiencia renal en la adultez. Las mujeres son portadoras y, en general, padecen una forma leve de la enfermedad. La progresión hacia la insuficiencia renal en estadio terminal se da entre los 30 y los 50 años de edad en el 30-80% de los varones afectados. A falta de un tratamiento dirigido al defecto molecular, en la actualidad, los pacientes con enfermedad de Dent reciben tratamientos complementarios orientados a prevenir la nefrolitiasis y la nefrocalcinosis. El caso que presentamos es el de un niño de 11 años con nefrocalcinosis y nefrolitiasis, en quien se detectó una nueva mutación en el gen CLCN5.

Dent's disease is a rare X-linked recessive tubulopathy characterized by low molecular weight (LMW) proteinuria, hypercalciuria, nephrolcalcinosis or nephrolithiasis, proximal tubular dysfunction and renal failure in adulthood. Females are carriers and usually mildly affected. Progression to endstage renal failure are at the 3rd-5th decades of life in 30-80% of affected males. In the absence of therapy targeting for the molecular defect, the current care of patients with Dent's disease is supportive, focusing on the prevention of nephrolithiasis and nephrocalcinosis. We present an 11-year-old child with nephrocalcinosis and nephrolithiasis caused by a new mutation at CLCN5 gene.

A novel mutation of Dent's disease in an 11-year-old male with nephrolithiasis and nephrocalcinosis. / Una nueva mutación de la enfermedad de Dent en un niño de 11 años con nefrolitiasis y nefrocalcinosis.

Dent's disease is a rare X-linked recessive tubulopathy characterized by low molecular weight (LMW) proteinuria, hypercalciuria, nephrolcalcinosis or nephrolithiasis, proximal tubular dysfunction and renal failure in adulthood. Females are carriers and usually mildly affected. Progression to endstage renal failure are at the 3rd-5th decades of life in 30-80% of affected males. In the absence of therapy targeting for the molecular defect, the current care of patients with Dent's disease is supportive, focusing on the prevention of nephrolithiasis and nephrocalcinosis. We present an 11-year-old child with nephrocalcinosis and nephrolithiasis caused by a new mutation at CLCN5 gene.

La enfermedad de Dent es una tubulopatía recesiva ligada al cromosoma X caracterizada por proteinuria de bajo peso molecular (bpm), hipercalciuria, nefrocalcinosis o nefrolitiasis, disfunción tubular proximal e insuficiencia renal en la adultez. Las mujeres son portadoras y, en general, padecen una forma leve de la enfermedad. La progresión hacia la insuficiencia renal en estadio terminal se da entre los 30 y los 50 años de edad en el 30-80% de los varones afectados. A falta de un tratamiento dirigido al defecto molecular, en la actualidad, los pacientes con enfermedad de Dent reciben tratamientos complementarios orientados a prevenir la nefrolitiasis y la nefrocalcinosis. El caso que presentamos es el de un niño de 11 años con nefrocalcinosis y nefrolitiasis, en quien se detectó una nueva mutación en el gen CLCN5.

Administración satisfactoria de la vacuna triple viral mediante una prueba de provocación gradual en una paciente con anafilaxia después de una vacunación previa / Successful administration of measles-rubella-mumps vaccine by graded challenge in a case with anaphylaxis after prior vaccination

La alergia al huevo es una de las alergias alimentarias más frecuentes durante la niñez, junto con la alergia a la leche de vaca. La vacuna triple viral (VTV), contra el sarampión, la rubéola y las paperas, es parte del calendario de vacunación pediátrica y contiene proteína de huevo. La recomendación aceptada en la actualidad es que la VTV debe administrarse en una sola dosis y bajo supervisión médica en los pacientes con alergia al huevo. Si bien se ha informado que la VTV es segura para estos pacientes, algunos tuvieron anafilaxia. En general, la anafilaxia después de una vacunación previa se considera una contraindicación. En este artículo, presentamos el caso de la administración satisfactoria de la VTV mediante el incremento gradual de la dosis a una paciente que tuvo anafilaxia después de una vacunación previa.

Egg allergy is one of the most common food allergies during childhood along with cow's milk allergy. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is included in the pediatric immunization schedule and contains egg protein. The currently accepted opinion is that the MMR vaccination should be done in a single dose under medical observation in patients with egg allergy. Although it is reported that the MMR vaccine is safe for that patients, there are some patients who developed anaphylaxis. Generally, the development of anaphylaxis after the previous vaccination is reported as a contraindication. We present a successful administration of MMR vaccine by gradually increased doses for a patient who developed anaphylaxis after the previous vaccination.

Successful administration of measles-rubella-mumps vaccine by graded challenge in a case with anaphylaxis after prior vaccination. / Administración satisfactoria de la vacuna triple viral mediante una prueba de provocación gradual en una paciente con anafilaxia después de una vacunación previa.

Egg allergy is one of the most common food allergies during childhood along with cow's milk allergy. The measles-mumpsrubella (MMR) vaccine is included in the pediatric immunization schedule and contains egg protein. The currently accepted opinion is that the MMR vaccination should be done in a single dose under medical observation in patients with egg allergy. Although it is reported that the MMR vaccine is safe for that patients, there are some patients who developed anaphylaxis. Generally, the development of anaphylaxis after the previous vaccination is reported as a contraindication. We present a successful administration of MMR vaccine by gradually increased doses for a patient who developed anaphylaxis after the previous vaccination.

La alergia al huevo es una de las alergias alimentarias más frecuentes durante la niñez, junto con la alergia a la leche de vaca. La vacuna triple viral (VTV), contra el sarampión, la rubéola y las paperas, es parte del calendario de vacunación pediátrica y contiene proteína de huevo. La recomendación aceptada en la actualidad es que la VTV debe administrarse en una sola dosis y bajo supervisión médica en los pacientes con alergia al huevo. Si bien se ha informado que la VTV es segura para estos pacientes, algunos tuvieron anafilaxia. En general, la anafilaxia después de una vacunación previa se considera una contraindicación. En este artículo, presentamos el caso de la administración satisfactoria de la VTV mediante el incremento gradual de la dosis a una paciente que tuvo anafilaxia después de una vacunación previa.

Ghrelin levels are decreased in non-obese prepubertal children born large for gestational age.

BACKGROUND: Ghrelin is the natural ligand of GH secretagogue receptor. It has several metabolic functions including regulation of food intake, energy homeostasis, and body weight. An inverse relationship between fasting plasma ghrelin and insulin concentrations has been shown. Being born large for gestational age (LGA) has an increased risk of developing insulin resistance. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate ghrelin levels in LGA born children who have no obesity at prepubertal ages and the effect of intrauterine and postnatal growth on ghrelin levels. Patients and methods Thirty-two (17F, 15M) LGA born non-obese children (mean (+/-s.e.m.) age 4.4+/-0.3 years) were evaluated with respect to glucose, insulin, and ghrelin levels. Their data were compared with that of non-obese 45 (19F, 26M) appropriate for gestational age (AGA) children (mean (+/-s.e.m.) age 4.0+/-0.1 years). RESULTS: LGA children, who had similar age and body mass index (BMI) standard deviation score (SDS) as AGA children, had significantly higher insulin (P=0.044) and at a borderline significance higher homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance levels (P=0.054) than AGA children. Ghrelin level was significantly lower in LGA born than AGA born children (P=0.001) even after controlling for age, sex, and BMI (P=0.006). There were no differences between genders in insulin and ghrelin levels. Multivariate analysis revealed that birth weight was the only significant parameter influencing ghrelin levels (R(2)=0.13, B=-0.007, P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: LGA born non-obese prepubertal children have lower ghrelin levels when compared with age and BMI matched AGA children. Birth weight seems to have the only significant effect on the reduced ghrelin levels.

Adiponectin is an indicator of insulin resistance in non-obese prepubertal children born large for gestational age (LGA) and is affected by birth weight.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Being born as large for gestational age (LGA) has an increased risk of developing insulin resistance. Hypoadiponectinaemia is associated with insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate adiponectin levels and insulin resistance in association with body composition in LGA born non-obese children at prepubertal ages. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-five (17 female and 18 male) LGA born non-obese children (mean age 4.8 +/- 0.3 years) were evaluated with respect to glucose, insulin, IGFBP-1, leptin, adiponectin levels and body composition by DEXA. Their data were compared to that of non-obese 49 (20 female, 29 male) appropriate for gestational age (AGA) children (mean age 3.8 +/- 0.1 year). RESULTS: LGA children, who had similar body mass index standard deviation scores (BMI SDS) as AGA children, had significantly higher insulin (P = 0.043) and statistically borderline significant homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels (P = 0.054) than those of AGA children. Adiponectin levels were significantly lower in LGA than AGA children (P = 0.004) even after controlling for age, sex and BMI (P = 0.016). IGFBP-1, leptin levels and body composition did not show a difference. When the LGA group was divided into subgroups according to birth weight, the analysis revealed that after controlling for BMI, being an LGA and having a higher birth weight in the upper half were associated with lower adiponectin levels (estimated marginal means of logarithmic adiponectin levels 2.6 +/- 0.2 vs. 2.1 +/- 0.2 microg/ml, P = 0.042). CONCLUSION: LGA children have higher insulin and lower adiponectin levels than AGA children in spite of similar BMI. Adiponectin is a better indicator of insulin resistance in LGA children at prepubertal ages and is affected by birth weight.

Elevated ghrelin levels in preterm born children during prepubertal ages and relationship with catch-up growth.

BACKGROUND: Ghrelin, the natural ligand of the GH secretagogue receptor, has potent orexigenic effect. Ghrelin levels are negatively associated with insulin secretion, increased in anorexia, and reduced in obesity. Increased ghrelin levels may be associated with early postnatal growth in preterm born children. OBJECTIVE: Aim of this study was to evaluate ghrelin and insulin levels at prepubertal ages in preterm born children born appropriate for gestational age (AGA) or small for gestational age (SGA) and relationships with catch-up growth (CUG) in a prospective cross-sectional study. METHODS: Eighty-four preterm born children grouped as preterm SGA (n=28) and preterm AGA (n=56) were evaluated at age 4.7+/-0.2 and 4.7+/-0.1 years with respect to their ghrelin and insulin levels. Their data were compared with that of body mass index matched term SGA (n=35) and term AGA (n=44) children of age 4.6+/-0.2 and 3.8+/-0.1 years. All children had height appropriate for their target height. CUG was defined as the difference between birth size and recent size and expressed as Delta height and Delta weight SDS. RESULTS: Preterm SGA and preterm AGA children had similar ghrelin levels (1717.0+/-166.9 and 1656.5+/-103.8 pg/ml), although Delta height and Delta weight SDS in preterm SGA were significantly higher than in preterm AGA children (P<0.001). Ghrelin levels in both preterm groups were higher than term SGA (469.2+/-132.5 pg/ml) and term AGA children (659.6+/-143.3 pg/ml; P<0.001 for all). Delta Height and Delta weight SDS of the term SGA children were similar to that of preterm SGA children. Ghrelin did not have correlation with CUG but had inverse correlation with recent anthropometric indices. Insulin was significantly higher in term SGA children than other groups (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Preterm children have higher ghrelin levels at prepubertal ages regardless of the magnitude of their CUG. Term SGA children, on the other hand, behave differently and have lower ghrelin levels than preterm children at prepubertal ages, which may be related to elevated insulin levels in this group.

Insulin resistance and body composition in preterm born children during prepubertal ages.

BACKGROUND: Premature born children may show insulin resistance in childhood which may be due to intrauterine or postnatal adverse environmental factors. OBJECTIVE: Aim of this study was to evaluate insulin resistance and body composition in preterm born children born appropriate for gestational age (AGA) or small for gestational age (SGA) and relations with IGF-I, IGFBP-3 axis. METHODS: Ninety-three preterm born children grouped as premature SGA (n = 30) and premature AGA (n = 63) were evaluated at age 4.6 +/- 0.2 years and 4.7 +/- 0.1 years with respect to their glucose, insulin, IGF-I, IGFBP-3, IGFBP-1, leptin levels and body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Their data were compared to that of body mass index (BMI) matched term SGA (n = 42) and term AGA (n = 44) children of age 4.5 +/- 0.2 and 3.8 +/- 0.1 years. All children had height appropriate for their target height. Insulin resistance was evaluated by basal insulin and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). RESULTS: Basal insulin level was similar in preterm AGA (4.3 +/- 1.4 pmol/l) and term AGA (7.9 +/- 6.4 pmol/l) children at similar and normal BMI levels. Preterm SGA children had insulin levels (5.0 +/- 3.6 pmol/l) similar to preterm AGA children but significantly lower than that in term SGA children (23.7 +/- 20.8 pmol/l) (P = 0.001). Similar results were obtained for HOMA-IR. Term SGA children had also significantly lower IGFBP-1 levels. Body composition, leptin and IGFBP-3 did not differ between the respective groups. IGF-I was lower in preterm AGA (5.0 +/- 0.6 nmol/l) than in term AGA (8.3 +/- 1.2 nmol/l) (P < 0.001) children. CONCLUSIONS: Premature born AGA and SGA children do not have insulin resistance when compared to term children if they have made a catch-up growth appropriate for their target height and have normal BMI. The similar insulin levels in preterm SGA and preterm AGA children together with increased insulin levels in term SGA children points to the fact that it is the intrauterine restriction in the third trimester that has an adverse effect on future adverse metabolic outcome.