Iron parameters, pro-hepcidin and soluble transferrin receptor levels in obese children.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency is common in obese children although the underlying mechanism is unclear. Several studies have investigated the relation between iron deficiency and obesity, but studies focusing on children are rare. The aim of this paper is to investigate the associations between iron parameters, pro-hepcidin and soluble transferrin receptor levels in obese children. METHODS: A total of 110 children aged from 6 to 16, 50 with primary obesity and 60 healthy children and adolescents, were enrolled. Complete blood count, serum iron levels, iron binding capacity, ferritin levels, soluble transferrin receptor, and pro-hepcidin levels were studied. RESULTS: Serum iron and transferrin saturation index levels were significantly low, red cell distribution width and ferritin levels were significantly high in obese children compared to control group. No association between soluble transferrin receptor, pro-hepcidin and iron parameters was detected. A positive correlation between ferritin and pro-hepcidin levels was defined. CONCLUSIONS: Obese children and adolescents were at greater risk for iron deficiency. It should be considered in the diet recommendations.

Oxidative stress markers, trace elements, and endocrine disrupting chemicals in children with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

In this study, we aimed to investigate whether bisphenol A (BPA) and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) exposure have any association with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and its biomarkers and to determine whether oxidative stress biomarkers and trace element levels showed any alterations in children with HT. We found that superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities are lower in HT group from control (24% and 46%, respectively, p < 0.05). Zinc levels were significantly lower in HT group vs. control. In addition, the levels of mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) which is the primary metabolite for DEHP, were markedly higher in HT group compared to control (p < 0.05). A negative correlation was observed between urinary BPA levels and fT4. In children with HT, oxidant/antioxidant balance is changed and these differences may be related by EDC exposure, the importance of which should be elucidated with further studies.

The evaluation of possible role of endocrine disruptors in central and peripheral precocious puberty.

Exposure to environmental chemicals can affect genetic and epigenetic molecular pathways and may cause altered growth and development. Among those exposures, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are of particular concern as humans are abundantly exposed to these chemicals by various means in every period of life. Several well-known environmental chemicals, including phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), are classified as EDCs. These EDCs are suggested to play roles in early onset of puberty in girls. The aim of this study is to determine plasma phthalate (di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate [DEHP] and its main metabolite mono(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate [MEHP]) and urinary BPA levels in girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty (CPP) and peripheral precocious puberty (PPP). This study was performed on newly diagnosed idiopathic central precocious puberty (CPP) patients (n = 42) and peripheral precocious puberty (PPP) (n = 42) patients, who were admitted to Keçiören Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of Pediatric Endocrinology between August 2012 and -July 2013. Nonobese healthy girls (n = 50) were used as the control group. Urinary BPA levels were not statistically different in control, PPP and CPP groups (medians 10.91, 10.63 and 10.15 µg/g creatinine, respectively; p > 0.05). Plasma DEHP levels were significantly higher in PPP group when compared to control. Plasma MEHP levels were not significantly different in control and PPP groups (p > 0.05). However, in CPP group, both plasma DEHP and MEHP levels were significantly higher than control and PPP groups. This study showed that phthalates might play a role in the occurence of CPP in girls.

Changes in growth pattern, leptin ghrelin and neuropeptide Y levels after adenotonsillectomy in prepubertal children.

AIM: The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate whether surgical treatment of adenotonsillar hypertrophy has an effect on growth patterns and circulating concentrations of leptin, ghrelin and neuropeptide Y, which are all significant in energy balance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 20 children who underwent tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy due to chronic adenotonsillar hypertrophy. The ages ranged from 4.3 to 9.2 years with normal weight. The healthy control subjects consisted of 30 age- and sex-matched children (control group) with ages between 3.2 and 8.1 years. Serum levels of leptin ghrelin and neuropeptide Y were measured in the preoperative period and at the end of the postoperative period, which was 6 months in the study group, serum levels were only measured during the first examination in the control group. RESULTS: When the study group (preoperative) is compared with the control group, it is observed that the leptin and ghrelin levels were higher in the study group and that the neuropeptide Y levels were similar (p=0.01, p=0.005, p=0.19, respectively). When the preoperative and postoperative anthropometric data were compared, it was observed that weight, height, body mass index (BMI) and BMI-standard deviation score (SDS) values increased in the 6th month postoperatively (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.01, p=0.03, respectively). However, the leptin, ghrelin and neuropeptide Y levels were similar (p=0.70, p=0.12, p=0.60, respectively). CONCLUSION: Following adenotonsillectomy, an increase in weight and height occurred in the children. In the postoperative period, dietary and lifestyle suggestions as well as growth monitoring might be useful.

Assessment of ventricular functions by tissue Doppler echocardiography in children with asthma.

Patients with asthma develop pulmonary hypertension due to recurrent hypoxia and chronic inflammation, leading to right heart enlargement with ventricular hypertrophy. Patients with severe asthma can experience cor pulmonale later in life, but little is known about ventricular function during the early stages of the disease. This study aimed to investigate ventricular functions in asymptomatic children with asthma as detected by conventional echocardiography and tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE). Fifty-one pediatric patients (mean age 10.4 ± 2.2 years) with asthma and 46 age- and sex-matched healthy children (mean age 10.9 ± 2.4 years) were studied. All subjects were examined by conventional echocardiography and TDE, and they had pulmonary function tests on spirometry. The right-ventricular (RV) wall was statistically (p = 0.01) thicker among asthmatic patients (4.7 ± 1.5 mm) compared with healthy children (3.6 ± 0.4 mm). However, conventional pulsed-Doppler indices of both ventricles did not differ significantly between asthmatic patients and healthy children (p > 0.05). The results of TDE examining RV diastolic function showed that annular peak velocity during early diastole (E'), annular peak velocity during late diastole (A') (16.4 ± 1.8 and 5.1 ± 1.4 cm/s, respectively), E'/A' ratio (3.2 ± 0.7), isovolumetric relaxation time (67.7 ± 10.2 ms) and myocardial performance index (48.1 % ± 7.0 %) of the lateral tricuspid annulus among asthmatic patients differed significantly (p = 0.01) from those of healthy children (13.2 ± 2.3, 8.2 ± 2.0 cm/s, 1.6 ± 0.5, 46.2 ± 8.7 ms, and 42.0 % ± 5.7 %, respectively). Only peak expiratory flow (PEF) rate from the pulmonary function tests was negatively correlated with the E'/A' ratio of the tricuspid annulus (r = -0.38, p = 0.01). This study showed that although the findings of clinical and conventional echocardiography were apparently normal in children with asthma, TDE showed subclinical dysfunction of the right ventricle, which is negatively correlated with PEF. These findings signify the diagnostic value of TDE in the early detection and monitoring of such deleterious effects among asthmatic patients.

The relationship between serum phosphate levels with childhood obesity and insulin resistance.

AIM: To investigate the relationship between serum phosphate levels with obesity and insulin resistance in childhood. METHODS: A total of 298 children and adolescents (190 obese subjects and 108 controls) were included in the study. Serum glucose, insulin, phosphate, calcium and alkaline phosphatase levels were measured after 12 h fasting at 08:00-08:30 h. We assessed insulin sensitivity by using the HOMA-IR (homeostasis model of insulin resistance) index as a surrogate marker of insulin resistance. RESULTS: Serum levels of phosphate were significantly lower in the 6- to 12-year-old obese subjects than controls (p = 0.02, p < 0.05). At the same time, there was a moderate negative correlation between serum phosphate levels and the HOMA-IR index in the 6- to 12-year-old IR (-) obese children (r = -0.26, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Low serum phosphate levels could contribute to the development of insulin resistance in 6- to 12-year-old obese children.

Homozygosity for two missense mutations in the leptin receptor gene (P316:W646C) in a Turkmenian girl with severe early-onset obesity.

Leptin receptor gene mutations are a very rare cause of severe early-onset obesity. They are also associated with lack of pubertal development and intense hyperphagia. Presented here is a case of a 6-year-old Turkmenian girl with monogenic obesity due to a congenital deficiency of the leptin receptor. She was born from a consanguineous marriage of second cousins after 40 gestational weeks following an uncomplicated pregnancy. Her birth weight was 3500 g. However, rapid weight gain was observed after 6 months. On presentation she was 130 cm tall [> 97th percentile; standard deviation score (SDS): +2], with a weight of 90 kg (> 97th percentile; SDS: +5.3) and a body mass index (BMI) of 53.2 kg/m2 (SDS: +3.6). Results of genetic evaluation revealed the patient to be homozygous for two missense mutations in the leptin receptor gene (P316T;W646C) resulting in complete loss of leptin receptor function. Both parents were heterozygous for the same pair of missence mutations.

The relationship between serum magnesium levels with childhood obesity and insulin resistance: a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Magnesium, the second most abundant intracellular cation, plays a major role in regulating insulin effect and insulin mediated glucose uptake. It has been shown that serum magnesium levels were negatively correlated with HOMA-IR (homeostasis model of insulin resistance) index. AIM: To investigate the relationship between serum magnesium levels with obesity and insulin resistance in childhood. METHODS: Two hundred and three children and adolescents (117 obese children and 86 controls) were included. Obese cases were also subgrouped according to the presence or absence of insulin resistance (IR) as "IR (+) obese" and "IR (-) obese", respectively. Serum glucose, insulin and magnesium levels were measured after a 12-h fasting at 8-8.30 a.m. We assessed insulin sensitivity by using HOMA-IR index as a surrogate marker of insulin resistance. RESULTS: Serum levels of magnesium were significantly lower in the IR (+) obese group than controls (p = 0.014). At the same time, there was a positive correlation between serum magnesium levels and body mass index-standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) (r = -0.28, p = 0.03) in the IR (-) obese group. CONCLUSIONS: Low serum magnesium levels may contribute to the development of insulin resistance in obese children.

Effects of using montelukast during acute wheezing attack in hospitalized preschool children on the discharge rate and the clinical asthma score.

BACKGROUND: In chronic asthma treatment, leukotriene receptor antagonists have been recommended, but it is not clear whether montelukast can be used in acute recurrent wheezing attacks in children. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and effectiveness of oral montelukast in addition to standard treatment in hospitalized children aged between 6 and 72 months with acute recurrent wheezing attacks. METHOD: One hundred patients aged between 6 and 72 months who had wheezing attacks with clinical asthma scores (CAS) ≥3 and were hospitalized were included in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial. All the patients included in the study were given 0.15 mg/kg (maximum 5 mg) nebulized salbutamol (8 L/min and with 100% O2 ) with 4 h of intervals, 1 mg/kg prednisolone (maximum 5 days), nebulized ipratropium bromide (total eight doses) with 6 h of intervals. In addition to this treatment, one group received 4 mg montelukast, and the other group received a placebo. The CAS of the patients were evaluated with 4-h intervals. RESULTS: Total hospital length of stay (LOS) was not different between the montelukast and placebo groups (p = 0.981). There was no statistically significant difference between the two treatment groups in terms of discharge time, CAS, and oxygen saturation (p ≥ 0.05). CONCLUSION: Adding montelukast to standard treatment in patients hospitalized for moderate-to-severe wheezing attacks did not affect hospital LOS and CAS.

Serum thyroid hormone levels in preterm infants born before 33 weeks of gestation and association of transient hypothyroxinemia with postnatal characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Fetal thyroid function and the hypothalamopituitary-thyroid axis continue to mature throughout pregnancy. Therefore, thyroid hormone levels of premature infants differ from those of mature ones. Our primary objective was to evaluate the reference values of serum thyroid hormones in preterm infants born before 33 wk gestation. The second objective was to define a cut-off value for transient hypothyroxinemia of prematurity (THOP) according to gestational age and association of THOP with postnatal characteristics in these infants. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We recruited a cohort of 200 infants (26-32 wk gestation) admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICU) between March 2008 and February 2009. We assessed serum levels of thyroid hormones and thyrotropin (TSH), at 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-4th wk of life. Thyroid-binding globulin (TBG), thyroglobulin (Tg), and urinary iodine values were also measured at the 1st wk of life. The infants were divided into two groups according to gestational ages; group 1: 26-29 wk and group 2: 30-32 wk. Association of THOP with postnatal characteristics of these infants were evaluated. RESULTS: TT4 and TT3 values steadily increased from 1st wk to 3rd-4th wk while FT4 value did not significantly changed. FT3 value slightly decreased from 1st wk to 2nd wk and not significantly changed after this period. TSH value steadily decreased from 1st wk to 3rd-4th wk. For all postnatal ages, TT4, TT3, and FT3 values were lower in the lower gestational age group, while there was no significant difference for FT4 and TSH values between two gestational age groups. THOP rate decreased from first wk (24.0%, n=47) to 3rd-4th (14.0%, n=24) in all infants. When adjusted for age, THOP was associated with need for mechanical ventilation (P=0.03, OR:0.65, CI 95% 0.4-0.9) and for having respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (P=0.02, OR:0.61 CI95%: 0.4-0.9). Longer hospital stay (P=0.006, OR:0.96, CI 95% 0.94-0.99) was also found to be associated with THOP. CONCLUSIONS: In preterm infants below 30 wk, thyroid hormones were lower and urinary iodine values were higher compared to infants with older gestational age. THOP at the first wk of life may convey important prognostic information about neonatal morbidity and length of hospitalization stay.

Lipoprotein(a) levels in girls with premature adrenarche.

AIM: Elevated lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) level is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have higher Lp(a) and risk for CVD than controls. The girls with premature adrenarche (PA) were shown to share similar hormonal/metabolic properties with PCOS. We compared Lp(a) levels in PA, with healthy and PCOS girls. METHODS: In total, 25 PA, 20 controls and 10 girls with PCOS were evaluated. Lp(a), lipid profiles and insulin, glucose, free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and androstenedione levels were measured. A family history about CVD was obtained. RESULTS: The mean age of girls with PA, at time of the study, was 10.04 +/- 1.53, control 9.83 +/- 1.58 and PCOS was 16.58 +/- 1.46 years. The median (range) of Lp(a) levels were 22.5 (3.50-99.90), 9.6 (3.33-32.40) and 21.2 (5.89-85.65) mg/dL in PA, control and PCOS groups, respectively (P > 0.05). The median Lp(a)'s were 14.5 (3.50-87.00) and 24.30 (6.20-99.90) mg/dL, in prepubertal (Tanner 1) and pubertal PA girls (Tanner 2-5), respectively (P > 0.05). The median Lp(a) of prepubertal peers was 8.7 (3.33-21.17), while that of pubertal ones was 15.4 (4.72-32.40) mg/dL (P > 0.05). There was no difference between Lp(a) levels of pre-pubertal PA girls and their peers; however, significant difference was found in Lp(a) levels in pubertal stages of PA and healthy peers (P < 0.05). The positive family history of CVD was 60% in PA; 55% and 80% in the control and PCOS groups, respectively, with no statistical difference. Lp(a) level was correlated with DHEAS (r = 0.386, P = 0.008) and free testosterone (r = 0.337, P = 0.022) levels positively. There was no significant correlation between Lp(a) and body mass index, fasting insulin and fasting glucose/insulin ratio. CONCLUSIONS: Lipoprotein(a) levels in pubertal girls with PA differ significantly from healthy peers. However, to clarify whether the girls with PA have an additional risk for CVD with respect to Lp(a), further follow-up studies with larger number of patients are necessary.

Cyclic pamidronate therapy in children with osteogenesis imperfecta: results of treatment and follow-up after discontinuation.

BACKGROUND: Cyclic intravenous pamidronate treatment is widely used for symptomatic therapy of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). However, data after discontinuation are very limited. AIM: The results of cyclical pamidronate treatment in 14 patients with moderate/severe OI and follow up of six of them after discontinuation are presented to assess the effects of pamidronate and its discontinuation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Pamidronate was administered at a dosage of 0.5 mg/kg for 3 successive days every 2 months in 14 patients with OI aged 5.10 +/- 3.68 years. Treatment was stopped in six patients after a duration of 16.33 +/- 4.63 months, due to stable bone mineral density (BMD) values and/or no fracture in the last 6 months, or due to family demand. The main outcome measures were areal BMD (aBMD) of the lumbar spine, biochemical markers of bone metabolism, fracture rate, and clinical evaluation. RESULTS: Areal BMD and aBMD z-scores showed significant improvement during the treatment period. Both serum and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase values were significantly decreased. Fracture rate reduced significantly from 3.5 +/- 1.01 to 0.83 +/- 0.77 fractures/year. Bone pain, which was severe in five patients, disappeared just after the first cycle, and the activity and mobility of patients increased. aBMD and aBMD z-scores were decreased 1.5 years after discontinuation, although not statistically significant. Annual fracture rate increased significantly. Bone pain recurred in four patients. Pamidronate treatment was reinstituted in five of these patients at the end of 1.5 years. CONCLUSION: Cyclical pamidronate treatment is very effective in children with moderate/severe OI. This treatment should be started early enough before the occurrence of irreversible deformities and must be given for a longer time during the growth period.

TNF-alpha levels in children with growth hormone deficiency and the effect of long-term growth hormone replacement therapy.

OBJECTIVE: Growth hormone (GH) has been suggested to modulate the release of some cytokines including TNF-alpha. To investigate TNF-alpha levels in children with GH deficiency (GHD), to evaluate alteration in TNF-alpha levels during recombinant human GH (rhGH) treatment, and to analyze possible correlations between TNF-alpha and GH, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3. DESIGN: Twenty-four children, aged 12.60+/-2.27 years, with isolated GHD and given rhGH therapy, as subcutaneous ingestion of 0.03-0.04mg/kg once-daily dose, were evaluated. Eleven had complete and 13 had partial GHD. Thirty-three healthy children were studied as controls. Age and sex distribution, body mass indexes of two groups were similar. In children with GHD, blood samples were drawn before (TNF-alpha0), and at 6 (TNF-alpha6) and 12 (TNF-alpha12) months of the treatment with rhGH. TNF-alpha was determined using a human TNF-alpha ELISA assay (Biosource International). RESULTS: TNF-alpha0 levels were significantly higher in children with GHD than in controls (41.79+/-25.04 and 8.63+/-4.48pg/ml, respectively, p<0.001) and decreased significantly during rhGH treatment (TNF-alpha0=41.79+/-25.04, TNF-alpha6=13.67+/-9.95, TNF-alpha12=10.86+/-6.61pg/ml, p<0.05). There was no correlation between TNF-alpha levels and BMI, IGF-1/logIGF1, IGFBP-3 levels and growth velocity of the patients with GHD. Although no correlation between TNF-alpha and peak GH levels after stimulation was present; a moderate reverse correlation between TNF-alpha and basal serum concentrations of GH (r=-0.512, p=0.046) was demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: TNF-alpha levels are significantly higher in children with GHD than the controls, and long-term therapy with rhGH effectively reduces its level. Our data suggest that GH plays an inhibitory role on TNF-alpha release in humans. However, due to inconsistent results up to now, further prospective, controlled and long term studies are needed to elucidate the issue.

Budesonide reduces hospital admission rates in preschool children with acute wheezing.

BACKGROUND: The object of this study was to determine whether high doses of inhaled budesonide provide additional benefits to a standardized treatment regimen that includes systemic steroids and salbutamol in preschool patients presented to the emergency department (ED) with acute wheezing attacks. Methods This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group trial was conducted in children, 6 months-6 years with moderate or severe acute wheezing epizode, as determined based on a pulmonary index score (PIS) of 7-13 points. We compared the addition of budesonide 3 mg versus placebo to standard acute asthma treatment, which included salbutamol and a single 1 mg/kg dose of methylprednisolone given at the beginning of therapy. The primary outcome was differences in hospitalization rates within 4 hr. Secondary outcome was difference in median PIS between treatment groups at 2 hr. Results One hundred patients were enrolled. Cumulative hospitalization rate at 120, 180, and 240 min were 0.72, 0.62, and 0.58 in placebo group; and 0.44, 0.30, and 0.24 in budesonide group. Discharged rate in budesonide group was significantly higher than the placebo group (log-rank = 12.407 ve P < 0.001). Expected mean discharged times were 200.4 (95%CI = 185.3-215.5) min in placebo group and 164.4 (95%CI = 149.4-179.4) min in budesonide group. Median (25-75%) PIS at the 120th min was significantly lower in budesonide group than the placebo group (5 [4-8] vs. 8 [5-9] respectively, P = 0.006). Conclusions The addition of budesonide nebulization may decrease the admission rate of preschool children who have moderate to severe acute wheezing epizodes. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:720-728. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effects of 25 hydroxy vitamin D levels on the severity and asthma control in school age asthma patients. / Efectos de la concentración de 25-hidroxi vitamina D sobre la gravedad y el control del asma en pacientes asmáticos en edad escolar.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to determine vitamin D levels in patients between the ages 6 and 18 years, followed for asthma, and the relation between vitamin D levels and asthma control and severity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with asthma and healthy volunteers between the ages 6 and 18 years were enrolled into the study as patient and control groups, respectively. Patient demographic information and clinical findings were recorded; a respiratory function test was performed. Body mass index (BMI), 25(OH) D,calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, total IgE and eosinophil levels were determined for all patients. Asthma severity and control conditions were established based on GINA (Global Initiative for Asthma) criteria. RESULTS: Seventy two patients with asthma and 66 healthy children were included. Compared to the control group, decreased serum vitamin D levels were detected in patient group. Thirty eight (52.8%) patients in asthma patient group had vitamin D defficiency; in this group, asthma control was poor and asthma severity was significantly higher. No significant correlation was found between vitamin D levels and gender, obesity, respiratory functions, skin test, serum eosinophil and total IgE levels. CONCLUSION: The frequency of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was higher in children with asthma, compared to the controls. Lower levels of vitamin D are associated with poor asthma control and increased asthma severity.

OBJETIVO: Determinar la concentración de vitamina D en pacientes de entre 6 y 18 años de edad sometidos a un seguimiento por asma y la relación entre la concentración de vitamina D y el control y la gravedad del asma. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se inscribió en el estudio a pacientes con asma y voluntarios sanos de entre 6 y 18 años de edad, asignados al grupo de pacientes y al grupo de referencia, respectivamente. Se registraron las características demográficas y los hallazgos clínicos de los pacientes, y se les realizó una prueba funcional respiratoria. Se estimaron el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y la concentración de 25-hidroxi vitamina D (25(OH)D), calcio, fósforo, fosfatasa alcalina, inmunoglobulina E total y eosinófilos de todos los pacientes. La gravedad del asma y las condiciones de control se determinaron según los criterios de la Iniciativa Global para el Asma (Global Initiative for Asthma, GINA). RESULTADOS: Se incluyó a 72 pacientes con asma y a 66 niños sanos. En comparación con el grupo de referencia, en el grupo de pacientes se detectó una menor concentración de vitamina D. En 38 (52,8%) niños del grupo de pacientes con asma se observó deficiencia de vitamina D; en este grupo, el control del asma era deficiente y la gravedad, significativamente mayor. No se observó una correlación significativa entre la concentración de vitamina D y el sexo, la obesidad, las pruebas funcionales respiratorias, las pruebas cutáneas, la concentración sérica de eosinófilos e inmunoglobulina E (IgE) total. CONCLUSIÓN: La deficiencia y la insuficiencia de vitamina D fueron más frecuentes en los niños con asma, en comparación con los niños del grupo de referencia. Una menor concentración de vitamina D se asocia con un control deficiente del asma y una mayor gravedad de esta.

Choroidal Thickness in Childhood Obesity.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of obesity on choroidal thickness (CT) in childhood. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-four patients with obesity (study group) and 42 healthy children (control group) were enrolled in the study. Subjects underwent a complete ocular examination. The mean CT was measured by enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. RESULTS: Mean BMI value was 31.8 ± 1.9 in the study group and 19.8 ± 4.4 in the control group. The mean subfoveal CT value 385.77 µm ± 6.09 µm in the study group and 348.43 µm ± 73.21 µm in the control group. There was a significant difference between the study and control groups with regard to subfoveal CT (P = .017). Subfoveal CT and BMI were positively correlated (r = 0.288; P = .004). CONCLUSIONS: CT increases in childhood obesity. Findings revealed that adiposity causes a significant increase in CT, and it may be related to ocular complications. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2017;48:10-17.].

Use of bisphosphonates for resistant hypercalcemia in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: report of two cases and review of the literature.

Hypercalcemia is a rare complication of malignancy in children. We present two children, one of whom is the youngest reported, with CALLA+ B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who developed hypercalcemia at the time of diagnosis and were treated with relatively low-dose (0.5 mg/kg) intravenous pamidronate successive to conventional therapy. No major side effects were encountered except transient hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia, which were easily managed by replacement therapy. Bisphosphonate therapy was found to be beneficial for the treatment of resistant hypercalcemia associated with ALL, even at relatively low doses.

Cholestatic hepatitis as a result of severe cortisol deficiency in early infancy: report of two cases and review of literature.

Cholestatic hepatitis is identified as one of the features of hypopituitarism in the newborn, but the exact etiology of cholestasis in these cases has not been well established yet. We report here two infants, one with isolated glucocorticoid deficiency and the other with multiple pituitary hormone deficiency, indicating primary and central adrenal insufficiency, respectively, who presented with recurrent hypoglycemic seizures and cholestatic hepatitis. Severe cortisol deficiency in these cases was suggested to be the cause of cholestatic hepatitis. Review of the literature and our cases showed that the cortisol deficiency in both primary and central adrenal insufficiency occurring only during neonatal and early infancy period cause cholestatic hepatitis. The severity and the age of onset of cortisol deficiency are suggested to be the important predictors of cholestatic hepatitis in childhood.

The effects of type 1 diabetes mellitus on cardiac functions in children: evaluation by conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have pointed out the existence of cardiac dysfunction in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) even in the absence of ischemic, valvular, or hypertensive heart disease. The present study evaluated cardiac dysfunction and the relationship between severity of disease and degree of cardiac dysfunction in children with type 1 DM. METHODS: In this prospective study, 31 patients with type 1 DM and 33 sex- and age-matched healthy children were evaluated with conventional echocardiography and tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE). A correlation between cardiac functions and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) was examined. RESULTS: TDE results indicated that mitral valve early diastolic annular peak flow rate (E'), mitral valve systolic flow rate (S'), ratio of mitral valve early diastolic peak flow rate to mitral valve early diastolic annular peak flow rate (E/E'), and left ventricular (LV) myocardial performance index (MPI) were higher, and LV ejection time (ET) was shorter in patients with type 1 DM (p<0.05). In addition, tricuspid valve E' and right ventricular (RV) MPI were higher, while RV ET and tricuspid E/E' were lower in patients with type 1 DM compared to healthy children (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although conventional echocardiography revealed no difference between patients with type 1 DM and healthy children, TDE showed dysfunctions of both ventricles. This state is closely related to degree of blood glucose level control. These findings signify diagnostic value of TDE in the early detection of cardiac effects among patients with type 1 DM.

Ocular manifestations of Type 1 diabetes mellitus in pediatric population.

CONTEXT: To evaluate the necessity of ocular screening in Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). AIMS: This study aims to investigate the diabetes-related ocular changes according to the glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level and duration of diabetes in children and compare the results with nondiabetic healthy children. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Observational cross-sectional study designed by ophthalmology and pediatric endocrinology clinics. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-two children with Type 1 DM, 42 healthy gender- and age-matched children as controls were enrolled. All patients underwent ophthalmic and physical examination, with a review of medical history and current medication. HbA1c level, best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT), tear break-up time (BUT), Schirmer test, dilated fundus examination findings, central retinal thickness (CRT), and total macular volume (TMV) measurements were noted. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics, Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, Chi-square test for comparison of the group parameters and correlation analyses (Spearman analysis) were performed with SPSS statistical software 17.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: Type 1 DM group exhibited significantly reduced Schirmer test, increased IOP and decreased retinal thickness relative to the age-matched control group (P < 0.05) but no statistically significant difference was found for the BUT (P = 0.182) and for the CCT (P = 0.495). The correlations between the age, duration, HbA1c and IOP, BUT, Schirmer test, TMV, CRT measurements did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: More frequent screening may be needed for complications, including neuropathy-related dry eye syndrome, IOP changes, and diabetic retinopathy in children with Type 1 DM.