Egyptian Asthmatic Children Research Articles

Interleukin-17 Genotypes in Egyptian Asthmatic Children at Zagazig University Hospitals.

Bronchial asthma (BA) is increasing among Egyptian children. It is affected by multiple factors including genetic ones. In the current study, we assessedthe relationship between interleukin-17 (IL-17) genotypes and the occurrence of BA among Egyptian children. This case-control study included 100 participants. Group I (the control group) comprised 50 healthy subjects. Group II (the asthmatic group) comprised 50 subjects diagnosed with atopic asthma according tothe Global Initiative for Asthma. Measurement of serum Ig E and eosinophilic count was performed. Detection of single nucleotide polymorphism rs2275913 of IL-17 gene by restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction was conducted. GA and AA genotypes were more frequent in the asthmatic group compared tothe control group (P = 0.03 and 0.01, respectively). Subjects carrying GA and AA genotypes were more susceptibleto have asthma [odds ratio (OR) = 2.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.14-9.94, P = 0.03; OR = 7.78, 95% CI = 1.59-38.3, P = 0.01, respectively]. The A allele was higher in the asthmatic group (33%) compared tothe control group (10%). A allele carriers were more susceptibleto have asthma (OR = 4.43, 95% CI = 2.04-9.82 and P < 0.001). Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and eosinophil percentages were higher among the carriers of GA and AA genotypes when compared with the GG genotype. All pulmonary function tests were significantly lower among carriers of AA genotype compared with GG genotype. An A allele carrier, AA genotype, increased IgE level, and eosinophil level were significant predictors for occurrence of asthma (P = 0.01, 0.02, 0.004, and 0.01). In conclusion, AA genotype carriers and A allele carriers of the IL-17 gene are more likely to have asthma compared with controls.

Phthalate Exposure and Pediatric Asthma: A Case Control Study Among Egyptian Children

Background: Phthalates, which are diesters of phthalic acid, are commonly used as plasticizers and additives in various consumer products. Several phthalates have been identified as substances of high concern. Exposure to phthalate esters (PAEs) has been linked to asthma in children, but the specific impacts of PAEs on asthmatic children were not well understood. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare urinary phthalate concentrations in asthmatic and non-asthmatic children and to identify potential sources of exposure as risk factors for asthma. Methods: A case control study was conducted for 100 Egyptian children aged 8-16 years (50 asthmatics and 50 healthy controls). Asthma was identified using GINA guidelines. Socio-demographic and probable risk factors were assessed, in addition to measuring phthalate levels in urine samples using high-performance liquid chromatography. Results and conclusion: Mean urinary Mono-methyl as well as Mono-benzyl levels were highly significant in asthmatic children compared to control group (895.26ng/ mL vs 548.55 ng/mL and 13.5 ng/mL vs 2.07 ng/mL respectively) (p= 0.001). The number of asthmatic children living in houses painted with non-plastic paint was significantly lower (P&lt;0.05) than children living in houses painted with other paints. No association between floor type and asthma was reported. The frequent use of personal care products and plastic painting of walls were identified by multiple logistic regression analysis as the highly significant predictors of asthma in the studied subjects. The declared higher levels of urinary phthalate metabolites (Mono-methyl and Mono-benzyl) in Egyptian asthmatic children may reveal the probable risk of phthalate exposure in triggering bronchial asthma.

COVID-19 Infection in a Group of Egyptian Children with Bronchial Asthma: A Single Center Study

Abstract Background Impact of asthma on COVID-19 severity and outcome in infants is not well investigated. Therefore, we sought to assess the presentation, severity and outcome of COVID-19 infection in a group of Egyptian asthmatic children. Patients and Methods We conducted an observational follow up study on 30 asthmatic children with probable/confirmed COVID-19, aged 6-10 years, who were enrolled consecutively from the Emergency department and Isolation Ward, Children`s Hospital, Ain Shams University, Egypt. COVID-19 clinical manifestations, severity and outcome were studied. Results The median age of the children was 9 years (IQR: 6-18 years). Out of the 30 studied patients, we had 9 boys and 21 girls. COVID-19 was asymptomatic in 2/30 (6.7%), mild in 20/30 (66.7%), and severe in 8/30 (26.7%). Clinical manifestations of COVID-19 included constitutional (22,73.3%), respiratory (21, 70%), gastrointestinal (7, 23%), cardio- vascular (5, 16.7%), and dermatological (1, 3.3%) manifestations. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-c) was diagnosed in only one patient. Chest X-ray abnormalities were found in (36.7%). The median duration of hospital stay was 10 days, Complete resolution was the final outcome of all patients. Conclusion Asthma does not represent a risk of severe COVID-19 or poor outcome and COVID-19 course, and the outcome in asthmatic children is similar to the general pediatric population. However, our study is limited by the small sample size and short duration of follow-up. Further longitudinal studies are needed to investigate the exact impact of different SARS-CoV-2 variants with respect to asthma phenotypes and asthma biological treatments and allergen immunotherapies in children.

Effect of interventional health educational program on clinical improvement in a sample of Egyptian school-age asthmatic children

Background/aim Asthma is one of the most widespread chronic disorders. To achieve better control over the disease, health intervention education programs could be applied to manage asthma and its consequences effectively to have a better quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of interventional health education programs on asthma symptoms and the quality of life of Egyptian asthmatic children. Patients and methods This study was conducted as an interventional study on asthmatic children and patients aged 6–16 years. Potential asthmatics according to GINA guidelines were enrolled in the study. Pulmonary function tests were applied including forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC ratio. 97 asthmatic cases were evaluated by asthma scoring, asthma control, and pediatric asthma quality of life questionnaire. All the study procedures were conducted at the start of the study and after applying the educational intervention program. Results The present results reported marked significant improvement (P&lt;0.05) in the respiratory symptoms after the application of the intervention education program including cough, night symptoms, dyspnea, and chest pain. In addition significant improvement (P&lt;0.05) occurred in the posteducational pulmonary function tests, including FEV1, prebronchodilator and postbronchodilators while there is no significant difference pre and postbronchodilator, FVC compared with the pre-educational pulmonary function tests. Conclusion The interventional health education program has been useful for the improvement of clinical symptoms, pulmonary function, and quality of life of Egyptian school-age asthmatic patients and the performance of their families.

Prevalence of bronchial asthma and correlation between the chemokine receptor 3 gene polymorphism and clinical asthma phenotypes among Egyptian asthmatic children

BackgroundAsthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by episodic reversible airway obstruction that variably presents with cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness. It is a multigenetic disease, where both genetic and environmental factors have significant roles in pathogenesis. As regard asthma pathogenesis, the chemokine/chemokine receptor system is considered a key point of the immune response in most allergic diseases. This study was done to estimate the prevalence of bronchial asthma among school age children and explore the association between the underlying gene polymorphisms in chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3) and symptom-based clinical asthma phenotypes among a cohort of Egyptian children.ResultsPrevalence of asthma is increasing (20.6%). There are male asthma predominance. Family history of bronchial asthma and allergic diseases are predominant risk factors for asthma development. Sixty asthmatic cases with different clinical phenotypes were compared to 100 healthy controls, results explored that eosinophilic percent and total serum IgE are significantly higher among asthmatic cases versus controls. There are no significant difference regarding eosinophilic percent, serum IgE, and CCR3 T51C gene polymorphism among different clinical asthma phenotypes. There is no significant difference as regards degree of severity of asthma and level of asthma control between CCR3 T51C gene polymorphism.ConclusionWe conclude the prevalence of bronchial asthma is increasing. Also, eosinophilic percent and serum IgE are elevated in asthma patients, while CCR3 T51C gene polymorphism frequency seemed to be more prevalent among asthmatic subjects however without statistical significance. We recommend a prospective study on larger sample size to validate our results.

Evaluation of serum levels of interferon beta and nucleotide binding and oligomerization domain 2 gene polymorphism in children with cough asthma phenotype: a case–control study

BackgroundIndividuals with asthma are thought to suffer from a variety of distinct disorders, or phenotypes, each of which is characterized by a unique combination of genetic and environmental factors. Syndromes that are exacerbated by allergens, non-allergic factors, and aspirin, as well as syndromes that are best differentiated by pathologic findings, response to therapy, and natural history, fall into this category. The best course of treatment for an individual patient with asthma can be determined by first determining his or her specific asthma phenotype and its underlying pathophysiology.Aim of the workExplore clinical characteristics, serum INF-β in cough asthma phenotype and allergic march asthmatic children. Also, to assess the association of NOD2 (rs2066845) gene polymorphism among those asthma phenotypes in Egyptian asthmatic children.Patients and methodsThe study included 64 cough phenotypic asthmatic children and 60 allergic march phenotypic asthmatic children in addition to 39 healthy controls (control group). The included children were subjected to full clinical history taking, full clinical examination, assessment of (total serum IgE, CBC for peripheral eosinophil percentage, cytokine profile (serum levels of INF-B), and genetic analysis: SNPs of NOD2 (rs2066845).ResultsThere was a significant increase in G allele frequency, in both homozygous (GG) and heterozygous (GC) states, among asthmatic children of cough and allergic march phenotypes compared to healthy controls, with no significant difference between the two phenotypes. In addition, serum INF-β was significantly lower in cough and allergic march phenotypic asthmatics with GG genotypes versus healthy controls of the same genotype.ConclusionsNOD2 (rs2066845) gene polymorphism is associated with both cough and allergic march asthma phenotypes in Egyptian asthmatic children. It was also shown that G allele may be implicated in asthma pathophysiology.

Serum hydrogen sulphide levels in acute asthmatic children: a case control study

BackgroundIt’s thought that respiratory epithelium-produced reduced hydrogen sulphide (H2S) plays a role in the pathophysiology of acute asthma. In this case–control research, blood H2S levels were examined between matched acutely asthmatic children and non-asthmatic controls. The grade of acute asthma, vital signs and absolute eosinophilic count in the asthmatic children were likewise associated with the blood H2S level.MethodsForty Egyptian asthmatic children had visited the emergency room and forty age- and sex-matched non-asthmatic controls had their blood H2S levels measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsThe serum H2S in the two groups did not differ statistically significantly. Serum H2S and respiratory rate showed a moderately significant inverse connection (r = -0.325, p = 0.041). However, serum H2S and other clinical or laboratory variables exhibited no meaningful relationships. Patients' absolute and percentage eosinophil counts were considerably higher than healthy controls. Serum H2S exhibited a sensitivity of 50% and a specificity of 32.5% for identifying children with acute asthma from non-asthmatic children.ConclusionChildren with asthma and those without asthma had similar serum H2S levels. It has a lousy relationship with respiratory rate. It is indicated that it is an inadequate screening and diagnostic tool since it has low sensitivity (50%) and specificity (32.5%) in differentiating acute asthmatic children.

Association between chemokine receptor 3T51C gene polymorphism and different clinical asthma phenotypes in Egyptian asthmatic children

Association between chemokine receptor 3T51C gene polymorphism and different clinical asthma phenotypes in Egyptian asthmatic children

Wheezy and Cough Asthma Phenotypes in a cohort of Egyptian Children: Clinical features and CCR3 T51C Gene Polymorphism

Background: Asthma is a heterogenous disease with variable characteristic phenotypes. Correlating clinical asthma phenotypes with the underlying genotypes could pave the way for development of tailored asthma medications. Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical features of wheezy and cough asthma phenotypes and to assess the frequency of CCR3T51C gene polymorphism among Egyptian asthmatic children. Methods: A group of 60 Egyptian asthmatic children (40 wheezy phenotype and 20 cough phenotype) together with 100 controls were enrolled and analyzed for the genotypes of CCR3 T51C polymorphisms using PCR-RFLP. Serum IgE levels were determined by ELISA technique. Results: Regarding the clinical characteristics, associated allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis were found to be significantly higher among wheezy phenotype compared to cough phenotype. Also, most of the patients with wheezy phenotype had moderate to severe asthma while most of the patients with cough phenotype had mild asthma. Regarding the frequency of CCR3 T51C genotypes, the TT homozygote genotype was the most frequent genotype among cases and controls. However, no statistically significant differences were found between the two clinical phenotypes. Conclusion: In our studied population, wheezy asthma phenotype was characterized by higher frequency of associated allergic march and increased asthma severity. Yet, our results deny the value of CCR3T51C genetic polymorphism as a genetic marker for differentiating between wheezy and cough asthma phenotypes.

MUC7 VNTR polymorphism and association with bronchial asthma in Egyptian children

Overproduction of mucins in the airways donates largely to airway blockage in asthma patients. Glycoprotein MUC7 plays a role in the clearance of bacteria and has anti-candidacidal criteria. Our goal was to investigate the association between the MUC7 variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphism and bronchial asthma among Egyptian children. The MUC7 VNTR polymorphism was investigated among 100 children with bronchial asthma and 100 healthy controls using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. The frequencies of 6*5 genotype, 5*5 genotype, (6*5 + 5*5) genotypes, and MUC7*5 allele of the MUC7 VNTR variant were significantly lower among asthmatic patients than controls (p < 0.015, OR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.19–0.81; p = 0.03, OR = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.04–0.86; p < 0.001, OR = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.15–0.58; p < 0.001, OR = 0.3, 95% CI = 0.17–0.55, respectively). The (6*5 + 5*5) genotypes of the MUC7 VNTR variant were not associated with the clinical manifestations and serum levels of IgE, TNF-α, and TGF-β1 among asthmatic patients (p ˃ 0.05). In conclusion, the (6*5 + 5*5) genotypes of the MUC7 VNTR variant may have a protective role for bronchial asthma in Egyptian children.

Pollen Sensitization in Association with Allergic Rhinitis in preschool asthmatic Children

Abstract Background Grass pollens are significant elicitors of IgE-mediated allergic disease in the world and timothy grass (Phleum pratense) is an important pollen in allergy induction. Objective We sought to determine the rate of pollen sensitization in group of Egyptian asthmatic children with allergic rhinitis using timothy grass pollen as a potential triggering factor for allergic rhinitis. Patients and Methods This analytical cross sectional study was conducted on a group of preschool children following up at the Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Clinic, Children's Hospital, Ain Shams University during the period from December 2018 to April 2019. We enrolled 52 asthmatic children with concomitant allergic rhinitis sampled in a consecutive manner. They were subjected to skin prick testing for timothy grass pollen, positive histamine control and negative control. Results The study revealed high frequency of timothy grass pollen(TGP) sensitization occurring in 60.3% of patients with concomitant allergic rhinitis .wheal diameters pointed to sensitization only rather than actual allergy to TGP. TGP sensitization showed no significant correlation to disease duration. Children with rhinosinsuitis had comparable rates of TGP sensitization to those without rhinosinsuitis. Conclusion It is concluded from our results that sensitization to timothy grass pollen (TGP) is common in allergic rhinitis. The findings are limited by the sample size and consecutive manner of sampling. Wider scale studies are needed to accurately evaluate the frequency of timothy grass pollen (TGP) sensitization in our country.

Association between the chemokine receptor 3 gene polymorphism and clinical asthma phenotypes among Egyptian asthmatic children

Background Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by episodic reversible airway obstruction. Regarding asthma pathogenesis, two eotaxin polymorphisms were found to be associated with asthma and high serum total immunoglobulin (Ig)E levels, correspondingly. Objective This study was done to explore the association between the underlying gene polymorphisms in chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3) and symptom-based clinical asthma phenotypes among the studied group. Patients and methods This was a case–control study conducted on 60 asthmatic patients with different clinical phenotypes who were compared with 100 healthy controls of matched age and sex. The included asthmatic children aged from 6 to 16 years old and were diagnosed according to the criteria of GINA 2020 by the presence of typical asthma symptoms and with confirmed variable expiratory airflow obstruction. We excluded asthmatic patients with comorbidities. Results A total of 60 asthmatic cases with different clinical phenotypes were compared with 100 healthy controls, and the outcomes showed that total serum IgE had a significant increase in asthmatic cases versus controls. There were no statistically significant differences regarding CCR3 T51C genotype or its allelic polymorphism frequency. There was no clinical significance found correlating eosinophilic percent and serum IgE and CCR3 T51C gene polymorphism in both asthmatic cases and control. There was no statistical significance correlating eosinophilic count, eosinophilic percent, and total serum IgE with different clinical asthma phenotypes. Conclusion Total serum IgE was demonstrated to be significantly increased among asthmatic cases; however, there were no statistically significant differences regarding CCR3 T51C genotype or its allelic polymorphism frequency. Eosinophilic percent and serum IgE and CCR3 T51C gene polymorphism seemed to be comparable among asthmatic cases and controls. Moreover, no significant correlation was detected associating eosinophilic count, eosinophilic percent, and total serum IgE with different clinical asthma phenotypes.

Association between house dust mites sensitization and level of asthma control and severity in children attending Mansoura University Children\u2019s Hospital

BackgroundHouse dust mites (HDM) are considered as a major source of indoor aeroallergen all over the world that precipitate allergic reactions including rhinoconjunctivitis, food allergy, atopic dermatitis, and allergic asthma. In this study, we aimed to assess the clinical and laboratory profile of some Egyptian asthmatic children who are sensitized to house dust mites and determine the association of HDM sensitization and severity of asthma according to recent GINA guidelines.ResultsThe most frequent clinical phenotype among the HDM-positive group was a cough (96.7%), while the clinical phenotypic wheeze was frequent in HDM negative group (96.7%). There is a statistically significant difference between studied cases classified according to sensitivity to HDM regarding level of asthma control (50.0% were uncontrolled among cases sensitive to HDM and 56.7% of cases non-sensitive to HDM were controlled (p = 0.001*). Severity according to treatment results was significantly higher among cases sensitive to HDM (26.7% of cases sensitive to HDM versus 3.3% of cases non-sensitive to HDM), p = 0.017.ConclusionsHDM sensitization is associated mainly with cough asthma phenotype and allergic rhinitis in our studied cases. HDM sensitization increases asthma severity and decreases the ability to control asthma symptoms.Trial registrationClinicalTrial.gov, NCT04958616.

Nasopharyngeal Microbiome Composition is Different Among Children with Bronchial Asthma

Background: The microbiome composition is as unique and diverse as humans are; it may vary substantially over time. A stable microbiome is essential for immune development, while dysbiosis in the microbiome has been associated with an increased risk for asthma and allergies. Knowledge about nasopharyngeal microbiome among Egyptian children with asthma is lacking. Aim of the work: To study the nasopharyngeal microbiome in a group of Egyptian asthmatic children, and to compare it to a group of healthy controls of similar age and sex distribution. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional case-control study was performed on 60 Egyptian children aged 1-13 years. Of those, 30 children suffered un-exacerbated asthma, and 30 children were healthy controls. Nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained from all participants and the nasopharyngeal microbiome was identified using the VITEK 2 system after primary organism isolation by routine cultures. Results: A statistically significant difference was found for the overall microbiome composition between asthmatic and control children (p=0.007). The most common combination of organisms in asthmatics was Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, and was statistically higher than in controls (0.038). Normal controls had a higher incidence of presence of coagulase negative staphylococci (30%) than the asthmatic group (3.3%) (p-0.009). Kocuria rosea, although present more in asthmatics, the difference did not reach statistical significance. However, within the asthmatic group, the presence of K. rosea was noted more in patients with more severe asthma (p=0.02). Conclusion: The microbiome composition in a group of asthmatic Egyptian children was different from that of healthy controls. Whether this difference has a causative relation to asthma development /severity, or is due to upregulation of certain species to combat certain environmental hazards was beyond the scope of this study and awaits further research.

Inhaled Corticosteroid phobia among parents of Egyptian asthmatic children

BackgroundInhaled Corticosteroid therapy is the cornerstone of asthma treatment. Yet, the reported prevalence of steroid phobia among parents of asthmatic children has been concerning. This study aimed to assess the impact of steroid phobia on ICS adherence, and asthma management. MethodA multicenter, cross-sectional study was held among 500 parents of asthmatic children over 12-months. Each participant completed a structured questionnaire that recorded patients' demographic data, and explored participants’ main concerns regarding ICS. Additionally, participants level of asthma control was assessed by the Arabic childhood asthma control test C-ACT. ResultOf 500 interviewed asthmatic children, up to 66.6% reported having ICS fears, yet only 25.8% reported discussing their concerns with their healthcare providers. In addition, over 50% of parents reported requesting ICS sparing. Regarding ICS adherence, a significant difference (<0.001) was reported as 33.3% vs 40.1% for concerned and non-concerned parents respectively. Participants with ICS fears had children with significantly (<0.001) lower mean C-ACT scores of 33.3% versus 46.7% for those with no fear, respectively. In addition, Request for ICS sparing was reported as 61.5% vs 53.9% for concerned and non-concerned parents respectively. However, asthma severity and discussing ICS concerns was not significantly affected by ICS fear. ConclusionThis study suggests that steroid phobia is a significant factor that influence ICS adherence and asthma control. Proper asthma education should be targeted to alleviate unjustifiable steroid use concerns. Future research should be more oriented to crafting proper interventional strategies to better address the ICS negative perceptual barriers

Effects of body weight and posture on pulmonary functions in asthmatic children.

Asthma is one of the most common chronic illnesses in the world. Pulmonary function tests are important tools in monitoring of asthmatic patients. There is need for investigating if spirometric indices were affected by body weight or posture or not. The aim of this study was to evaluate the spirometric measurements in standing and sitting positions in a group of Egyptian asthmatic children with different body weights. Sixty patients were included. They were stable asthmatics and were following up in the allergy clinic. Spirometry was conducted at pulmonary functions laboratory of Pediatric Allergy and Chest Unit of New Children's University Hospital, Cairo. The one-way analysis of variance was used to test the differences between groups. The Duncan multiple comparison test was used to test the significant differences between each pair of groups. The study found that sitting FEV1/FVC is significantly lower in overweight/obese asthmatic children compared to normal weight asthmatic children (p value=0.046). There was no effect of weight on standing spirometric data. Weight showed significant negative correlation with asthma control level. We concluded that in overweight/obese asthmatic children, spirometric position might affect the results.

The effect of BclI polymorphism of NR3C1 gene on asthma phenotypes in Egyptian children

Background: BclI is the promoter polymorphism observed within human glucocorticoid receptor gene (hGR/NR3C1) which plays an important role in the development of bronchial asthma (BA) and resistance to Glucocorticosteroids (GCs) in the severe BA. Objective: To assess the influence of BclI gene (rs41423247) polymorphisms on phenotypic expression of bronchial asthma in a group of Egyptian asthmatic children. Methods: This case control study included 135 asthmatic children with varying degrees of asthma severity. They were recruited from Allergy and Pulmonology Outpatient Clinic, Cairo University. Ninety healthy age and sex matched children served as the control group. Determination of BclI single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was done by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR- RFLP). Results: Our results revealed that the variants of BclI polymorphism: CC/CG/GG was found with frequency 73.3%, 26.7%, 0% in control group. While in asthmatic children, their frequency was 42.2%, 51.1%, 6.7%, respectively. This revealed a significant difference in distribution between cases and control, similarly there was a significant difference in frequency of allele G between both groups (P-value <0.001). The frequency of allele G/C showed statistically significance association with increased severity of bronchial asthma (P-value<0.001), with uncontrolled asthma and hospitalization (P value <0.001). Conclusion: The Bcl I polymorphism of hGR/NR3C1 gene is significantly associated with bronchial asthma. The GG phenotype is significantly associated with increased susceptibility to the development of severe asthma and uncontrolled asthma symptoms, with increased risk of hospitalization.

Health-related quality of life assessment using EQ-5D-Y questionnaire in a group of Egyptian asthmatic children

hildren's quality of life. We sought to investigate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a sample of Egyptian asthmatic children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Unit of Ain Shams University, including three groups of age and gender-matched children, aged 6-12 years; an asthma group (n=100), non-asthmatic group with respiratory tract infections (n=114), and a healthy control group (n=100). The EQ-5D-Y questionnaire was used to evaluate the HRQoL in each study group. This questionnaire also comprises a visual analogue scale (VAS) which is scored from zero (worst) to 100 (best) as judged by the patient. Results: HRQoL assessment revealed that 86% of the asthmatic children faced problems with their daily activities, 43 % had worries, sadness and unhappiness and 22% had mobility problems (walking around). Thirteen percent of the cases expressed some pain or discomfort due to their disease, while self-care was the least affected (6%). Parameters of mobility, doing usual activities, feeling worried or sad were more frequently affected among the asthmatics in comparison to the other two groups (X2 = 37.02, 46.38, 22.90, respectively with p <0.001). Enrolled asthmatic children showed the lowest values of visual analogue scale (VAS) scores (mean ± SD: 72.2 ± 24.6) in comparison to the infection and healthy control groups (mean ± SD: 84.6 ± 12, 92.8 ± 9.6, respectively; f = 39.03; p value = 0.001). Conclusion: Asthma has a significant adverse impact on HRQoL of children and the EQ-5D-Y questionnaire could be an applicable instrument to measure their quality of life.

Assessment of Quality of Life of Primary Caregivers of Egyptian Asthmatic Children and Adolescents.

Background:Asthma as a serious public health problem worldwide exerts a serious load on children's health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and their families.Objective:We assess the HRQOL of the primary caregivers of Egyptian asthmatic children and adolescents and its relation to HRQOL of their children and asthma severity.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted on 128 pairs of asthmatic children (7–16 years) and their primary caregivers. Pediatric asthma quality of life (QOL) questionnaire, pediatric asthma caregiver's QOL questionnaire, and asthma control questionnaire were used.Results:Uncontrolled asthmatic patients had statistically significantly lower mean caregiver score compared to controlled asthmatic (P < 0.005). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between caregiver's individual and overall QOL scores and their children (individual and overall QOL scores) (P < 0.05). A statistically significant negative correlation between asthma severity and QOL scores of the caregivers of asthmatic children and adolescents was found (P < 0.05).Conclusion:The QOL of the primary caregivers of asthmatic children is significantly adversely affected by their children's illness severity.

FOXO3a gene polymorphism and bronchial asthma in Egyptian children

FOXO3a gene polymorphism and bronchial asthma in Egyptian children