Analysis Of Case-control Studies Research Articles

Role of demographic and dietary factors in predicting Gall Bladder Carcinoma

Introduction: Carcinoma of the gallbladder (GBC), is the most common cancer of the biliary tree. It is also one of the most highly malignant tumours. The aetiology of the carcinoma gall bladder is poorly understood. Chronic cholecystitis and gallstones, choledochal cysts, female gender, old age and exposure to carcinogens are some of the factors implicated in the causation of gall bladder cancer. The current changes in lifestyles of individuals about indulgence in unhealthy fat-rich food, lack of exercise, obesity, sedentary lifestyles and the high incidence of gall bladder carcinoma in Bihar, focused our attention on gall bladder carcinoma and its etiological factors. Methodology: An analytical case-control study was conducted to study the various etiological factors causing carcinoma of the gall bladder in patients of various regions of Bihar coming to PMCH Patna. A total of 101 cases of gall bladder carcinoma and a total of 101 patients without any gall bladder disease in the control group were included in the study.

Assessment of diastolic myocardial function in neonates with patent ductus arteriosus using tissue Doppler imaging

Background: The present study was an analytic case control study was done and included full and preterm neonates with PDA and respiratory distress. Neonates with no PDA were also included as a control. Aim of the study: This study aimed to assess diastolic myocardial functions in neonates with different degrees of ductal patency in 1st week of life using tissue Doppler imaging. Methods: The study was conducted at neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Bab-Sheria hospital, pediatric department, faculty of medicine, Al Azhar University in the period from June 2018 to June 2021. The present work was conducted on fifty Neonates categorized into 3 groups as follow: Haemodynamically significant dusctus arteriosus cases: ductal diameter more than 2.5 mm and left atrium to aorta (LA: AO) ratio more than 1.5. Non haemodynamically significant ductus arteiosus cases: ductal diameter less than 2.5 mm or (LA: AO) ratio less than 1.5 and Non patent dusctus arteriosus ( Control group). Results: Amount of left-to-right shunt will increase according to the size of the systemic-to-pulmonary communication, and it results in an increased pulmonary blood flow which agrees with our study.

The relation between prenatal stress, overweight and obesity in children diagnosed according to BMI and percentage fat tissue.

One of the environmental factors contributing to abnormal weight changes in children may be maternal exposure to adverse environmental factors during pregnancy, which in previous studies led to inconclusive results showing both overweight or obesity and underweight in children. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of prenatal stress on the BMI status and cut-off points for the percentage of fat content. The cohort study included 254 girls and 276 boys. Information on prenatal stress was collected retrospectively with a questionnaire on objective adverse events completed by aparent/guardian of a 6-12-year-old child. We examined the body weight of children and performed an electrical bioimpedance analysis of their body composition. We assessed the BMI status according to the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) criterion and on the basis of body fat according to McCarthy criterion. The results of our study show that the prenatal stress was related to increased risk of overweight (OR 2.14, 95% CI: 1.25-3.65) diagnosed on the basis of body fat cut-off points, but not when the BMI was a diagnostic criterion (OR 1.03, 95% CI: 0.58-1.83). The method of diagnosis based on the fat content appears to be an indicator of the occurrence of abnormalities in body composition due to prenatal stress more sensitive than that based on the BMI. Level III evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case-control analytic studies.

The study of the role of insulin resistance as etiological factor in polycystic ovarian syndrome: a case control study.

The relationship between insulin resistance (IR) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been consistently shown by several studies but what is the cause and what is the effect remained an unsolved issue. In recent years, IR has been suggested to be a key etiological factor which contributes to the severity of metabolic and reproductive features in PCOS. The aim of the present study is to determine the etiological role of IR in PCOS. This is an analytical case control study where 30 newly diagnosed normoglycemic cases of PCOS (according to Rotterdam revised criteria 2003) between the age group of 15 and 35 years were enrolled. A total of 30 age matched, apparently healthy women were selected from volunteers as controls. Fasting glucose was analysed by spectrophotometry and fasting insulin by chemiluminescence immunoassay. HOMA-IR, Log HOMA-IR, QUICKI, G/I ratio and FIRI were calculated using standard formulae. The anthropometric parameters and markers of IR were high and QUICKI & G/I ratio were low in cases as compared to controls (p<0.05). Cases with BMI≥25 showed significantly higher IR markers and lower QUICKI & G/I ratio than BMI<25 cases and BMI matched controls. No significant difference was present in IR markers between high and low central obesity cases. The findings of our study suggest that in normoglycemic PCOS women, raised IR markers in obese patients cannot be attributed to obesity or central obesity alone. Presence of IR in newly diagnosed cases at such an early stage i.e.,even before development of hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia suggest IR to be a causative factor in development of PCOS.

Faktor Risiko Kejadian Demam Berdarah Dengue pada Anak Usia 5-14 Tahun di Kota Semarang

DHF cases in Semarang City from 2020 to June in the 5-9 year age group were 59 cases, in the 10-14 year age group 66 cases were the highest cases among other ages. The purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors for the incidence of DHF in children aged 5-14 years in the city of Semarang. This type of research is a quantitative research, analytical observational case control study design. The research sample was 70 cases and 70 controls. Sampling technique with cluster sampling. The results of the study concluded that the use of used goods was in the bad category with the highest percentage of 74.3%, the presence of stagnant water sources in/near the house as much as 67.1%, and the behavior of closing water reservoirs was bad, which was 65%. There is a relationship between inundated water sources at/near the house (p-value=&lt;0.000; OR=6.355; 95% CI:2.806-14,384); behavior of draining water reservoirs (p-value=&lt;0.002; OR=3,088; 95% CI:1.474-6.469); and not closing water reservoirs (p-value=&lt;0.008; OR=2.625; 95% CI:1,277-5,398). Gender (p=0,865; OR=1,059; 95% CI=0,014-2,058), the use of used goods (p=0,699; OR=1,161; 95% CI=0,544-2,481) is not a risk factor for DHF. It is recommended that the community always carry out activities to eradicate mosquito nests inside and outside the home so that it is not used as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Multidisciplinary residential program for the treatment of obesity: how body composition assessed by DXA and blood chemistry parameters change during hospitalization and which variations in body composition occur from discharge up to 1-year follow-up

PurposeObesity is a chronic disease characterized by a complex variable clinical presentation with comorbidities. A multidisciplinary residential program (MRP) represents one of the best options for treating obesity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 8-week MRP on weight loss, body composition assessed by DXA, and metabolic blood parameters between entry (T0) and discharge (T1). The secondary endpoint was the evaluation of the patients' adherence to diet during the check-up outpatient visits, at 2 (T2), 6 (T3), and 12 (T4) months after discharge.Methods168 subjects were enrolled (61 males and 117 females, aged 58.5 ± 13 years, BMI 41.3 ± 6 kg/m2) in the study. The difference in values ​​(end of hospitalization compared to baseline) was calculated through the univariate analysis procedure, which provides regression analysis and analysis of variance for a variable dependent on one or more variables.ResultsThere was a statistically significant improvement of all parameters investigated: total mass (− 5.68 kg), fat mass (− 4416.85 g), fat mass index (− 1724.56), visceral adipose tissue (− 332.76 g), arm circumference (− 1.63 cm) and calf circumference (− 1.16 cm). As it is reasonable to expect, even the fat free mass has been reduced (− 1236.03 g); however, the skeletal muscle index was not affected. Statistically significant improvement in glycaemic and lipid profile were reported. The BMI average reduction continued from discharge until T4. No statistically significant changes in fat free mass and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) were reported during a year of follow-up.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated the clinical benefits of 8-week MRP, which includes hypocaloric diet, physical exercise, and psychological support.Level of evidenceIII, evidence obtained from cohort or case–control analytic studies.

Diferencias atencionales entre el trastorno por déficit de atención aislado y asociado a neurofibromatosis tipo 1

IntroductionThe incidence of ADHD in patients with NF1 reaches 60%. Beyond the published literature on cognitive aspects in subjects with NF1, some studies suggest that the attentional profile of patients with NF1+ADHD is different from those with isolated ADHD. MethodsA retrospective, analytical case-control study with the objective of comparing the intellectual and attentional profile in children with NF1+ADHD, NF1 and isolated ADHD in order to characterise them, noting similarities and differences. ResultsNeuropsychological evaluations from 2017 to 2021 were reviewed for all subjects with a diagnosis of NF1 (n=46) with IQ>70 and ADHD (n=180). In the ANOVA test, it was observed that patients with NF1+ADHD presented with greater visuospatial impairment (M=84.66; F(2,210)=7.84; P<0.001; η2=0.07) and a lower total intellectual level (M=84.20; F(2,223)=4.35; P=0.01; η2=0.04). In the attentional tests they showed more errors of omission (M=72.66; F(2,223)=18.13; P<.001; η2=0.14) and of commission (M=57.87; F(2,223)=4.68; P=0.01; η2=0.04) and lower reaction speed (M=66.58; F(2,223)=19.24; P<0.001; η2=0.15) compared to patients with NF1 and isolated ADHD. ConclusionsAttention deficit in patients with NF1 is associated with lower performance in intellectual functioning and greater visuospatial impairment. The attentional pattern of patients with NF1+ADHD was different from those with isolated ADHD; the difference being not only quantitative but also qualitative, supporting the hypothesis that attention impairment has its own features of NF1 and independent of ADHD.

Headache, eating disorders, PTSD, and comorbidity: implications for assessment and treatment.

Severe headaches (HAs) have been associated with eating disorders (ED) as well as with trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression and anxiety. However, data addressing all of these factors in the same subjects are limited. In a large sample of patients (n = 1461, 93% female) admitted to residential treatment (RT) for an ED, we assessed within 48-72h of admission subjective reports of frequent HAs and their associations with severity of ED, PTSD, major depressive and state-trait anxiety symptoms, as well as quality of life measures. HA ratings were significantly correlated to the number of lifetime trauma types as well as to symptoms of PTSD, major depression, and state-trait anxiety. Results indicated that 39% of patients endorsed that frequent HAs occurred "often" or "always" (HA+) in association with their eating or weight issues. This HA-positive (HA+) group had statistically significant higher numbers of lifetime trauma types, higher scores on measures of ED, PTSD, major depressive, and state-trait anxiety symptoms, and worse quality of life measures (p ≤ 0.001) in comparison to the HA-negative (HA-) group, who endorsed that frequent HAs occurred "never," "rarely," or "sometimes" in association with their eating or weight issues. The HA + group also had a significantly higher rate of a provisional PTSD diagnosis (64%) than the HA- group (35%) (p ≤ .001). Following comprehensive RT, HA frequency significantly improved (p ≤ .001). These findings have important implications for the assessment and treatment of HAs in the context of ED, PTSD and related psychiatric comorbidities, especially at higher levels of care. In addition, the importance of identifying traumatic histories and treating comorbid PTSD and related psychopathology in individuals presenting with severe HAs is emphasized. III Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case-control analytic studies.

Disordered eating in early childhood: DRD4 and DAT1 gene polymorphisms and quality of mother–child interaction

PurposeEating disturbances are complex heritable conditions that can be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors but are poorly studied in early development. The aim of this research was to investigate the association of genetic polymorphisms within dopaminergic pathways with early feeding problems.MethodsWe analyzed the presence of VNTR polymorphisms of DRD4 (rs1805186) and DAT1 (rs28363170) in overeating (N = 45), undereating (N = 48) and control (N = 44) young children. We also assessed presence of externalizing, internalizing and dysregulation symptoms by the Child Behavior Checklist and quality of mother–child interactions during feeding by the Italian adaptation of the Scale for the Assessment of Feeding Interaction, respectively.ResultsBoth polymorphisms were associated with children’s eating behavior, psychological symptoms and quality of interaction with their mothers, suggesting that: (a) the DRD4 4-repeat allele behaves as a protective factor, the 2-repeats and 7-repeats alleles as risk factors, for undereating behavior, the general quality of mother–child interaction and internalizing, externalizing and dysregulated symptoms; and (b) the DAT1 9-repeats allele behaves as a protective factor, the 10-repeats allele as a risk factor, for overeating behavior, the general quality of mother–child interaction, internalizing, externalizing and dysregulated symptoms. Finally, a gene x gene interaction is suggested between the DAT1 9-repeat or 10-repeat allele and the DRD4 4-repeat allele.ConclusionsOur results suggest a role for DRD4 and DAT1 in an early susceptibility to eating disturbances.Level of evidence IIIEvidence obtained from well-designed case–control analytic study.

STUDY OF VITAMIN D LEVELS IN RELATION TO BRONCHIAL ASTHMA

Background: Vitamin D has a significant role in the metabolism of calcium and bone. Therefore, its deficiency leads to rickets in growing children and osteomalacia in adults. The classical functions of Vitamin D in bone metabolism and calciumphosphorus homeostasis is well established. The non-classical functions of Vit D as an immunomodulatory and growth-promoting factor influencing the overall well being in general and respiratory health, in particular, is the subject of current interest. It is reported that vitamin D plays a crucial role in foetal lungs proper growth and maturity.In many children with steroid-resistant asthma, vitamin D supplements may increase the responsiveness to steroids. Vitamin D deficiency states were reported to be associated with an increased risk of acute exacerbations of bronchial Asthma. Our study is conducted to determine serum levels of vitamin D in asthmatic children and association of vit D deficiency with asthma. Aim of The Study:To determine the serum levels of vitamin D in asthmatic children. Objective: To Study the relation between vitamin D levels and 1. The severity of asthma 2. Frequency of asthma exacerbation Study Design:It is cross sectional study. Methods: 100 children who got admitted to the pediatric ward (or) PICU of MIMS, of whom 40 were known asthmatics and 60 age and sex-matched controls were considered to do a comparative study of the variables under consideration. Study of vitamin D levels in relation to bronchial asthma in children has been carried out as an analytical case-control study for 18 months. Results: 60% of the study participants were vitamin D deficient. Whereas 15% had insufficient levels, and sufficient vitamin D levels are observed only in 25% of the participants. A statistically significant difference in vitamin D levels and the severity of illness has been observed among the study participants. Moderate persistent Asthma has been seen more in patients who are deficient in vitamin D. A high statistically significant association has been observed between exacerbations of Asthma and levels of vitamin D. Conclusion: A statistically significant difference in vitamin D levels and the severity of illness among the study participants are observed. Moderate persistent Asthma has been seen more in patients who are deficient in vitamin D. A high statistically significant association has been observed between exacerbations of Asthma and levels of vitamin D.

Detection of factor V G1691A, Prothrombin G20210A and Methylene tetra hydro folate reductase deficiency C677T Gene mutations among Sudanese Women with recurrent spontaneous abortion

The current study is a prospective analytical case control study designed to investigate the relationship between Factor V Leiden G1691A, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T and to the prothrombin G20210A mutation variant and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Material and Method: The study included hundred Sudanese women who experienced three or more of the adverse pregnancy loss as case group during their reproductive in the Omdurman Maternity Hospital (Sudan) these compared with ninety-four control group healthy women with at least more than two normal pregnancies and without any history of adverse pregnancy outcome or recurrent miscarriages. The study group data collected using structure questionnaire which was used to collect information about age, parity, medical and obstetric history, smoking, family medical and obstetric history, residency and relative marriage. Blood samples were collected from participants and total genomic DNA was isolated from blood leukocytes and the frequency of these gene mutations in the patients and controls were determined using PCR-restriction fragment length. Results the mutation was detected in 8 out of 100 cases (8.0%) and in 6 out of 94 controls (6.4%) (P- Value &gt; 0.05).

Time evaluation and its accuracy in eating disorders: differences in relation to interoceptive awareness

PurposeTime evaluation has been poorly studied in eating disorder (ED) patients despite its relationship with body awareness, which is a core psychopathological feature in EDs and is influenced by impulsivity, interoception, and working memory. This study aims to evaluate time estimation and its accuracy across the ED spectrum in connection with specific and general psychopathology.MethodsA group of 215 women was enrolled in a computerized task involving the estimation of 1-min intervals. Impulsivity and body awareness constructs (self-monitoring, depersonalization, interoceptive deficit) were evaluated and examined for significant correlations with time estimation and the accuracy of the measure.ResultsPatients with EDs showed an impaired ability to estimate time, with an accuracy that positively correlated with compulsive self-monitoring (p = 0.03). Differences between diagnostic subgroups showed an overestimation of time in anorexia nervosa patients and an underestimation of time in binge eating disorder patients, whose time estimation was also less accurate.ConclusionThe relationship between time estimation and compulsive self- monitoring might corroborate the presence of an imbalanced integration of information in patients with EDs that was not present in the community women included in the study. Time perception should be further evaluated in the ED field, and longitudinal changes due to psychopathological recovery or BMI changes should be examined.Level of evidenceLevel III: Evidence obtained from a well-designed cohort or case–control analytic study.

Maternal-Neonatal Attachment in Intended and Unintended Pregnancies during the First 24 Hours after Childbirth.

Introduction: Women’s physical and mental health and their mortality at reproductive age depend on fertility behaviors, delivery, and its complications. Unintended pregnancy is a risk to the life of women at reproductive age. The present study aimed to compare maternal and neonatal attachment in intended and unintended pregnancies after the mother and baby skin-to-skin contact immediately after delivery (first hour) and 24 hours after that. Methods: This analytical case-control study was performed on 140 women who gave birth in the hospitals affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The subjects were categorized into groups of intended and unintended pregnancy. Skin-to-skin contact of the mother and baby was done for 15 minutes in the recovery room at the first hour and 24 hours after birth. Then, the Avant’s questionnaire of mother-infant attachment behaviors was completed. Data were analyzed using SPSS ver.13. Results: The mean (SD) attachment score in the first hours in intended pregnancy was 84.22 (12.59), which was higher than that in unintended pregnancy 74.28 (15.81), indicating a significant difference. However, after 24 hours of delivery, there was no significant difference between the two groups. During the first hours after delivery, there was a significant difference in the total score of the emotional behaviors and care between the two groups. Conclusion: Maternal and infant skin contact during lactation increased attachment after 24 hours in unintended pregnancy, while in the first hours after delivery, attachment decreased in these pregnancies.

Pathological risk factors related to mother during pregnancy that lead to epilepsy in children

Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder related to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The current study aims to identify the risk factors associated with epilepsy among children related to mothers. Methodology: A descriptive case-control study was adopted to achieve the stated objectives. An analytic case-control study, Non-Probability (a Purposive Sample) of (100) women of Children with epilepsy as the case group, and (100) women of healthy children without epilepsy as a control group. The reliability of the instrument is determined using Cronbach Alpha, and the Validity of questionnaires was determined through a panel of experts. The data are analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The study has shown that residency, mother exposure to domestic violence during pregnancy, mother exposure to an accident during pregnancy, and prolonged labor are significantly associated with epilepsy occurrence (the Odds ratio more than 1), so these factors are more likely to be risk factors associated with epilepsy occurrence. Conclusion: The study concludes that among the risk factors associated with epilepsy for the present study were residency, exposure to domestic violence, exposure to the accident (car accident, trauma, fall), and prolonged labor.

Depression and anxiety disorders in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome after surgery - a case control study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of depressive and anxiety disorders in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) after surgery in comparison with normal individuals. This cross-sectional analytical case-control study conducted on patients who underwent surgery with adiagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. In the first group, 35 patients with CTS who underwent surgery were randomly selected and evaluated for anxiety and depression with two standard questionnaires - of CES-D (Center for Epidemiologic StudiesDepression) and S-TAI (Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory). The second group of 35 normal people were randomly selected and examined after matching the age and sex. The data were compared and analyzed using SPSS V.22 software. The mean score of Spielberger state and trait anxiety and depression in the case group was higher than the control group (P &lt; 0.001 and P = 0.003 respectively). In both age groups (&lt; 40 and &gt;40years) the level of state and trait anxiety and depression was significantly higher in case than the control group. In women, the level of state and trait anxiety and depression was significantly higher in the case group than in the control group, but in men, only trait anxiety was significant. The anxiety and depression disorders were more common in patients undergoing CTS than in normal individuals. Therefore, it is necessary to study the psychological status of these patients in the pre-discharge period and pay attention to its predictors in order to plan appropriate interventions.

Assessment the Role of Phagocytic Neutrophil Cells among Different Wagner’s Grades of Diabetic Foot Ulcers Infection

Foot ulcers complications in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients are one of the significant medical problems. This study aimed to assessment the role of phagocytic neutrophil cells and its relationship with the incidence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) infection in diabetic patients. A case-control analytical study was conducted on 60 DM, DFU patients and healthy control group. Blood samples were collected for phagocytic activity testing and swabs samples of DFU were collected and processed for culture and antibiotics susceptibility testing after the ulcers classified according to Wagner’s grades system. Findings revealed that Gram-positive bacteria were the most prevalent in the DFU 57.1% with statistically significant relationship between the bacterial species and grades of Wagner’s classification. Wagner’s ulcers grade I and II were the most prevalence in DFU patients 30% for both. There was a weak negative correlation between phagocytic activity and grade ulcers classified. Amikacin and ciprofloxacin were the most effective antibiotics against bacterial isolates, whereas ampicillin, cefepime and cefadroxil were the most common resistance antibiotics of bacterial isolates. In conclusion, this is the first study carried out in Hadhramout, Yemen to assessment the phagocytic neutrophil cells and its role to fight the bacterial infection of diabetic foot ulcers. When the grade of ulcer increased, the bacterial resistance to antibiotics increased, and this was emphasis the correlation with prevalence of Gram-negative bacteria in the high grade of ulcers with high resistance of antibiotics. In contrast, the grade of ulcer increased, the efficiency of phagocytic neutrophil cells decreased.

Frequency of binge eating behavior in patients with borderline personality disorder and its relation to emotional regulation and impulsivity.

Eating disorders are common among patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD), contributing to their lack of treatment response and bad prognosis. In this context, it is helpful to examine the relevance of eating behavior and to understand whether borderline traits are higher in those individuals. In this study, a sample of patients with BPD screened to determine the frequency of binge eating (BE) behaviors and its relation to impulsivity and emotional dysregulation. Seventy participants aged 25.81 ± 6.34years were recruited from Okasha Institute of psychiatry, Cairo, Egypt. Diagnosed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II disorders (SCID-II), assessed for impulsivity, emotion regulation using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale and the Trait Meta Mood Scale (TMMS), respectively, and screened for BE behaviors by Binge Eating Scale. All of the participants had medium emotional regulation propensity 82.63 ± 10.81 and showed variable degrees of impulsivity, mainly moderate 42 (60%). More than half of the participants had BE behavior 37 (~ 53%), with a significant negative correlation with clarity of feeling, total score of TMMS, and age. Similarly, on comparing the participant with binging versus no binging group, a significant relation between BE behavior, fear of abandonment (p value 0.02), clarity of feeling, and total score of TMMS was found. However, no significant relation between BE behavior & impulsivity demonstrated. A substantial number of patients with BPD suffering from BE, showing relation between binging, emotion dysregulation, and fear of abandonment. III, evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case-control analytic studies.

Psychiatric comorbidities and dehydration are more common in children admitted to the emergency department for eating disorders in the COVID-19 era.

PurposeSince the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and home confinement had a significant impact on children, especially on those with eating disorders (ED). The primary objective of this retrospective study was to describe and analyze the demographic and clinical profiles of children presenting with ED during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of clinical charts of patients with ED younger than 18 years who accessed the emergency department of the Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Rome, between March 2019 and March 2021. Of these, we reported and compared the demographic, clinical and laboratory data before and after the COVID-19 pandemic and looked for predictors of ED severity.ResultsA total of 211 admissions for ED were recorded. The patients, mostly females (86.3%) were on average 14.1 years old. The mean weight loss on admission was 11 kg. Bradycardia was observed in 31.3% of the study sample. 16.6% of patients had an associated psychiatric disorder and 60.2% required psychotropic drugs. 68.7% of the patients required hospitalization. Respectively, 96 and 115 patients were admitted before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The latter were hospitalized more (78.3 vs 57.3%; p = 0.001), yet for less time (19 vs 26 days; p = 0.004), had a higher mean serum creatinine (0.68 vs 0.47; p < 0.001) and were more frequently diagnosed with an associated psychiatric disorder (23.5 vs 8.3%; p = 0.003).ConclusionOur study shows a significant increase of hospitalizations of children with ED during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with a shorter length of stay, more psychiatric comorbidities, and some distinctive features at the laboratory work-up, such as an increase of serum creatinine and/or a reduction of serum albumin.Level of evidenceIII, evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case–control analytic studies.

EVALUATING COMMON HEMATOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL BIOMARKERS AS PREDICTORS FOR ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASES AMONG ADULT SUDANESE PATIENTS

Background: Ischemic heart diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. It accounts for (20.07%) of total deaths with a death rate of 279.01 per 100.000 population. Being multifactorial in origin, the causes, diagnosis, prevention, control, and/or treatment of IHD remain active fields of biomedical research with considerable emphasis on the relativity of various risk factors and IHD. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional case-control prospective analytical study to evaluate the hematological and biochemical predictors in ischemic heart disease patients in Shendi locality, River Nile, State Sudan. The study excluded all patients with comorbidities that might affect the results of biomarkers. Results: The mean values of Hb, PCV, RBCs, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW in case group were (12.3 g/dl), (37.7%), (4.2x1012/l), (87.9 fl), (28.9 pg), (32.9 g/dl) and (16.5) respectively and mean of TWBCs, Neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, basophil, platelet count and MPV of (8.4 x 109 /l), (66.6%), (25%), (5.9%), (2.5%), (0%), (301.9 x 109 /l) and (8.4) respectively. The mean of hsCRP, D.dimer in case group were (5.896 mg/l), (1247.4 ng/ml), respectively. The case group had mean range of urea and creatinine (57.68 mg/dl) and (1.55 mg/dl) respectively, and mean of (Na+), (K+) and (Ca2+) of (136.1 mmol/l), (3.87 mmol/l) and (9.73 mg/dl) respectively. Conclusion: When compared to healthy individuals in the control group, the case group had lower Hb, PCV, red cells indices, serum sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and calcium (Ca2+) levels. And higher levels of TWBCs, Neutrophil, platelet, MPV, Serum hsC-reative protein, plasma D.dimer, b.urea, and serum creatinine

“Belly Only Pregnancy” content on social media and in internet blogs: a qualitative analysis on its definition and potential risks and benefits

PurposeSocial media enlarge the impact of health and fitness trends on body image and lifestyle choices, also in birthing parents. A new and yet to investigate social media trend addressing expectant mothers is “Belly Only Pregnancy”. This qualitative study sought to define this new trend and clarify whether content related to this trend might disrupt body image or eating habits in expectant mothers.MethodsPicture and text data were gathered on a key day by screening Instagram and blog posts including or linking #bellyonlypregnancy. The identified data were categorized applying qualitative content analysis using MAXQDA software version 2018.ResultsThree hundred and fifty-one Instagram and eight blog posts were included. Our qualitative analysis’ results indicated that the term “Belly Only Pregnancy” was used for describing: (1) The phenotype of an athletic woman whose abdominal size enlarges during pregnancy while not gaining excessive fat tissue. (2) An active lifestyle during pregnancy consisting of healthy nutrition and regular exercise pursuing goals like fast weight loss post-partum. Also, bodily, and mental gestational changes and the feasibility of this lifestyle were discussed.ConclusionA “Belly Only Pregnancy” allegorizes an ideal body type for expecting mothers. Especially women with increased vulnerability for an eating disorder might be negatively affected by the consumption of content linked to this trend. However, the positive effects of a healthy diet and exercise should not be denied keeping into account the increasing prevalence of obesity and gestational diabetes.Level of evidenceLevel III: Evidence obtained from cohort or case-control analytic studies.