Group Of Egyptian Children Research Articles

The Impact of Anti- Asthmatic Medications on Salivary pH and Dental Caries Pattern in a Group of Egyptian Children With Bronchial Asthma

The Impact of Anti- Asthmatic Medications on Salivary pH and Dental Caries Pattern in a Group of Egyptian Children With Bronchial Asthma

Prevalence of Traumatic Dental Injuries in A Group of Egyptian Children With Special Health Care Needs

Prevalence of Traumatic Dental Injuries in A Group of Egyptian Children With Special Health Care Needs

Ocular Changes in Egyptian Children on Regular Hemodialysis

Background: Chronic Kidney disease (CKD) may cause ocular disorders for many reasons such as uraemia, haemodialysis and hypertension. Aim: To study the ocular changes in a group of Egyptian children with chronic kidney disease on regular hemodialysis. Subjects and Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted on 30 children on regular hemodialysis and another 30 age and sex-matched healthy children as controls. Their ages ranged from 4 to 17 years. Complete ophthalmological examination including; visual acuity and refraction, anterior segment examination, intraocular pressure (IOP), fundus examination and colored photography were assessed in the same line with routine laboratory investigations for children on regular hemodialysis and their controls. The relation of ocular disorders with related clinical and biochemical variables was measured statistically. Results: The most common eye abnormalities recorded were decreased visual acuity in Lt eye (73.3%) and Rt eye (60%), followed by corneal & conjunctiva calcification were (16.7%) and (13.3%) respectively and fundal changes (13.3%) of the study population. A significant positive relation was found between fundal changes particularly tortuous blood vessel abnormalities with the duration of hemodialysis and serum creatinine level. Conclusion: Ocular abnormalities are common than expected in children on regular hemodialysis. Visual acuity disorder is the major ocular abnormalities recorded in those patients. Regular ophthalmologic assessment is recommended in children to prevent longer-term visual complications.

Role of colonoscopy in the diagnosis of lower gastrointestinal disorders in children

Introduction Adult colonoscopies are widely and routinely performed worldwide and provide a safe and effective diagnostic and therapeutic tool. Moreover, safety and effectiveness of pediatric colonoscopy in lower gastrointestinal diseases have been established. Aim To assess the role of colonoscopy in the diagnosis of lower gastrointestinal tract diseases in a group of Egyptian children. Patients and methods A total of 40 children were admitted to the Endoscopy Unit of Al-Zahraa University Hospital, Al-Azhar University, in both Pediatric and Tropical Medicine Departments in the period from October 2014 to December 2015. They presented with various lower gastrointestinal symptoms, indicated for colonoscopy evaluation. Thorough clinical history taking and clinical examination, complete blood count, bleeding profile, liver enzymes, and kidney function tests were done. Colonoscopy and histopathological examination of colonoscopic specimen were done. Results The most common indications of colonoscopy were bleeding per rectum in 42.5% of cases followed by bleeding per rectum associated with chronic abdominal pain in 25% of cases, bleeding per rectum associated with vomiting, hematemesis, and melena in 15% of cases, bloody chronic diarrhea in 7.5% of cases, chronic constipation associated with bleeding per rectum in 5% of cases, and nonbloody chronic diarrhea in 5% of cases. Regarding endoscopic results, colorectal polyps, inflammation with superficial ulceration, and normal mucosa were the main endoscopic findings, representing 42.5, 37.5, and 20% of cases, respectively. Based on histopathological results, juvenile polyps were the most common diagnoses in 42.5% of cases, whereas 37.5% of cases were chronic nonspecific colitis, 12.5% of cases were eosinophilic colitis, and 7.5% of cases were ulcerative colitis. Conclusion Colonoscopy is a valuable and safe tool for diagnosis of lower gastrointestinal diseases in children.

Zirconia Crowns versus Pre-veneered Stainless Steel Crowns in Primary Anterior Teeth A Retrospective Study of Clinical Performance and Parental Satisfaction

Purpose: This study aimed at evaluating the clinical performance and parental satisfactionwith zirconia crowns versus the pre-veneered stainless-steel crowns (SSCs) in primary anteriormaxillary teeth in a group of Egyptian children under general anesthesia.Methods: A retrospective analysis of forty maxillary anterior pediatric zirconia crowns versusforty pre-veneered SSCs was performed. Crowns were examined for retention, gingival health,color match, contour and opposing tooth wear. Parental satisfaction with either type of crowns wasevaluated by questionnaire.Results: Seventy-seven crowns were evaluated in 32 children with 3 teeth lost to exfoliation.Crowns were examined 4-12 months after placement. Zirconia crowns showed a 100% retentiveness,color match, absence of gingival irritation, 94.7% cosmetic appearance with 100% overall parentalsatisfaction rated as very satisfied. On the other hand, although pre-veneered SSCs showed94.9% retentiveness, 12.8% (n=5) showed mild inflammation on the gingival index together withslight shade mismatch, along with 23.1% (n=9) non-ideal crowns with a reduced overall parentalsatisfaction rated as 71.8% very satisfied.Conclusions: Pediatric zirconia crowns offer a better esthetic and highly acceptable, albeitmore expensive, restorative option for primary maxillary anterior teeth.

Relation between Dermatoglyphicsand Early Childhood caries in a group of Egyptian children

Dental caries is a multifactorial disease with genetic base. Early prediction for high caries risk children can help in postulating an effective caries preventive measure. Dermatoglyphics is a promising valuable tool for preliminary examination in conditions with a speculated hereditary base. The aim of the investigation was to decide whether fingerprints as a genetic marker could be involved in the occurrence of dental caries. Sixty children aged between 36 to 71 months, divided into two groups of 30 children each. They were chosen from the outpatient clinic of the pediatric dentistry department at Pharos University. They were divided into two groups according to dental caries incidence: caries-free children and children with ECC and dmfs score > 5.The handprints of every child were taken and the type of dermatoglyphic pattern on fingertip of every digit was noted. The dmfs scores were recorded. SPSS software and test of proportions were used for the analysis. It was found that fingerprints of caries-free children demonstrated mostly loops pattern while whorls pattern was prevailing in the caries group.The difference in atd angle (angle is a part of the palm denoting the relative position of three triradii) revealed a significant difference between the two groups where caries group had the most minimal mean atd angle and the least total ridge count (TRC). This could be a cost-effective tool, that could be used in many field studies.

SERUM ANTIGLIADIN ANTIBODIES IN EGYPTIAN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: RELATIONSHIP TO GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMS, BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL COMMUNICATIONS

Objectives: Gastrointestinal symptoms are major characteristic in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), drawing attention to a potent association with gluten sensitivity. The goal of this study was to evaluate anti-gliadin antibodies serum levels in a group of Egyptian children with ASDs and to address the potential link to gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, behavioral, and social communications.Patients and Methods: This descriptive case–control study included 45 children diagnosed as ASD according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition and a history of GI symptoms, compared with 45 apparently healthy children of matched age and sex. Serum anti-gliadin antibodies were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.Results: Serum levels of IgM, IgA, and IgG class antibodies to gliadin showed a significant increase compared to healthy controls (p<0.000). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between the high serum levels of IgA and IgM class antibodies to gliadin in the studied patients and GI symptoms (p<0.05). A significant association was detected between the high serum levels of IgG antibodies to gliadin and the behavior symptoms (p<0.05).Conclusions: The anti-gliadin antibody response and its association with GI symptoms indicated the involvement of abnormal immunologic intestinal permeability in affected children. Immune system of some autistic patients could be abnormally triggered by gluten assumption.

SERUM BRAIN DERIVED NEUROTROPHIC FACTOR AS BIOMARKER FOR EPILEPSY DIAGNOSIS IN EGYPTIAN CHILDREN WITH EPILEPSY; RELATIONSHIP TO DISEASE SEVERITY AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION.

Objectives: This study was designed to estimate serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentration in a group of Egyptian children with epilepsy to clarify its utility as a biomarker for epilepsy diagnosis and to evaluate its relationship with their cognitive function and disease severity. Methods: Intelligence was assessed using Arabic version of the WISC-R test. Serum concentration of BDNF was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 40 children with epilepsy and 40 apparently healthy children of matched age and sex controls. Results: Of total 40 epileptic patients aged 6–12 years, the mean age was 8.32 ± 0.7 years and male to female ratio was 1.5:1. The mean serum BDNF concentration and cognitive IQ scores were statistically significantly reduced in the studied patient’s group versus to controls (p<0.001). There were highly significant differences in serum BDNF concentration as regards epileptic severity. Serum concentration of BDNF showed significantly positive correlation with cognitive, verbal, performance, and totals IQ scores and negative correlation with the age at the onset of seizures, and duration of therapy. The linear regression analysis showed a statistically significant association between age at the onset of seizures, duration of therapy, cognitive function, and serum BDNF concentrations among the studied patients. Conclusions: Concentration of BDNF in serum is involved in the mechanism of epileptogenesis in children with epilepsy. It should be used as a helpful marker for epilepsy diagnosis and detection of severity.

SERUM BRAIN DERIVED NEUROTROPHIC FACTOR AS BIOMARKER FOR EPILEPSY DIAGNOSIS IN EGYPTIAN CHILDREN WITH EPILEPSY; RELATIONSHIP TO DISEASE SEVERITY AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION.

Objectives: This study was designed to estimate serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentration in a group of Egyptian children with epilepsy to clarify its utility as a biomarker for epilepsy diagnosis and to evaluate its relationship with their cognitive function and disease severity. Methods: Intelligence was assessed using Arabic version of the WISC-R test. Serum concentration of BDNF was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 40 children with epilepsy and 40 apparently healthy children of matched age and sex controls. Results: Of total 40 epileptic patients aged 6–12 years, the mean age was 8.32 ± 0.7 years and male to female ratio was 1.5:1. The mean serum BDNF concentration and cognitive IQ scores were statistically significantly reduced in the studied patient’s group versus to controls (p<0.001). There were highly significant differences in serum BDNF concentration as regards epileptic severity. Serum concentration of BDNF showed significantly positive correlation with cognitive, verbal, performance, and totals IQ scores and negative correlation with the age at the onset of seizures, and duration of therapy. The linear regression analysis showed a statistically significant association between age at the onset of seizures, duration of therapy, cognitive function, and serum BDNF concentrations among the studied patients. Conclusions: Concentration of BDNF in serum is involved in the mechanism of epileptogenesis in children with epilepsy. It should be used as a helpful marker for epilepsy diagnosis and detection of severity.

Prevalence of Enamel Hypoplasia and Enamel Hypocalcification in a Group of Egyptian Children

Purpose. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of developmental enamel defects in a group of Egyptian children and to determine the most common causes of these developmental enamel defects. Subjects and Methods: A total of 1500 children (4-14 years old, 700 boys and 800 girls) were randomly selected from the health insurance public daycare centers. For each child a clinical examination was performed according to the 2013 WHO dental caries criteria and the modified DDE index (FDI, 1982). Children were divided into three groups, according to the type of dentition asfollows, group (A) included “692” children and representing the children who had only deciduous dentition, group (B) included “688” children and representing the children who had mixed dentition and group (C) included “120” children and representing the children who had only permanent dentition. Results: Prevalence of enamel defect were observed in 22.5% of cases. Conclusion: Prevalence of enamel defect were observed in 337 cases with the most common defect was demarcated opacity which was found in 197 cases (13.1%). There was a statistically significant association between presence of enamel defects and previous disease. Previous surgery, previous radiation, previous medication and previous hospitalization. Also, high mean dmf, def and DMF indices, high mean GI. There was no statistically significant association between presence of enamel defects and maternal history during pregnancy, present disease, present intakeof medication and familial history of disease

Detection of rhinovirus-associated asthma exacerbations using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in Egyptian children

Background: Acute exacerbations of asthma are the leading cause of emergency department visits in pediatric patients. The development of sensitive diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based techniques permitted demonstration of an already clinically suspected association between common viral respiratory infections and asthma exacerbations. Respiratory viruses have been identified in 80–85% of exacerbations in school-aged children, with human rhinoviruses (HRVs) being the most frequently detected. A recently identified HRV genotype, HRV-C, is circulating worldwide and is an important cause of febrile wheeze and asthmatic exacerbations in children requiring hospitalization. Objectives: This study aimed to detect HRV- induced asthma exacerbations (including the new HRV-C genotype) among a group of Egyptian children. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 31 asthmatic children in exacerbations in the period from September 2014 till October 2015. Patients were recruited from the emergency department and chest clinic, Children's hospital, Ain Shams University. Sputum (for children ≥7years) and nasopharyngeal aspirates (for infants and children<7years) were collected for one-step, real-time pan Rhinovirus reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. One step RT-PCR was done to detect Rhinovirus C among positive cases. Results: This study included 31 asthmatic children in exacerbations. They were 15 males (48.4%) and 16 females (51.6%). Their ages ranged from 7 months to 12 years with a mean and SD of (4.47 ± 3.15) years. Eight (25.8%) of the studied patients showed positive Rhinovirus RT-PCR test and 4 (50%) of the HRV positive patients were of the Rhinovirus C genotype (12.9% of the total population). HRV positive patients showed higher percentage of positive family history of bronchial asthma (p=0.002), higher mean values of respiratory rate (p=0.001) and temperature (p=0.001), but lower mean value of oxygen saturation (p =0.011). There were statistically significant differences regarding the exacerbation severity (p=0.024) and outcome (p=0.048) between HRV positive and negative patients. Conclusion: HRVs are important triggers of asthma exacerbations among Egyptian children. The newly described HRV-C genotype accounts for a significant proportion of HRV- associated asthma exacerbations. Further studies on a larger scale are needed for HRV-C and other possibly undiscovered HRV genotypes. Keywords: Rhinovirus, Rhinovirus C genotype, asthma exacerbation, real time RT-PCR

Serum vitamin D level in Egyptian children with Familial Mediterranean fever

BackgroundThe aim of the study is to measure plasma vitamin D levels in a group of Egyptian children with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) compared to healthy children. MethodsThe study enrolled 52 children with FMF and 40 apparently healthy controls. Serum vitamin D level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. ResultsThe mean serum vitamin D level was significantly lower in children with FMF than control group (12.3±3.4 and 21.2±3.5ng/mL, respectively, p<0.001). Vitamin D level was significantly lower in female patients than males (11.3±2.9, 13.2±3.6, respectively p=0.04). No statistically significant relations were detected between vitamin D level and different clinical, laboratory and genetic variables. ConclusionVitamin D levels were lower in Egyptian FMF children than healthy controls. There is a speculation that vitamin D deficiency in FMF patients may be related to inflammation. Further studies with larger number of patients before and after Vitamin D, therapy may be needed. Supplementation with high doses of vitamin D seems appropriate for children with FMF.

Hair loss among a group of Egyptian children

BackgroundHair loss in children is commonly encountered in the dermatological practice. The diagnosis of hair and scalp disorders was based on clinical examination, pull test, KOH preparation, culture, and other methods for hair loss assessment. Now, dermoscopy is used as a new fast and noninvasive

Altered Adaptive Cellular Immune Function in a Group of Egyptian Children with Autism

Altered Adaptive Cellular Immune Function in a Group of Egyptian Children with Autism

Echocardiographic changes and growth retardation in a group of Egyptian children with rheumatic heart disease.

Advances in echocardiographic studies have identified a massive burden of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) which continues to be a major health hazard in most developing countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between cardiac affection as regards the presence of single or multiple valvular lesions, and their severity and the growth parameters in a group of Egyptian children with RHD. This study is a cross-sectional study, that was conducted on 200 children with RHD and 400 age-matched healthy. All subjects were subjected to anthropometric measurement and echocardiographic evaluation of the different cardiac parameters. Isolated mitral incompetence (MI) was the most frequent type of valvular lesion in RHD (54.0%), followed by mixed MI and aortic incompetence (AI) (26.5%). Patients with RHD were more liable to be underweight and stunted compared to controls (P<0.05). Growth retardation was significantly noticed in patients with RHD in general (P<0.05), and particularly in patients mixed MI and AI in particular (P<0.05). Also a significant association was detected between growth retardation and the severity of the valvular lesion in the group of rheumatic heart patients (P<0.05). Associations between growth retardation and RHD with its various patterns of valvular affection and severity were detected in the present study.

Serum levels of lead and copper in a group of Egyptian children with bronchial asthma

Background: Copper and lead are trace elements required for the activity of antioxidant enzymes and changes in their levels may lead to reduction in antioxidant activities in asthma. Objective: Our study aims to investigate the serum levels of copper and lead in asthmatic children in correlation to disease severity to anticipate their role as oxidant defenders in this disease. Methods: We enrolled 45 children who were divided into two groups: group 1 included 30 asthmatic children during disease quiescence and group 2 included 15 clinically healthy children matched for age and sex as a control group. Patients were subjected to: history taking, clinical examination, spirometry before and after bronchodilator therapy, complete blood counting, and measurement of serum levels of total IgE, copper and lead (in patients and controls). Results: Patients’ group had significantly higher serum levels of lead (mean 8.2±3.1 μg/dl) and copper (122±31.5 μg/dl) in comparison to controls (mean 5.7±2.3 μg/dl and103.3±21.1 μg/dl respectively). Serum lead and copper levels were higher among patients with moderate persistent asthma than those with mild asthma. Serum total IgE levels correlated positively with serum lead levels among the asthmatic children. However, serum lead and copper levels did not correlate with any of the measured pulmonary function parameters tested. Conclusion: Increased serum level of lead and copper were high in a group of children with bronchial asthma in children and this was more evident in moderate than mild cases. Keywords: children; trace elements; lead; copper; spirometry; bronchial asthma; antioxidants; severity

Assessment of Vitamin D status in a group of Egyptian children with non alcoholic fatty liver disease (multicenter study).

BackgroundNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the health problems with great burden on the liver that may end with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of this work was to assess serum vitamin D level in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease childrenMethodsThis cross sectional case control study involved 47 patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease selected while recruiting the pediatric hepatology clinics. Their ages ranged from 5–15 years and were compared with 23 healthy age and sex matched children. All involved patients were subjected to careful history taking, clinical examination and for patients and control, anthropometric measures for body mass index (BMI) calculation (plotted on WHO percentile growth charts), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), bilirubin (total and direct), serum albumin, creatinine, triglycerides, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL),low density lipoprotein (LDL), fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin (for calculation of insulin resistance), C reactive protein and serum vitamin D all were assayed. NAFLD was detected by ultrasonography and graded as absent, mild, moderate and severe.ResultsNinety-three percent of NAFLD patients were obese. Significant differences were found between patients and control regarding AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, total and direct bilirubin, serum albumin, creatinine, triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and serum vitamin D levels. Significant negative correlation was found between serum vitamin D level and grades of steatosis.ConclusionsSerum vitamin D level decreases in children with NAFLD. This low serum vitamin D level is associated with higher stages of steatosis but not with BMI.

Serum Amyloid A Level in Egyptian Children with Familial Mediterranean Fever.

Background and Objectives. SAA is an acute-phase reactant detected during an FMF attack or other inflammatory conditions. High SAA levels may increase the risk of amyloidosis. The aim of the study is to measure the serum amyloid A (SAA) level in a group of Egyptian children with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and study its various correlates, if any. Methods. The study enrolled seventy-one children with FMF. Results. SAA level was high in 78.9% of the studied patients with a mean of 81.62 ± 31.6 mg/L, and CRP was positive in 31% of patients. There was no significant releation between SAA level and any demographic or clinical manifestation. High SAA was more frequent in V726A allele (16.9%) followed by M694V allele (12.3%). Elevated SAA levels were more frequent in patients on low colchicine doses. Forty-five percent (45%) of patients have low adherence to colchicine therapy. Interpretation and Conclusion. High SAA levels were detected two weeks after last FMF attack in a large percentage of Egyptian FMF children. This indicates that subclinical inflammation continues during attack-free periods, and SAA could be used as a marker of it.

Evaluation of the Effect of Dairy Products on Streptococci and Lactobacilli in Saliva on Group of Egyptian Children

Objective: to evaluate the effect of dairy products on streptococcus mutans (SM) and lactobacilli (LB) in saliva on group of Egyptian children. Material and Methods: One hundred and twenty Egyptian children from both sexes were included inthis study, their age ranged from 4-12 years old. These children were equally divided into 3 groups, each group consisted of 40 children. First group (group A) was instructed to drink plain cow’s milk, second group (group B) was instructed to drink milk plus sugar and third group (group C) was instructed to drink milk plus honey. Three saliva samples were collected from each child, one before drinking the beverage (S1) then immediately after drinking (S2) and finally one hour after drinking the beverage (S3) by spitting in a sterile plastic container, then submitted to the Culture and Sensitivity Unit at The Regional center for Mycology and Biotechnology at Al-Azhar University to evaluate the salivary concentration on SM and LB for each subject. Results: The use of plain milk resulted in decrease in the mean value of SM immediatelyafter drinking then subsequently showed a slight increase after one hour. And LB mean value increased immediately after beverage, then subsequently showed a significant increase after one hour. The use of milk plus sugar resulted in significant increase in mean value of SM immediately and one hour after beverage. And the mean value ofLB significantly increased immediately and one hour after beverage. The use of milk plus honey resulted in significant decrease in the mean value of SM one hour after beverage .And the mean value of LB significantly decreased immediately and one hour after beverage. Conclusion: the results revealed that, Milk and dairy products have a low cariogenic potential. Adding sugar makes whole milk as cariogenic as a sucrose solution. Natural honey had an antibacterial activity on SM and LB bacteria.

DETERMINATION OF THE COMBINED MESIODISTAL WIDTHS OF THE PERMANENT MANDIBULAR INCISORS AND THE MAXILLARY AND MANDIBULAR CANINES AND PREMOLARS IN A GROUP OF EGYPTIAN CHILDREN IN GIZA GOVERNORATE. “A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY”

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the combined mesiodistal widths of the permanent mandibular incisors and maxillary and mandibular canines and premolars in a group of Egyptian children in Giza governorate. Correlate between the combined mesiodistal widths of the teeth under study. Subjects and methods: A sample of three hundred patients with an age range from twelve to fifteen years attending the outpatient clinics of Giza hospitals was considered. Upper and lower impressions were taken. Each impression was poured immediately in stone plaster. Mesio-distal widths of mandibular incisors and maxillary and mandibular canines and premolars was measured from the study models using digital caliper. Results: No statistically significant difference in the mean mesiodistal tooth width between right and left sides in all teeth under study. Males showed larger mesiodistal tooth width than females. Positive correlations were found between mesiodistal teeth width of mandibular incisors and maxillary and mandibular canines and premolars. Conclusions: The mesiodistal width of upper and lower canines and premolars can be predicted by measuring the mesiodistal width of lower incisors due to the positive correlation found between them.