Filiz Mine Çizmecioğlu

Hypovitaminosis D in Obese and Overweight Schoolchildren

Aim: To determine the prevalence of vitamin D hypovitaminosis among obese and overweight schoolchildren. Design: A cross−sectional population based sample. Methods: In a cross−sectional study, 301 students (177 girls and 124 boys) aged 11−19 years were selected by multistage stratified sampling design. Subjects were classified according to their body mass index as obese, overweight and normal. Serum 25−hydroxyvitamin D (25−OHD), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured in late winter months. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as a 25−OHD 20 ng/ml. Results: The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was found as 65% in all students. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 12% and insufficiency in 53% of all students. Vitamin D deficiency in female students was about two times more common than in males. In obese and overweight schoolchildren with hypovitaminosis D, serum 25−OHD levels decreased as BMI increased. There were no correlations between serum 25−OHD and ALP and iPTH levels. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are common in obese and overweight schoolchildren, especially in girls. Obesity could be a risk factor in terms of hypovitaminosis D in adolescents. Vitamin D supplementation should be administered particularly to adolescent girls. Conflict of interest:None declared.

Measured versus reported parental height

Background: Parental height data are essential in the assessment of linear growth in children. A number of studies have documented inaccuracy in self-reported adult height. Aims: To determine whether there is a tendency for men to overestimate and women to underestimate their height. Methods: Heights of parents of children attending outpatient clinics were measured (MHt) and compared with reported heights (RHt). Results: Two hundred parents (100 males; 100 females), mean (range) age 37.8 (20.8–69.3) years, were measured. Males overestimated height, with mean (SD) RHt–MHt 1.09 (1.96) cm, while females reported height relatively accurately, with RHt–MHt −0.09 (2.37) cm. Conclusions: The hypothesis that males overestimate height is confirmed. While the hypothesis that women underestimate is not supported, we recommend accurate measurement of both parents, given the considerable degree of individual variation in RHt−MHt for both sexes.

Prevention of Vitamin D deficiency in infancy: daily 400 IU vitamin D is sufficient

SummaryAim-objectiveVitamin D deficiency and rickets in developing countries continues to be a major health problem. Additionally, the increase of cases of rickets in children of some ethnic groups in the United States and European countries has provided this issue to be updated. Obviously, powerful strategies are necessary to prevent vitamin D deficiency nation-wide. In 2005, a nationwide prevention program for vitamin D deficiency was initiated, recommending 400 IU vitamin D per a day.This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of the prevention program.MethodsEighty-five infants who were recalled as part of the national screening program for congenital hypothyroidism between February 2010 and August 2010 at Kocaeli University Childrens Hospital were evaluated in terms of their vitamin D status as well. All babies had been provided with free vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) solution and recommended to receive 400 IU (3 drops) daily. Information regarding the age at start of supplementation, the dosage and compliance were obtained from the mothers with face-to-face interview. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH-D), alkaline phosphatase (AP), parathormone (PTH) levels were measured.ResultsThe mean age at which Vitamin D3 supplementation began was 16.5 ± 20.7 (3-120) days. Ninety percent of cases (n:76) were receiving 3 drops (400 IU) vitamin D3 per day as recommended; 70% of cases (n:59) were given vitamin D3 regularly, the remainder had imperfect compliance. Among those children who are older than 12 months, only 20% continued vitamin D supplementation. No subject had clinical signs of rickets. The mean 25-OH-D level was 42,5 ± 25,8 (median: 38.3) ng/ml. Ten subjects (12%) had their serum 25-OH-D levels lower than 20 ng/ml (6 between 15-20 ng/ml, 3 between 5-15 ng/ml and only one < 5 ng/ml).Conclusions400 U/day vitamin D seems adequate to prevent vitamin D deficiency. However, we believe that the program for preventing vitamin D deficiency in Turkey, needs to be reinforced to start immediately after birth, and to continue beyond 1 year of age at 400U regular daily dosage.

Turner syndrome and associated problems in turkish children: A multicenter study

Objective: Turner syndrome (TS) is a chromosomal disorder caused by complete or partial X chromosome monosomy that manifests various clinical features depending on the karyotype and on the genetic background of affected girls. This study aimed to systematically investigate the key clinical features of TS in relationship to karyotype in a large pediatric Turkish patient population. Methods: Our retrospective study included 842 karyotype-proven TS patients aged 0-18 years who were evaluated in 35 different centers in Turkey in the years 2013-2014. Results: The most common karyotype was 45,X (50.7%), followed by 45,X/46,XX (10.8%), 46,X,i(Xq) (10.1%) and 45,X/46,X,i(Xq) (9.5%). Mean age at diagnosis was 10.2±4.4 years. The most common presenting complaints were short stature and delayed puberty. Among patients diagnosed before age one year, the ratio of karyotype 45,X was significantly higher than that of other karyotype groups. Cardiac defects (bicuspid aortic valve, coarctation of the aorta and aortic stenosis) were the most common congenital anomalies, occurring in 25% of the TS cases. This was followed by urinary system anomalies (horseshoe kidney, double collector duct system and renal rotation) detected in 16.3%. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis was found in 11.1% of patients, gastrointestinal abnormalities in 8.9%, ear nose and throat problems in 22.6%, dermatologic problems in 21.8% and osteoporosis in 15.3%. Learning difficulties and/or psychosocial problems were encountered in 39.1%. Insulin resistance and impaired fasting glucose were detected in 3.4% and 2.2%, respectively. Dyslipidemia prevalence was 11.4%. Conclusion: This comprehensive study systematically evaluated the largest group of karyotype-proven TS girls to date. The karyotype distribution, congenital anomaly and comorbidity profile closely parallel that from other countries and support the need for close medical surveillance of these complex patients throughout their lifespan.

Does common channel length affect surgical choice in female congenital adrenal hyperplasia patients

OBJECTIVE Partial/total urogenital sinus mobilization (UGSM) is one of the recommended techniques for treatment of female congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). In this study we compared the length of common channel (CC) and type of operation performed in CAH patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively analyzed data of patients receiving surgery for female CAH. Patients were separated into three groups: group 1 had partial UGSM, group 2 had total UGSM, and group 3 had total UGSM plus the vaginal anterior wall was made from CC. Age at surgery, length of CC, surgical time, follow-up time, and complications were compared. RESULTS There were a total of 29 patients. For groups 1, 2, and 3, the average age at surgery was 47.2 months, 14.4 months, and 21.3 months, respectively, and the average CC length was 1.25 cm, 3.1 cm, 4.3 cm, respectively. The average time of surgery was 165 min, 193.1 min, 282.5 min, respectively. The average follow-up time was 34.7 months, 36.3 months, 28.3 months, respectively. There were two complications (UGS flap necrosis and opening of sutures) in the third group. CONCLUSION We advise the use of partial UGSM for CC of 0.5-2 cm, total UGSM for CC of 2.5-3.5 cm, and total USM with use of CC as the anterior vaginal wall in CC ≥ 4 cm in length. Good cosmetic and functional results are obtained with this approach.

Ovotesticular disorder of sexual development and a rare 46,XX/47,XXY karyotype

Abstract Ovotesticular disorder of sexual development (DSD) is characterized by the presence of both ovarian and testicular tissues in the same individual. The most common karyotype is 46,XX. Here, we report the case of a boy with a 46,XX/47,XXY karyotype diagnosed as ovotesticular DSD by gonadal biopsy. A 5-month-old boy presented with hypospadias, unilateral cryptorchidism, and a micropenis. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging revealed a suspicious gonad tissue that is solid in structure in the right scrotum and a suspicious gonad that is cystic in structure in the left inguinal canal. He underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy. Cytogenetic analysis of peripheral blood revealed a 46,XX/47,XXY karyotype. Histopathologic examination of the left gonad showed ovarian tissue containing primordial follicles with ipsilateral undifferentiated tuba uterina. The right gonad showed immature testis tissue. He underwent left gonadectomy and hypospadias repair, and was raised as a male. Through this rare case, we highlight the importance of histological and cytogenetic investigation in DSD.

Posttraumatic stress symptoms in children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes

BackgroundStudies consistently found remarkable rates of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in children with chronic diseases. But, only one study had searched PTSS in children with diabetes, until now. So, the present study aimed to examine incidence rate and predictors of PTSS in children with type 1 diabetes.MethodPTSS were evaluated by Child Posttraumatic Stress Reaction Index in fifty four children with diabetes (aged between 8–18 years). This assessment was based on hypoglycaemia as the potential traumatic event. Children were also introduced a brief questionnaire about demographic and disease related information. Some other information was obtained from families, medical stuff and records. Among 54 children, forty two had complete information. Hence, to evaluate possible predictive factors related with PTSS, multiple regression analysis was conducted for 42 children.Results18.5% of children were reported PTSS at severe or very severe level, and 51.9% were reported PTSS at moderate level or above. Multiple regression analyses were shown that child PTSS were not significantly related with possible predictive factors other than number of hypoglycaemic attacks for the last month.ConclusionThe study results support that posttraumatic stress symptoms are not rarely seen in paediatric patients with diabetes, and even if not severe, hypoglycaemic attacks may be perceived as traumatic by the children with diabetes. But, because of some limitations, the results should be carefully interpreted.

Nutritional status of students in Kocaeli, Turkey: A population‐based study

Background:  The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional status of students in Kocaeli, Turkey.

Audit of microalbumin excretion in children with type I diabetes.

Objective: To investigate prevalence, persistence and clinical correlates of increased microalbumin excretion in random urine samples collected in a paediatric diabetes clinic. Method: Random urine samples were collected annually in patients >10 years attending the diabetes clinic in the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh. Albumin excretion is expressed as albumin:creatinine ratio (ACR) and classified as normal (10mg/mmol), or macroalbuminuria (>47 mg/mmol in females, >35 mg/mmol in males). We analyzed retrospectively results on 421 urine samples collected from 217 patients (109 males), of a median age of 12.3 years (94% 10−16 years) over 3 years. For each sample, the corresponding mean HbA1c over the previous year was calculated. Results: Prevalence of micro− and macro−albuminuria in individual samples was 1% and 0.5% respectively. ACR was equivocal in 10.1% and 4.7% in samples from females and males respectively (p=0.03). HbA1c showed borderline significant differences across ACR groups (p=0.06). Equivocal ACR excretion was associated with slightly higher mean HbA1c (9.5±1.3%) compared to normal albuminuria (9.0±1.1%, p3.5 mg/mmol. The 14−16 years age group patients were most likely to have ACR >3.5 mg/mmol (p=0.05). Conclusions: Female sex and increasing age, but not HbA1c, were independently associated with increased ACR. A robust mechanism for collection of repeat early morning urine samples from patients with increased ACR in random urine samples, and follow−up of those patients who have persistently high microalbumin excretion are important. It is also important to confirm the usefulness of ACR measurements in random urine samples as a marker of incipent nephropathy. Conflict of interest:None declared.

Anthropometric findings from birth to adulthood and their relation with karyotpye distribution in Turkish girls with Turner syndrome

To evaluate the anthropometric features of girls with Turner syndrome (TS) at birth and presentation and the effect of karyotype on these parameters. Data were collected from 842 patients with TS from 35 different centers, who were followed‐up between 1984 and 2014 and whose diagnosis age ranged from birth to 18 years. Of the 842 patients, 122 girls who received growth hormone, estrogen or oxandrolone were excluded, and 720 girls were included in the study. In this cohort, the frequency of small for gestational age (SGA) birth was 33%. The frequency of SGA birth was 4.2% (2/48) in preterm and 36% (174/483) in term neonates (P < 0.001). The mean birth length was 1.3 cm shorter and mean birth weight was 0.36 kg lower than that of the normal population. The mean age at diagnosis was 10.1 ± 4.4 years. Mean height, weight and body mass index standard deviation scores at presentation were −3.1 ± 1.7, −1.4 ± 1.5, and 0.4 ± 1.7, respectively. Patients with isochromosome Xq were significantly heavier than those with other karyotype groups (P = 0.007). Age at presentation was negatively correlated and mid‐parental height was positively correlated with height at presentation. Mid‐parental height and age at presentation were the only parameters that were associated with height of children with TS. The frequency of SGA birth was found higher in preterm than term neonates but the mechanism could not be clarified. We found no effect of karyotype on height of girls with TS, whereas weight was greater in 46,X,i(Xq) and 45,X/46,X,i(Xq) karyotype groups.