Mehmet Kilic

Serum procalcitonin and cerebrospinal fluid cytokines level in children with meningitis.

AIMS: To determine the level of serum procalcitonin and cerebrospinal fluid cytokines in children with bacterial or viral meningitis and to document the use of these parameters in differential diagnosis. RESULTS: Before the start of antibiotic treatment, serum procalcitonin and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels were found to be higher in acute bacterial meningitis compared with viral meningitis and with the control group. Similarly, cerebrospinal fluid interleukin-6 levels were found to be significantly higher in children with acute bacterial meningitis compared with viral meningitis. However, no significant difference was determined between groups in respect to the cerebrospinal fluid interleukin-8 level. CONCLUSION: Serum procalcitonin and cerebrospinal fluid tumor necrosis factor alpha levels can be used in the early diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. Similarly, they may be useful adjuncts in differential diagnosis of bacterial and viral meningitis.

Serum and Hair Levels of Zinc, Selenium, Iron, and Copper in Children with Iron-Deficiency Anemia

In the present study, the serum and hair levels of zinc, selenium, and copper were determined in children with iron-deficiency anemia (IDA). A total of 52 anemic children aged 1–4 yr constituted the study group. Fortysix healthy children acted as controls. The copper and zinc levels were measured with an atomic absorption spectrophometer. Serum and hair selenium was determined by a spectroflourometric method. The serum zinc and selenium concentrations in the IDA group were found to be significantly lower and serum copper significantly higher than those in the controls (p<0.05). Lower iron, zinc, and selenium concentrations (p<0.001) but not copper were found in hair (p>0.05).

Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia with Intravenous Iron Preparations

Objective: We aimed to determine the effects of intravenous iron therapy on blood parameters in pediatric patients who do not tolerate oral iron therapy for any reason. Patients and Methods: The patient group consisted of candidates for elective operations requiring blood transfusions in order to raise hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations rapidly and for whom oral iron administration is useless and compliance with long-term treatment is definitely impossible due to sociocultural factors. Sixty-two children were included in the study. Venous blood samples were taken at diagnosis, and after 1 week and 1, 2 and 3 months. Hb, hematocrit, erythrocyte indices (mean erythrocyte volume, mean erythrocyte Hb and mean erythrocyte Hb concentration), serum iron (SI) levels, iron binding capacity, transferrin receptor (CD71) and serum ferritin levels were measured. Iron sucrose was used as an intravenous iron preparation. Results: All children showed improvements in iron deficiency anemia. A statistically significant elevation occurred between the time of diagnosis and week 1 (p<0.05) in nearly all parameters. SI was raised until at least 1 month of therapy. There was no significant difference between transferrin receptors measured before and after the intravenous iron therapy. Ferritin did not exceed the values achieved in the 1st month. Mild side effects were encountered in only 8 (12.9%) patients. Treatment was not discontinued because of side effects in any case. The patients in the control group were given an oral form containing ferroglycine sulfate. Conclusion: Intravenous iron therapy can replace oral therapy in patients whose blood parameters must be raised rapidly and in situations where oral iron administration would not be appropriate for any reason. However, reinforcement with oral iron therapy or additional intravenous doses would be appropriate.

Frequency of hypoferritinemia, iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in outpatients.

The prevalence rates of hypoferritinemia (IDec/one abnormal indicator), iron deficiency (IDef/two abnormal indicators) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in children who were referred to the outpatient clinics of the Department of Pediatrics for the first time within 1 month were investigated. Exclusion criteria were iron therapy before and during the study period and a history of chronic illness. Acute-phase reactants, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels, were measured in all cases indicative of infectious diseases. Blood samples were obtained from each study patient admitted to the outpatient clinics during the study period. The hospital charts were later further evaluated, and samples of patients with any current illness known to interact with the iron status of the patient were discarded, and patients were contacted to supply new samples about 1 month after treatment of the infection. Thus, in patients with indications of an infection, samples obtained 1 month after treatment were assessed.The children (n = 557) were divided into four age groups: those aged 4 months to 2 years (group I), 2–6 years (group II), 7–12 years (group III) and 12–18 years (group IV). Children with a decrease in serum ferritin levels without anemia (IDec), and those with lower ferritin, transferrin saturation (TS) and serum iron (SI) concentration (IDef) were evaluated. IDA was diagnosed if hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations were lower than those adjusted for age, ferritin <12 ng/ml and TS ≤16% and if SI was decreased. IDec, IDef and IDA were detected in 26, 11.1 and 12.7% of the patients, respectively. Only 50.1% of the patients visiting the outpatient clinics were found to be normal. The rates of IDec (28.9%), IDef (21.9%) and IDA (26.2%) were highest in group I. IDec had the highest percentages in all groups. In group I, the rates of IDec, IDef, and IDA were 37.2, 66.1 and 69%, respectively. SI concentration was abnormal in 77.1% of the cases in group I (4 months to 2 years of age). Half of the patients referred to the outpatient clinics were suffering from abnormalities related to lower SI concentrations. Close monitoring and treatment of iron deficiency is advised especially in early childhood.

Serum, urine, and saliva levels of ghrelin and obestatin pre- and post-treatment in pediatric epilepsy.

INTRODUCTION In this study, we aimed to determine the serum, urine, and saliva levels of acyl ghrelin, des-acyl ghrelin, and obestatin in the newly diagnosed idiopathic generalized pediatric epilepsy patients in the pretreatment period and in the third month of valproic acid. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty pre- and post-treatment cases of patients who were diagnosed with idiopathic generalized epilepsy and 30 control patients were included in this study. Serum, saliva, and urine levels of ghrelin were measured in epileptic group and in the control group in the pretreatment period and in the third month of the treatment. RESULTS There were 14 females and 16 males. Mean age was 8.9 ± 2.5 years. Mean body mass index was 17.2 ± 2.3 in the patients and 16.6 ± 2.0 in the control group, whereas it was 16.8 ± 2.1 in the third month of the therapy (P > 0.05). Pretherapy serum, urine, and saliva levels of acyl ghrelin were 36.45 ± 9.93, 31.78 ± 12.87, and 34.23 ± 11.49 pg/mL, respectively in the patient group. Post-treatment serum, urine, and saliva levels of acyl ghrelin were 51.34 ± 12.01, 48.24 ± 16.76, and 44.90 ± 14.99 pg/mL in the patient group. Pretherapy serum, urine, and saliva levels of des-acyl ghrelin were 419.62 ± 75.63, 370.59 ± 60.11, and 396.28 ± 60.76 pg/mL, respectively in the patient group. Post-therapy serum, urine, and saliva levels of des-acyl ghrelin were 458.61 ± 87.10, 429.92 ± 55.81, and 449.48 ± 74.32 pg/mL, respectively in the patient group. Pretherapy serum, urine, and saliva levels of obestatin were 23.02 ± 3.15, 14.27 ± 4.22, and 29.52 ± 5.39 ng/mL, respectively. Post-therapy serum, urine, and saliva levels of obestatin were 24.30 ± 4.18, 15.27 ± 6.43, and 30.94 ± 7.42 ng/mL, respectively. CONCLUSION There was a significant increase in the serum, urine, and saliva levels of acyl ghrelin and des-acyl ghrelin without an increase in post-therapy body mass index in idiopathic generalized epilepsy patients.

Conservative Treatment of Postpneumonic Thoracic Empyema in Children

PurposeMany treatment modalities have been described for thoracic empyema in children but the optimal timing of appropriate treatment remains controversial. The aim of this study is to find out the outcome of postpneumonic empyema in children after a conservative approach.MethodsThe reports of patients who were admitted to our hospital from January 1990 to October 2002 with a diagnosis of postpneumonic thoracic empyema were reviewed retrospectively. The comparative data were age, duration of prehospital illness, complaints, blood and pleural fluid analyses, radiological evaluations, microbiological studies, modes of treatment, duration of chest tube drainage, and length of hospital stay.ResultsA total of 115 patients (65 males and 50 females), aged from 3 months to 13 years, were evaluated. The most common symptoms were fever (96.5%), cough (85.2%), and dyspnea (50.4%). Chest X-rays revealed a minimal collection in 22 (19.2%), a moderate collection in 40 (34.8%), and a massive collection in 53 patients (46%). Staphylococcus aureus was the most common microorganism isolated from the bacterial cultures and Mycobacterium tuberculosis was the next most common. Twelve patients (10.4%) underwent surgical decortication. The mean duration of chest drainage was 10.1 ± 1.39 days. The mean hospitalization period was 24.2 ± 6.15 days and it was significantly shorter in patients with a minimal collection than in those with a massive collection (13.9 ± 2.21 vs 28.47 ± 6.38 days, P < 0.01).ConclusionsThe majority of postpneumonic thoracic empyema cases in children can be successfully treated with a conservative approach. Detailed investigations should also be done to rule out tuberculosis in these patients.

Prophylactic Ozone Administration Reduces Intestinal Mucosa Injury Induced by Intestinal Ischemia-Reperfusion in the Rat.

Objectives. Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury is associated with mucosal damage and has a high rate of mortality. Various beneficial effects of ozone have been shown. The aim of the present study was to show the effects of ozone in ischemia reperfusion model in intestine. Material and Method. Twenty eight Wistar rats were randomized into four groups with seven rats in each group. Control group was administered serum physiologic (SF) intraperitoneally (ip) for five days. Ozone group was administered 1 mg/kg ozone ip for five days. Ischemia Reperfusion (IR) group underwent superior mesenteric artery occlusion for one hour and then reperfusion for two hours. Ozone + IR group was administered 1 mg/kg ozone ip for five days and at sixth day IR model was applied. Rats were anesthetized with ketamine∖xyzlazine and their intracardiac blood was drawn completely and they were sacrificed. Intestinal tissue samples were examined under light microscope. Levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathioneperoxidase (GSH-Px), malondyaldehide (MDA), and protein carbonyl (PCO) were analyzed in tissue samples. Total oxidant status (TOS), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were analyzed in blood samples. Data were evaluated statistically by Kruskal Wallis test. Results. In the ozone administered group, degree of intestinal injury was not different from the control group. IR caused an increase in intestinal injury score. The intestinal epithelium maintained its integrity and decrease in intestinal injury score was detected in Ozone + IR group. SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT values were high in ozone group and low in IR. TOS parameter was highest in the IR group and the TAC parameter was highest in the ozone group and lowest in the IR group. Conclusion. In the present study, IR model caused an increase in intestinal injury.In the present study, ozone administration had an effect improving IR associated tissue injury. In the present study, ozone therapy prevented intestine from ischemia reperfusion injury. It is thought that the therapeutic effect of ozone is associated with increase in antioxidant enzymes and protection of cells from oxidation and inflammation.

Purpura fulminans due to Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infection in a premature infant

Correspondence: A. Denizmen Aygun, F ı rat Üniversitesi, F ı rat T ı p Merkezi, 23119 Elaz ığ , Türkiye. Email: daygun@fi rat.edu.tr Received 28 July 2004; revised 18 February 2005; accepted 30 March 2005. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an increasingly recognized nosocomial pathogen, particularly for immunocompromized patients. The respiratory tract is the most common site of isolation for hospitalized patients, accounting for 56 – 69% of all isolates. 1 The increase of the prevalence of colonization of respiratory tract has been associated with the extensive use of antipseudomonal antibiotics for early treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization. Risk factors for S. maltophilia colonization and infection include mechanical ventilation, previous exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics, prolonged hospitalization and the use of equipment in contact with the respiratory tract, such as nebulizers. 2

Audit of Pediatric Transfusion Practices in a Tertiary Care Hospital: Correspondence

To the Editor: We read with great interest the article by Bahadur et al. [1] who performed a retrospective audit related to transfusion practices in a tertiary care hospital, in order to determine the propriety of usage of different blood components in a pediatric population. They reported a low (59.65 %) appropriate blood components usage in their study, and therefore, advised regular auditing of transfusion practices from time to time. They also reported a high (82.9 %) appropriate whole blood transfusions, which was most appropriately (100%) used for double venous exchange transfusion (ET). In their report, authors also support the use of fresh whole blood for massive transfusion in cases of acute bleeding and for ET in cases of hemolytic disease of newborn (HDN). But, today, whole blood is not an appropriate choice for transfusion generally, for avoiding undesirable adverse effects, especially in pediatrics-neonatology; and also, patients should be given the blood components which they needed. In modern medical practice, only blood components like red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, clotting factors and platelets; instead of the whole blood; are commonly used. In Turkey, Ministry of Health does not allow the preparation and usage of whole blood in routine; expect for a few special conditions like massive hemorrhage and ET for severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia [2]. Severe hyperbilirubinemia caused by HDN is the most common indication of ET in newborn infants in order to prevent development of kernicterus [3]. Exchange transfusion can be performed using many different combinations of blood components, including both fresh whole blood and packed red blood cells reconstituted with fresh frozen plasma [4]. The classical approach in ABO hemolytic disease is ETwith group O whole blood of infant’s Rh type with low titer plasma anti-A and antiB antibodies [5]. However, the type O Rh-specific red blood cells, which are reconstituted with type AB plasma, are recommended in case of ABO incompatibility. When ET is planned with group O Rh-negative blood, one should ask for O Rhnegative packed red blood cells suspended in AB plasma to minimize the anti-A and anti-B titres [6]. Yigit et al. demonstrated that use of type O red cells suspended in A or B plasma for the ET decreased the re-ET risk significantly, compared with group O whole blood in the ABO hemolytic disease [7]. Transfusion of the blood products is used for manymedical conditions to replace lost components of the blood. However, blood transfusions may be related to some severe adverse reactions like post transfusion hemolysis, graft vs. host disease etc., which require close attention. Therefore, use of appropriate blood component that is required by the patient is crucial for better clinical outcome and avoiding unnecessary adverse events. Moreover, use of appropriate packed red blood cells reconstituted with fresh frozen plasma for ET in ABO hemolytic disease is important for avoiding re-ET. In conclusion, instead of whole blood, specific blood components which are mainly required by patients should be preferred in the pediatric transfusion practice. The response of the original authors was not received on this correspondence and thus, expert opinion was sought.

Bilateral ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast after radiation therapy for Ewing’s sarcoma of the vertebra in a young woman: Report of a case

Thoracic radiation in the early years of life is a known risk factor for breast cancer later in life. A 21-year-old woman who had received thoracic radiation therapy for Ewing’s sarcoma of the vertebra 9 years earlier was referred to our hospital for investigation of a palpable mass in her left breast. Ultrasonography and excisional biopsy showed ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the left breast, with no detectable pathology in the right breast except that it was more hypoplastic than the left breast. Considering the known risk factors for invasive breast cancer in both breasts, we performed bilateral skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction using subpectoral implants. The final histopathological diagnosis was bilateral DCIS.