Özer Pala

Neuron-specific enolase as a marker of the severity and outcome of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy

The aim of this study was to evaluate serum concentrations of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) as a marker of the severity of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and to elucidate the relation among the concentrations of NSE, grade of HIE and short-term outcome. Forty-three asphyxiated full-term newborn infants who developed symptoms and signs of HIE (Group 1) and 29 full-term newborn infants with meconium-stained amniotic fluid but with normal physical examination (Group 2) were studied with serial neurological examination, Denver developmental screening test (DDST), electroencephalogram and computerized cerebral tomography (CT) for neurological follow-up. Thirty healthy infants were selected as the control group. In the patient groups, two blood samples were taken to measure NSE levels, one between 4 and 48 h and the other 5-7 days after birth. Serum NSE levels were significantly higher in infants with HIE compared to those infants in Group 2 and control group. The mean serum concentrations of the second samples decreased in all groups studied but they were significantly higher in Group 1 compared to those in Group 2. Serum NSE concentrations of initial samples were significantly higher in patients with stage III HIE than in those with stages II and I. The sensitivity and specificity values of serum NSE as a predictor of HIE of moderate or severe degree (cut-off value 40.0 microg/l) were 79 and 70%, respectively, and as a predictor of poor outcome (cut-off value 45.4 microg/l) were calculated as 84 and 70%, respectively. The predictive capacity of serum NSE concentrations for poor outcome seems to be better than predicting HIE of moderate or severe degree. However, earlier and/or CSF samples may be required to establish serum NSE as an early marker for the application of neuroprotective strategies.

Indoor airborne fungal spores and home characteristics in asthmatic children from Edirne region of Turkey

Abstract Background The contribution of indoor fungal exposure to childhood asthma is not completely clear Objective To investigate airborne fungal flora within the homes of asthmatic and control children, and to assess the influence of housing characteristics regarding indoor fungi Methods Forty-seven atopic asthmatic and 23 nonatopic control children were studied. Allergen sensitivity was determined by skin prick tests. A thorough assessment, using a questionnaire and inspection surveys, was carried out. Home visits were made between October 2000 and February 2001. Samples of airborne fungal spores were collected from four rooms by the “open Petri dish” method. Indoor temperature and humidity were measured Results The total indoor fungal colony counts from the living rooms and bedrooms were significantly higher in the asthma group than in controls (p = .012 and p = .003, respectively). The most commonly isolated genus was Cladosporium. Twelve of the asthmatic patients (25.53 %) were found to be sensitive to fungal allergens. The factors found to be associated with indoor fungal growth in logistic regression were visible fungal patches in the bathrooms [(odds ratio (OR) = 5.75; 95 % CI 1.19 to 27.70)], and the age of the house [OR = 4.24; 95% CI 1.34 to 13.45]. Total fungal colony numbers did not correlate with indoor temperature or humidity Conclusion Fungal colony numbers were higher in the homes of asthmatic children than in those of controls. Therefore, indoor fungal exposure may contribute to childhood asthma. Bathrooms were the main source of fungal propagules. Old houses were more prone to fungal growth

Nucleated red blood cell counts and erythropoietin levels in high‐risk neonates

Background : The presence of increased numbers of nucleated red blood cells (NRBC) and increased levels of erythropoietin (EPO) in the circulation of neonates has been associated with states of relative hypoxia. The aim of this study is to assess the pattern of NRBC counts and EPO levels in a group of high‐risk neonates under stress conditions and determine the short‐term outcome for these babies by using these parameters.

Body mass index percentiles among adolescent girls living in Edirne, Turkey

Background :  Body mass index (BMI) is the simplest way to measure obesity; therefore, it is chosen by many authorities as a screening method for adolescent obesity. Body mass index is positively correlated with the complications of childhood and adolescent obesity, such as hypercholesterolemia, insulin resistance, hypertension and long‐term development of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the present study was to produce percentile curves for bodyweight, height and BMI in a representative sample of adolescent girls living in urban and rural areas of Edirne, Turkey, and to compare these percentile curves with curves from other countries.

Intraerythrocytic potassium levels and early insulin release in children with moderate malnutrition.

Potassium deficiency and insulin releasing defect in severe protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) have been reported previously. The aim of this study was to investigate the existence of potassium deficiency and early insulin releasing defect in moderate PEM, which is more common in children. This study was carried out prospectively in the Pediatrics Department at Trakya University. The study group comprised 30 children with moderate PEM who were also classified as stunted, wasted, and stunting-wasting. Thirty healthy children were selected as controls. Although there was no statistical difference between the study and control groups in terms of serum potassium and initial insulin levels, intraerythrocytic potassium and early insulin release in patients were significantly lower than in controls. The stunting-wasting cases had the lowest intraerythrocytic potassium and early insulin response to intravenous glucose administration. This study suggests that it is appropriate to evaluate moderate PEM cases for intraerythrocytic potassium deficiency and early insulin releasing defect. Potassium supplements should be given if necessary.

Fenitoin alan bir hastada toksik epidermal nekroliz Olgu Sunumu

Toxic epidermal necrolysis is a clinical entity which is characterized by necrosis of the dermis and has a high mortality rate A case with high fever and generalized bullous and erythematous rash diagnosed as phenytoin associated toxic epidermal necrolysis is presented The acute and chronic complications of toxic epidermal necrolysis are discusse Key words: entropion phenytoin toxic epidermal necrolysis