Effect of relactation on the nutritional and immuno-microbiological status in persistent diarrhea: a multi-stage study

Lactation failure is known as one of the most important risk factors associated with the development of persistent diarrhea [PD]. The subjects of this study included 41 infants, of 41 respondent mothers, who are suffering PD. They were 21 females and 20 males with ages ranging from 2 to 12 months [X +/- SD, 6.7 +/- 2.5 mo]. Nutritional and immunomicrobiological assessement was tried at initial diagnosis of PD, and one month after established relactation. A statistically significant improvement of all nutritional parameters, except pallor, hypotonia and length/age, was observed. Abnormal findings detected in stool examination and culture, before relactation, in the form of visible blood, pus cells, RBCs, reducing substances, acidity and pathogenic organisms disappeared significantly, one month after established relactation. A statistically significant rise of serum IgG and absolute lymphocyte count was observed after relactation. Meanwhile, IgM levels and CD[+4] / CD[+8] showed non-significant change. On other hand, IgA levels dropped significantly after relactation. It is concluded that; relactation is possible among the majority of mothers of infants suffering PD and so it is worthtrial in every episode of PD; and relactation should be included in the management strategies of PD, as it is benificial for the nutritional and immunomicrobiological outcome of these infants

Evaluation of elisa of fecal specimens in the diagnosis of giardiasis in children

Evaluation of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] as an indirect method for detection of giardia lamblia antigen in feces of children suffering symptoms suggestive of giardiasis. the stool of 200 children, with symptoms suggestive of giardiasis, were examined by ELISA and direct immunofluorescent microscopy [DIFM]; 127-were males and 73 were females, of ages ranging from 2 to 15 years [X +/- SD, 9.5 +/- 6.8 years]. proved that there is no predilection of giardia infection to particular age or sex. Abdominal discomfort- in the form of abdominal cramps, flatulence, and /or bloating-, chronic relapsing diarrhea, anorexia, and pallor represented the most common presenting symptoms of giardiasis. ELISA of stools, for giardia antigen, proved to be not only sensitive, but specific for the diagnosis of giardiasis in symptomatic children. So we recommend the use of this non-invasive test in the diagnosis and screening of giardiasis in children

Bed utilization pattern in the neonatology unit of zagazig University Hospitals in the year 1999

The objective of this study was to assess case mix and its effects on the average length of hospital stay, average bed turnover and their outcome over the year 1999. Among 1169 admitted cases, there were significant relationship between the cause of admission and sex, mean age at admission, birth order, place of admission and outcome. On other h and, the outcome of the admitted cases was not affected by the mode of delivery and sex but affected by the weight of infant at admission. Hyperbilirubinemia was the most common cause of admission [29.43%] with the best outcome [89.83% improved] and the lowest average length of stay [4.7 days], while preterms constituted a third cause of admission [20.19%] with the worst outcome [62.71% dead] and the highest average length of stay [12.5 days]. The average length of stay for beds and incubators were 5.6 and 10.7 days respectively, and the bed occupancy rate for beds and incubators were 94.84% and 90.48% respectively. The average bed turnover for beds and incubators were 61.33 and 30.92 turn/year respectively. It is concluded that preventive aspects are important in order to decrease the neonatal morbidity and mortality