Relationship between blood pressure and passive smoking in elementary school children

Many diseases form their basis during childhood. One example is the changes in vascular structure and function, leading to atherosclerosis. In this study, we have assessed the impact of exposure to cigarette smoke on blood pressure of elementary school children of Kermanshah. 80 elementary school children exposed to cigarette smoke and 80 not exposed to smoke were studied in fall 2010. Information regarding the smoking status of parents and the children's health were obtained through questionnaires completed by parents. After physical examination and exclusion of those children with acute and chronic diseases as well as those consuming medicine, we measured and compared blood pressure in the exposure and non-exposure groups. Data were analyzed using the ANOVA statistical test. Values are expresses as Mean +/- SD. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures of the exposure group were higher than those of the non-exposure group [109.3 +/- 9.97 /64.92 +/- 7.36 vs105.47 +/- 8.98/62.5 +/- 7.01, respectively; CI: 0.95, p<0.5]. Our study indicates that systolic and diastolic blood pressures are higher in those elementary school children exposed to cigarette smoke compared to those who are not

Normal values for random urinary calcium to creatinine ratio in Iranian children

Due to worldwide variations, reference values of urinary calcium to creatinine ratio in pediatric population are not yet well established. To determine normal values for urinary calcium to creatinine ratio and its relation to urinary sodium or potassium, a descriptive [correlation type] study was conducted in 7 to 12 years old healthy children in Urmia, Iran. Primary school children were divided into two sectors and 7 clusters [4 cluster school boys and 3 school girls]. The subjects were randomly selected. Random, non-fasting morning urine samples were obtained from 364 healthy children aged 7 to 12 years during fall 2005 and immediately sent to laboratory to determine urine calcium [Uca], creatinine [Cr], sodium [Na] and potassium [K]. For data analysis, mean and 95th percentile of UCa/Cr and UNa/K were used. Pearson test was used to determine any relationship between UCa/Cr and UNa/K values. For comparison of UCa/Cr and UNa/K values between males and females, Mann-Withny test was used. A total number of 364 children were enrolled in the study. There were 208 [57.1%] males and 156 [42.9%] females. The mean and 95th Percentile for UCa/Cr was 0.11 [0.10 and 0.24 respectively. The mean and 95th percentile for UNa/K were 2.30 [1.42 and 5.21 respectively. There was no significant difference in UCa/Cr and UNa/K between two sexes [P > 0.05]. We found a weak relationship between UCa/Cr and UNa/K [P < 0.01]. UCa/Cr value may differ according to geographic location. For screening purposes, reference values should be determined in each geographic location

Henna-induced severe hemolysis: In Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase deficiency

Glucose- 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is one of the most common enzyme deficiencies worldwide. Lawsone is a chemical present in henna, the crushed leaves of which are not only used as a cosmetic agent but also as a therapeutic agent for some types of skin lesion. In vitro observations indicated that lawsone is an agent capable of causing oxidative hemolysis. We report a 42 - days old G6PD - deficient male infant with acute severe hemolysis after application of henna to treat his napkin dermatitis