ABSTRACT
Objective: Pathogenesis of Henoch-Schonlein purpura [HSP] is not clearly defined. The present study was conducted to investigate the alterations in erythrocyte deformability and oxidative stress in HSP and to examine the possible relationship between erythrocyte deformability and organ involvement in this disease
Methods: Plasma malondialdehyde [MDA] levels, total antioxidant status [TAS], erythrocyte deformability and aggregation were measured in 21 children with HSP at the disease onset and during the remission period in comparison with healthy subjects
Findings: HSP patients at the active stage had significantly higher MDA and lower TAS levels [P<0.05]. Erythrocyte deformability was decreased at the active-stage and increased again at the remission period of HSP [P<0.05]. Erythrocyte deformability was significantly decreased at four different shear stresses in patients with gastrointestinal system or renal involvement; and decreased at six different shear stresses in patients with gastrointestinal system, and renal involvement compared to the patients without organ involvement [P<0.05]. No significant difference was observed in aggregation parameters [P>0.05]
Conclusion: The present findings emphasize the association between impaired erythrocyte deformability and organ involvement in HSP
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of anemia among adolescents in Denizli where Mediterranean cuisine [fresh fruit and vegetables] is adopted. We accepted hemoglobin values below 12 g/dl for girls and 13 g/dl for boys as the criteria of anemia. We recorded a detailed history including nutritional habits, consumption of animal source foods especially red meat, consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables, presence of parasitic infestation, psychosocial status, school success and any materials consumed except ordinary food. We investigated the prevalence of anemia in 1120 children [672 girls and 448 boys], aged 12 to 16 years. We found that the overall prevalence of anemia was 5.6%. 8.3% of the girls and 1.6% of the boys were anemic. We diagnosed iron deficiency anemia in 37[59%] anemic patients and combined iron deficiency and vitamin B12 deficiency anemia in 26 [41%] anemic patients. None of the patients had folic acid deficiency. Our results suggest that the socioeconomic status of the family, traditional eating habits of the region, the fear of gaining weight and irregular eating habits are of great importance in the development of adolescent anemia in Denizli