Parental consanguinity among parents of neonates with congenital hypothyroidism in Isfahan

We determined the prevalence of congenital hypothyroidism and the rate of consanguinity among parents of hypothyroid neonates among 93 381 neonates born in 17 hospitals in Isfahan from May 2002 to April 2005. Serum thyroxine [T4] and thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH] levels were measured on the 3rd-7th day of birth and neonates with abnormal levels were recalled and the levels reassessed. Those with TSH

Is vitamin D deficiency prevalent in healthy 6-year-old children in Isfahan City?

Vitamin D is essential for the maintenance of good health, and vitamin D deficiency has been reported from many countries including sunny ones. Due to the importance of vitamin D deficiency and its effects on children life quality, this study was conducted to evaluate the vitamin D status in healthy 6-year-old children in Isfahan city [2006]. 513 healthy children were studied in this cross-sectional research. Blood was drawn for measuring biochemical parameters [serum PTH and 25- hydroxy vitamin D] and dietary vitamin D intake, duration of daily sunlight exposure, and percentage of body surface area exposed were measured using questionnaires. Data was analyzed, using SPSS software, V13 [SPSS. Inc, Chicago IL.]. The vitamin D serum levels less than 20 ng/ml and 10 ng/ml were defined as mild and severe vitamin D deficiency. ROC curve was utilized to obtain a cut-off point of vitamin D serum level in this study. Using ROC curves, we defined the cut-off point of vitamin D deficiency in our population as 25-OHD level of 33 ng/ml .as the cut-off point of vitamin D deficiency in our population. Vitamin D serum level was < 20 ng/ml in 3% and < 33 ng/ml in 26% of cases. Duration of sunlight exposure [p<0.001, beta =0.28] and daily intake of vitamin D had significant effects on serum level of vitamin D [p=0.002, beta=0.13]. In agreement with other researches, this study confirmed the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children. Also it was found that improvements in duration of sunlight exposure and daily intake of vitamin D can prevent vitamin D deficiency in children