Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori and parasites in symptomatic children examined for Helicobacter pylori antibodies, antigens, and parasites in Yemen

To estimate the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori [H. pylori] and parasites in symptomatic children examined for H. pylori antibodies, antigens, and parasites in Yemen. A record-based study was carried out at Specialized Sam Pediatric Center in Sana'a, Yemen for 3 years between 2011-2013. Out of the 43,200 patients seen for different causes through that period, 1008 [2.3%] [females: 675 [67%]; males: 333 [33%]] had gastric complaints, and were subjected to an examination of blood and stool for H. pylori and parasites. Data regarding age and gender was also collected. The age of the patients ranged from 3-15 years. The prevalence of H. pylori among children examined for H. pyloriwas 65%, 30% of them were males, and 35% were females [chi square [I[2]]=142, p<0.01]]. The prevalence in the 6-8 years age group was 83%, and it was 52% in the age group of 12-15 years. The prevalence of giardiasis was 10%, and amoebiasis was 25%. Prevalence of H. pylori infection among children was high, and was more prevalent in the age group of 6-8 years than in the other age groups. Females were more affected than males. Parasites [amoebiasis and giardiasis] infestation was less prevalent

Prevalence of hypocalcemia in children examined for serum calcium in Sana'a, Yemen

To estimate the prevalence of hypocalcemia in children examined for serum calcium. A record-based study was carried out in the Specialized Pediatric Center in Sana'a city, Yemen during the 4 year period 1999 to 2003. Out of 90600 patients seen for different causes, 310 [0.34%] were subjected to serum calcium level examination. Data regarding age and gender were also collected. The median age of the patients was 5 months, with minimum age of one day and maximum age of 4 years. Prevalence of hypocalcemia among children examined for serum calcium was 58%, 60% of them were males and 40% were females. Age group of 0-1 months constituted 17.8% while the age group of 1-3 months constituted 17.2%. Patients with serum calcium level between 4-6 mg constituted 27.8% and less than 7.5 mg were 72.2%. Prevalence of hypocalcemia in children examined for serum calcium was high. Males were more affected than females and was more in neonates followed by age 1-3 months then age 3-6 months