[ effect of zinc supplementation on linear growth in short stature school-aged children in Qazvin]

Physical growth retardation is an early and prominent feature of zinc deficiency. To determine the effect of zinc supplementation on linear growth of school children with short stature in Qazvin during 2004-2005. The study was designed as a double-blind randomized clinical trial during a 5-month period. Anthropometric data were collected at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 months. Measurements included plasma zinc concentration, height, weight, nutrition state. Subjects were 30 short stature female students [<3rd percentile] aged 10-11 years. Children were randomly divided into two groups, one with zinc supplementation [15mg/day ZnSo4] and the other with placebo. As control group, 15 healthy children with normal growth were included. The prevalence of short stature in children was 7.1% [52 from 725 children]. The mean age was 10.5 +/- 0.5 years. After supplementation, zinc group showed a higher serum zinc concentration [89.5 +/- 12.99 vs. 81.1 +/- 9.04 microg/dl, p=0.009] compared to the placebo group [72.66 +/- 7.82 vs. 86.13 +/- 17.8 microg/dl] with one child found to have serum zinc concentration of less than 70 microg/dl. The linear growth rose at 3, 4, and 5 months following supplementation. The height velocity was significantly increased in zinc group [3.22 +/- 0.9cm] comparing with placebo [2.33 +/- 0.7cm] and control [3.02 +/- 1.59cm] groups [p=0.004]. The weight increase was statistically significant only at the end of 5 months compared to the beginning of study. Zinc supplementation caused an increase in growth velocity and serum zinc concentration. Regarding the notable prevalence of zinc deficiency in female students during the adolescence growth spurt, zinc supplementation is recommended

[ use of non-prescribed antibiotic in diarrheal children by mothers in, Qods children hospital [Qazvin]]

The use of non-prescribed antibiotic in children with diarrhea causes higher microbial resistance, poor therapeutic effects and excessive costs for both family and the government. To determine the use of non-prescribed antibiotic in diarrheal children by mothers. Through a descriptive study at Qazvin Qods children hospital [2001], 301 diarrheal children were assessed. A questionnaire was used to collect the information based on replies given to questions made to mothers. The questionnaires contained demographic information and specific questions on history of antibiotic use, the reason for and also questions to evaluate the mother's general knowledge on antibiotic and so on. Mother's and children's mean age were 25.37 years and 24.48 months, respectively. Sixty percent of cases were from an urban setting. Most mothers [23.6%] were found to have primary education. Two hundred mothers [66.2%] had given antibiotic to their children prior to admission to the hospital and among those, 35 [17.5%] reported the use of non-prescribed antibiotics. The most common medicines given by others [37.1%] were pills and syrups routinely used in diarrhea treatment followed by co-trimoxazol [22.8%]. The reasons for use of non-prescribed antibiotic were based on a positive experience in previous diarrhea treatment in 40% of cases and lack of trust in doctors in 11.4% of cases. Ninety four mothers [33%] were found to be unfamiliar with antibiotics. However the use of non-prescribed antibiotics was less than our expectation. Programs for promoting the knowledge of mothers and also their education on drugs' contraindication are necessary