ABSTRACT
Compliance behavior depends on the specific clinical situation, the nature of the illness, and the treatment program. Determine the rate of drug compliance in families caring for a child or adolescent with epilepsy and to describe some associated factors. Two hundred patients with epilepsy under 18 years of age, who were attending the pediatric clinic for a twelve month period [August 2007-August 2008] and their families, were interviewed. Drug compliance was satisfactory in 123 [62.5%] and was poor in 77 [37.5%] of the patients according to their self or parental report. Age of the patient, gender, residence, etiology of epilepsy, and monotherapy versus polytherapy did not significantly influence the drug compliance but duration of the disease, parental education, family size and positive family history of epilepsy were more significantly associated with drug non compliance. In this study, drug compliance was satisfactory in 62.5% of the patients. There was a significant association between drug non compliance and socioeconomic status [large family size, family history of epilepsy, low parental education]
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Child, Preschool , Child , Adolescent , Patient Compliance , Socioeconomic Factors , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
To evaluate serum lipids in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus and its relation to glycemic control, in comparison with sex and age matched non-diabetic children. Fasting blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin [HbAlc] and lipid profile were estimated in 45 children [20 males and 25 females] with type 1 diabetes attending diabetic clinic at Sulaymani children hospital from the period of November 2005 till Jully 2006. Fifty health children [23 males and 27 females] admitted to the same hospital with acute illnesses like respiratory tract infections were randomly selected as controls. Mean total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, VLDL-C, and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio were significantly higher in diabetic children compared to the control. However, there was no significant difference in the levels of HDL-C in both groups .In addition to that, diabetic patients with poor control have a significantly higher levels of blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio as compared to those with good control. A significant correlation between most lipid variables and HbAlc was observed in diabetic patients. Children with type 1 diabetes should be screened for serum lipids as significant lipid abnormalities are related to glycemic control. Both can be improved with dietary guidelines and insulin therapy
ABSTRACT
To determine the precipitating risk factors for diabetic ketoacidosis [DKA] from medical and social points of view as well as risk of prolonged hospital stay. Forty-eight patients were admitted to Basrah Maternity and Child Hospital for DKA. Over a 2 years period; September 2001 through to September 2003. Patient's age, sex and family socioeconomic status were identified. Duration of hospital stay was examined, prolonged duration of stay was defined as >/= 7 days. Forty eight patients with DKA, their ages ranged between 1 and 15 years, with a male to a female ratio 1.3:1. More than half of the children [58.4 percent] were males and [60.5 percent] were from low social status. Poor compliance to continue the treatment and infections were the most common precipitating factors, being responsible for 54.2 percent and 25 percent of cases of DKA respectively. Children with prolonged hospital stay were significantly found to be of younger age and of low socioeconomic status. DKA is still a commonly seen complication; it can be the presenting feature of diabetes. Poor compliance and inadequate treatment are the leading precipitating factors in our patients