Pilot study of sunlight exposure and vitamin D status in Arab women of childbearing age

Vitamin D deficiency is common in Arab women, In a pilot study we investigated the effect of sun exposure at recommended levels on the vitamin D status of Arab women. Eight healthy Arab women of child-bearing age consented to expose their face, arms and hands for 15 minutes per day twice a week for 4 weeks within the privacy of their courtyard and to avoid changes in dietary vitamin D intake. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25[OH]] levels were measured pre- and post-intervention. Although vitamin D levels remained sub-optimal, median serum 25[OH]D levels were significantly higher post-intervention [23.0 nmol/L] than pre-intervention [17.6 nmol/L]. Extending sun exposure for more than 4 weeks should be investigated as part of strategies to improve vitamin D status in high-risk Arab women who lack outdoor sun exposure to the skin

A Comparison Study of Conjunctiva Disorders in Technical and Administrative Sawmill Workers in Nigeria

Background: Workers in the sawmilling industry are at risk of various ocular hazards as a direct result of the sawmilling processes. The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of conjunctival disorders between technical and administrative sawmill workers in Benin, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on sawmill workers in Benin, Nigeria, between January and May 2009, with the aid of pre-tested questionnaires. Ocular examination was performed on all subjects. Data obtained were recorded and analysed using SPSS version 13. Results: A total of 553 sawmill workers were studied, among whom 449 (81.2%) and 104 (18.8%) were technical and administrative workers, respectively. There were 496 (89.7%) males and 57 (10.3%) females. The age range was 15–80 years, with a mean of 38.9 years (SD 12.8). Pingueculum was found in 127 (23%) workers, among whom 122 (27.2%) were technical workers and 5 (4.8%) were administrative workers. Pterygium was present in 65 (11.8%) workers, among whom 64 (14.3%) were technical workers and 1 (1%) was an administrative worker. Seven (1.6%) technical workers used protective eyewear; 2 (0.4%) wore this protective eyewear regularly. Conclusion: Technical sawmill workers are at risk of developing conjunctival disorders, which result from chronic ocular irritation. This can be prevented by the provision of protective eye devices in the workplace.

Current maternal-infant micronutrient status and the effects on birth weight in the United Arab Emirates

Micronutrient deficiencies exist among women of childbearing age in the United Arab Emirates but the effects of maternal micronutrient deficiency on fetal growth are not well documented. To investigate the association between micronutrients and birth weight, we measured maternal and cord blood micronutrients [vitamin A, C, D, and E] and ferritin in 84 term, singleton infants born to healthy Arab and South Asian women at Al-Ain hospital. Median serum ascorbic acid and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-OHD] concentrations were low in mothers and infants. In multivariate analysis, maternal serum 25-OHD correlated positively with birth weight while serum ferritin showed a negative correlation

Neonatal outcome in the United Arab Emirates: the effect of changes in resources and practices

Selective improvements in neonatal care resources and practices were instituted between 1992/1994 [period 1] and 1995/1998 [period 2] following a neonatal audit in the United Arab Emirates. We evaluated the effect of these changes on neonatal mortality rate [NNMR], birth-weight-specific mortality rates and causes of mortality. Overall there was a 17% decline in the NNMR from periods 1 to 2. Mortality rates in infants with birth weight < 1000 g and > 2500 g decreased by 36% and 35% respectively from periods 1 to 2. Modest declines in deaths from asphyxia, sepsis and complications of preterm births occurred from periods 1 to 2 but the differences were not statistically significant

Neonatal audit in the United Arab Emirates: a country with a rapidly developing economy

We aimed to determine whether birth-weight-specific mortality rates and causes of neonatal death could identify interventions needed to reduce neonatal mortality rates. Data were collected from three hospitals responsible for 99% of births in Al-Ain Medical District. There were 8083 live births weighing > / = 500 g, of which 54 [0.67%] died. The mortality rate among very low-birth-weight infants was higher in this district than from centres with more advanced neonatal technology and resources. Problems of preterm births, lethal malformations and asphyxia accounted for 95% of deaths and half of the malformations were autosomal recessive syndromes. Improved management of lower-birth-weight infants, asphyxia and genetic counselling could lead to a further decline in neonatal mortality rates