ABSTRACT
The prevalence of child and adolescent growth and mental-behavior related diseases are increasing,and the pathogcnesis are complex.Twins are excellent natural resources for complex chronic diseases research as they share the maternal intrauterine environment,born at the same time and share the same family environment in early years,which could benefit the adjust ment of confounding factors,such as age,genetic factors and early family environmental factors.Birth cohort with twin families involved could be more effective in exploring the genetic and environmental factors for complex chronic diseases at the very beginning of life.This paper summarizes the objective,content,progress,strengths and potential problems of Wuhan Twin Birth Cohort,with emphasis on the overall design and progress of the study.
ABSTRACT
The prevalence of child and adolescent growth and mental-behavior related diseases are increasing,and the pathogcnesis are complex.Twins are excellent natural resources for complex chronic diseases research as they share the maternal intrauterine environment,born at the same time and share the same family environment in early years,which could benefit the adjust ment of confounding factors,such as age,genetic factors and early family environmental factors.Birth cohort with twin families involved could be more effective in exploring the genetic and environmental factors for complex chronic diseases at the very beginning of life.This paper summarizes the objective,content,progress,strengths and potential problems of Wuhan Twin Birth Cohort,with emphasis on the overall design and progress of the study.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify the risk factors for otitis media with effusion (OME) in some kindergarten children in Wuhan City of China and analyze the results with reference to the review of the literature.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The study subjects were 3 to 6 years old children drawn from a school screening program for OME in Wuhan. All subjects were assessed with routine otorhinolaryngologic examination, otoscopic examination and tympanometry. During the test, parents were interviewed to provide information with regard to the children's birth history, neonatal history, feeding history, family smoke history, otological history, rhinorrhea, sneeze, nasal obstruction, snoring, tonsillitis episodes history, et al. These data formed the basis in the estimation of potential risk factors for OME.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the univariate analysis of 144 cases and 288 controls, significantly elevated odds ratios (OR) for OME were detected on the symptoms of nasal obstruction (OR = 2.60, P = 0.002), rhinorrhoea (OR = 1.442, P = 0.003), high hard palate (OR = 4.411, P < 0.0001), and previous history of acute otitis media (OR = 1.77, P = 0.025). However, four factors were found to be significant in the multivariate logistic regression model, including feeding history (OR = 0.746, P = 0.047), nasal obstruction (OR = 2.56, P = 0.003) and previous acute otitis media episodes (OR = 1.735, P = 0.032).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Previous acute otitis media episodes and nasal obstruction were risk factors, which was accordant with literature. In addition, breastfeeding was a protective factor for OME, but acute tonsillitis was not a factor for OME. A child who had previous acute otitis media episode and often had nasal obstruction is suggested to have otorhinolaryngologic regulatory examination.</p>