Synbiotics in children with cow's milk allergy: a randomized controlled trial

Cow's milk protein allergy usually occurs in infants within the first months of life. It can affect several organs, but gastrointestinal symptoms are the most clinical symptoms observed. The most effective treatment is restricting the cow 's milk protein in mother and infant's diet. Lactobacillus GG supplementation in infant could be effective through modulation of the immune system and the gut microflora. Thirty two breastfed infants with Cow's milk protein allergy were enrolled in a double-blinded randomized controlled trial in which they received Synbiotic [n=16] or placebo [n=16] once a day for one month, simultaneously with Cow's milk protein restriction in mother and infant's diet. Clinical gastrointestinal symptoms [vomiting, colic, rectal bleeding and diarrhea], head circumference, body length and weight were recorded at the beginning, the end of the first and third month of study. Percentage of increment in head circumference and weight were statistically more in synbiotic group compared with placebo group at the end of the first and third month of study. There was no significant difference in resolution of clinical gastrointestinal symptoms [vomiting, colic, rectal bleeding or diarrhea] and percentage of increment in body length. Synbiotic supplementation in infants may improve increment of head circumference and weight gain, but has no effect on resolution of clinical symptoms

Utility of modeling end-stage liver disease in children with chronic liver disease

Chronic liver diseases consist of wide spectrum disorders that may be complicated by cirrhosis and therefore need to transplantation. The pediatric end-stage liver disease [PELD] score and model of endstage liver disease [MELD] score has been used as predictors of mortality chronic liver diseases listed for liver transplantation. The aim of this study is evaluation of relation between PELD MELD score and evidence of cirrhosis in children with choronic liver disease. This cross-sectional study conducted on 106 patients of chronic liver disease referred to Ghaem haspital, Mashhad university of medical science, Iran during 24 months period [2010-2013]. PELD and MELD score were calculated for all patients. Clincal and patholoogical findings of cirrhosis were recorded. Mean age of patients was 68/3 +/- 41.8 months. Mean PELD MELD score was -1/59 +/- 9/64. There was significant correlation between PELD MELD score and clinical icter, spelenomegaly, evidence of hepatopulminary syndrome, esophageal varices, evidence of cirrhosis in tissue specimences. PELD MELD score appear to be benefit for detection of cirrhotic children among paients with choronic liver disease