Problem-solving skills in children with early treated phenylketonuria

This study aimed to investigate the level of problem-solving skills in 1-4 year-old children with early treated phenylketonuria [ETPKU]. This analytic, cross-sectional study was conducted on 70 1-4 year-old children referred to phenylketonuria [PKU] clinics that had been diagnosed on screening at birth and had been treated. The measurements were a demographic questionnaire, Ages and Stages Questionnaire [ASQ] and clinical assessment by a pediatrician. One hundred children were also selected randomly from Tehran's kindergartens as the control group, who also completed the above questionnaires. Data were analyzed by SPSS 19.0 software. The mean age of the children was 29.71 months in the control group and 28.51 months in the case group. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding the type of delivery and the current and birth heights, weights and head circumferences. There was a significant difference between the two groups regarding problem-solving developmental skills [P < 0.000]. The level of problem-solving developmental skills in the children with ETPKU was lower than normal children. It seems that Iranian children with ETPKU, regardless of being on a diet, have lower problem-solving skills. It is recommended to revise their diet and treatment and also to plan programs for early detection, and to carry out interventions for developmental delays in these children

Perceived maternal parenting self-efficacy: translation and face validation with Iranian mothers of hospitalized preterm neonates

Mothers' perception of their ability to parenting [maternal parenting self-efficacy] is a critical issue that influences their interactions with their preterm neonates. For better support of these mothers, a robust tool is needed which can measure mothers' perception of their ability to understand and care for their preterm neonates as well as being sensitive to the various levels and tasks in parenting. This study aimed to translate and test the face validity of Persian version of Perceived Maternal Parenting Self-Efficacy [PMP S-E] tool with Iranian mothers of hospitalized preterm neonates. The translation and validation was done in some steps. Forward translated by three independent translators and backward translated by two other translators who were blind to source version. Then, the face validity was evaluated by 10 mothers and the expert panel. At last, the tool adapted and approved by an expert committee. The Persian version of PMP S-E tool demonstrated good face validity regarding its items' relevancy and clearance. The PMP S-E was successfully translated and adapted into Persian with good face validity. However, further study is needed for evaluating its reliability in Iran and for Iranian mothers of hospitalized preterm neonates

Comparison the effect of simultaneous sensory stimulation and current occupational therapy approaches on motor development of the infants with Down syndrome

Neuromuscular characteristics in Down syndrome result in generalized muscular hypotonia, developmental delays and sensory integration deficits. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of simultaneous sensory stimulations and current occupational therapy approaches on motor functions development of infants with Down syndrome. Eighteen infants with Down syndrome, aged 6 -18 months, were evaluated in two groups: intervention group [simultaneous sensory stimulation and occupational therapy] and control group [occupational therapy alone]. They attended the program 3 times a week for 6 months and each session lasted 45 minutes. Motor functions were assessed before, during, and after intervention in the two groups, using GMFM test. Mean motor function increased in both groups according to the GMFM test [P= 0.000]. Comparison of the changes showed that although the mean difference of this variable was higher in the intervention group, the difference was not statistically significant [P = 0.576]. Mean motor deficit reduced in both groups during the period of the study, which was statistically significant [P< 0.05]. Comparison of the difference in mean motor deficit in the first and last evaluations showed that this difference was more in the intervention group but statistically insignificant [P = 0.617]. Early use of simultaneous sensory stimulations can improve the quality of motor skill in Down syndrome infants. It is suggested that it may be used as an early intervention in association with other methods in the rehabilitation of these patients. However, more studies in this regard are warranted