[ study of the effect of progressive resistance training on functional balance of 8-12 years old children with Down syndrome]

Rehabilitation interventions have significant role in reducing the disabilities of Down syndrome. Due to great role of balance in the function of individuals particularly in Activity of Daily Living and the effect of strength on balance, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Progressive Resistive Exercise on functional balance in children with Down syndrome. Fifteen girls children aged between 8 and 12 years, with Down syndrome participated in this study by available sampling method. The subjects participated three times per week in a six-week progressive strengthening program. During intervention, 3 of them excluded. Balance were measured by Berg Balance Scale and right/left hip abductor and flexor, knee extensor and flexor muscles isometric strengths were measured by Nickolas hand-held dynamometer. Paired-sampled T-Test was used for data analysis. The results of this study showed that the mean of functional balance and muscles isometric strengths were significantly increased after intervention [P<0.001]. It seems that the results of this study confirm the effect of progressive resistance training on progressing functional balance, and 8-12 years old children with Down syndrome can benefit from these exercises

Coagulation factors in severe preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is an idiopathic multisystem disorder specific to human pregnancy and the puerperium and hematological abnormalities may develop in preeclamptic women. This study was designed to determine coagulation parameters in patients with severe preeclampsia in Shiraz, southern Iran. From 2002 to 2005, coagulation indices including platelet count, prothrombin time [PT], activated partial thromboplastin time [aPPT], plasma fibrinogen, and fibrin degradation products [FDP] were measured within 24 hours of admission for fifty women with severe preeclampsia and fifty normal pregnant women. The patients with coagulopathies were excluded. Abnormal coagulation indices were compared between the two groups. The mean value of platelet counts were significantly lower while the mean values of aPPT and FDP were higher in the preeclamptic patients. However, the mean values of plasma fibrinogen and PT did not show any statistical difference between these two groups. Fifty percent of the patients with severe preeclampsia showed thrombocytopenia, 10% prolonged PT, 30% prolonged PTT, 28% hypofibrinogenemia, and 32% elevated FDP. Prolonged aPTT was seen in 6% of patients with platelet counts of more than 150 103/mm[3] at the admission time. However, these patients showed evidence of coagulopathies and needed to receive blood or blood products later in their hospital course. In case an abnormal platelet count or aPTT is detected in a patient with severe preeclampsia, a coagulopathic disorder should be clinically suspected