Narrative abilities in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD]

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] is a common disorder in children. Children with ADHD are at risk for language and speech disorders and evidence a variety of pragmatic deficits particularly discourse and narrative deficits. The aim of this study was to assess the narrative comprehension and retelling abilities in children with ADHD, in order to come up with a better understanding of the nature of the deficits that require intervention. 45 subjects were included in this study. They were divided into 2 groups, Group 1 [Study group], included 23 boys who had previously been diagnosed as ADHD. Their age ranged from 8.7 +/- 1.2 years. Group 2 [control group], included 22 age and sex matched children. Each subject was assessed for the comprehension and retelling narrative skills. A score was formulated for the variables measured and the mean values of both groups were calculated and statistically compared for significance. Children with ADHD exhibited statistically significant deficits compared to the control group in most of the variables measured to assess comprehension and retelling narrative skills. Further studies with a larger number and different age groups would be informative

Assessment of laryngeal affection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis [RA] is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the synovial membrane, which causes joint damage and bone destruction. The crico arytenoid joint is a true diarthroidial synovial joint that can be affected by RA. In this study, disease activity, clinical assessment of the larynx, fiberoptic nasolaryngoscopy and Multi-Slides Computed Tomography [MSCT] were done to 20 RA patients in order to define the laryngeal involvement in rheumatoid arthritis patients. 14 of the 20 patients [70%] had laryngeal symptoms related to CA arthritis. Laryngeal endoscopy showed abnormalities in 9 of 20 patients [45%]. 5 of the 20 patients [25%], had abnormal radiologic findings related to CA arthritis. Laryngeal symptoms attributable to laryngeal involvement could be predictive of abnormal endoscopic and radiologic findings. Laryngeal involvement in RA could be attributed to the current disease activity and are more frequent with longer disease duration