Efficacy of long acting theophylline as a single therapy in the management of mild persistent asthma

Medications for management of asthma in pediatrics include both relieves and controllers. Controllers are medications taken daily on a long term basis to achieve and maintain control of asthma. Theophylline has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and bronchoprotective effects that contribute to its efficacy as preventive therapy for chronic asthma. The present study aimed to evaluate the pattern of prophylactic asthma medications used in asthmatic children in Fawzy Moaz allergy, Ministry of health, Alexandria and to spotlight on the role of long acting theophylline in the chronic management of asthma. In the present study, most cases of mild persistent asthma [96.2%], received long acting theophylline only for prophylaxis. In patient with moderate persistent asthma, [67.8%] were on low dose inhaled steroid and long acting theophylline while, [32.2%] were receiving moderate dose inhaled steroid only as a prophylactic therapy. Throughout the follow up period, the frequency of exacerbation was reduced to less than once month in 96.1%, 94% of asthmatics receiving long acting theophylline only and inhaled steroid only respectively with no statistically significant difference. Regarding asthmatic children who required shifting up in prophylactic therapy, 21.1% and 31.6% of those on long acting theophylline only and inhaled steroid only respectively required stepping up in prophylactic medications

Study of rheumatic fever among school children in Alexandria during 1995-1999

Acute rheumatic fever continues to be a major health problem in economically developing and developed counties. The present study aimed to identify the incidence of rheumatic fever [RF and its complications among school students in Alexandria governorate [Egypt] during the years 1995-1999. The incidence of RF showed a decrease trend ranging from 189/100000 in 1995 to 93/10,000 in 1999; Rheumatic arthritis was the main presentation observed. Mitral regurgitation was the most common valvular lesion, followed by combined mitral and aortic regurgitation. Isolated aortic regurgitation was the least frequent lesion. Surgical intervention was done for no more than 2% of all cases

Statistical study of preterm infants admitted to NICU in Fawzy Moaz Hospital for children

Prematurity is a major health problem and a leading cause of neonatal mortality. Prematurity is defined as gestational age less than 37 weeks of gestation measured form the first day of the last normal menstrual period. The aim of the present work is to detect premature problems, incidence of premature and incidence of neonatal deaths in neonatal intensive care unit [NICU] in Fawzy Moaz pediatric hospital in Alexandria [Egypt] through one year [October 1999-October 2000]. Data were collected retrospectively from Healthy Mother/Healthy Child files in the NICU. Sample size included 480 neonates [106<37 weeks]. Results revealed that 22.1% of cases admitted in the NICU were prematures. Among those 51.9% were females, 75.5% were >/= 32 weeks and 62.3% weighed >/= 1500 gm. Deaths constituted 48% of admitted preterms. Premature death was significantly higher among those less than 32 weeks [80.8%] and less than 1500 gm [60%]. Hyperbilirubinemia was the first cause of admission [28.4%]. Premature admission and death rate were high. Better antenatal care coverage for pregnant women and continuous training of neonatologists is needed for more accurate assessment and management of premature cases