Serum Sclerostin Levels in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Their Association with Bone Turnover Markers and Bone Mineral Densitometry

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to compare serum sclerostin levels in human im-munodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients and healthy controls, and to evaluate their relationship with bone turnover markers (BTM) and bone mineral density (BMD). METHODS: We prospectively studied 33 HIV treatment-naive patients and 63 healthy individuals; matched for age and sex. Serum sclerostin levels, BTM, BMD were measured. Viral load and cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) levels were also assessed in HIV-infected patients. RESULTS: The mean+/-standard deviation (SD) age of sample was 37.6+/-10.3 years (range, 19 to 59 years). Of the 96 subjects, 58 (60.4%) were male and 38 (39.6%) were female. Infection with HIV is associated with significant reduction in serum sclerostin levels (HIV-infected: 39.4+/-28.3 vs. non HIV: 76.6+/-15.7 pmol/L; P0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that untreated HIV and the resulting immune deficiency and/or systemic inflammation could be an important regulator of serum sclerostin in this population.

perception of otolaryngology-related diseases among parents of children with Down syndrome in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

To assess the perception of otolaryngology-related diseases among parents of children with Down syndrome [DS]. A cross-sectional survey design. A questionnaire was distributed to parents of children with DS. The parents were attending an event aiming to raise awareness that was organized on World Down Syndrome Day on the 21[st] of March 2013, organized by Princess Al-Jawhara Center of Excellence in Research of Hereditary Disorders, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The complete dates of study were March to May 2013. Questionnaires were completed and perceptions regarding 10 common otolaryngology-related diseases were obtained from 78 parents. The data shows that most of the parents were not familiar with these otolaryngology-related diseases. Many parents were not aware of some of the otolaryngology related conditions affecting children with DS, and did not have regular follow-up. Perception was highly affected by the presence of the condition in the children. Awareness of otolaryngology-related diseases affecting children with DS should be raised