Prevalence of malnutrition among patients on admission to a pediatric hospital

At the time of admission to the pediatric hospital of Cairo University 150 Children whose age ranged form birth to 12 years; 106 males and 44 females complaining of acute or chronic medical illness, were examined to assess their nutrition status. The aim was to know the extent of malnutrition problem among them. Their weight and length/ height were obtained as well as blood hemoglobin, serum albumin and total lymphocyte count. Most of the patients were coming from families of low socioeconomic class. The study revealed high prevalence of malnutrition and anemia together with low blood lymphocytic count. This may have predisposed to their medical illness. Hence, it is recommended to supply proper nutrition care to help limiting the period of hospital stay

Chromosomal and genetic forms of primary skeletal short stature

Fifty patients [25 males and 25 females with age ranging between three months and 18 years] with primary skeletal short stature were chosen for genetic assessment. Personal [prenatal and natal] and family histories were taken including those of abortions and stillbirths. The patients were clinically examined and their head circumference, weight and heights [US/LS] were measured. Karyotype, skeletal surveys, hormonal, biochemical and metabolic assays were carried out. The results showed that 17 cases had a growth failure associated with chromosomal aberrations, 12 cases suffered from inborn errors of metabolism, 11 cases had osteochondrodysplasias, while those associated with syndromes constituted ten cases. Consanguinity was present in 62%, similar cases in the family in 34%, history of abortions in 40%, disproportion in 30% and subnormal mentality in 72%