Scabies is a neglected health problem

The disease "scabies" is a neglected worldwide health problem that is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei that burrows in the stratum corneum of the skin. Scabies persists despite the availability of topical insecticides because the disease is transmitted before it is diagnosed and treated and significant resistance to insecticides has developed. The aim of this study was to investigate immunobiochemial response of the host's inflammatory/immune response to scabies during infestation. The number of eosinophil, neutrophil and serum interleukin [IL]-5 were assessed in 27 patients with 25 healthy control subjects. In the present study significantly higher number of eosinophil [13.90 +/- 2.40%vs. 3.02 +/- 1.33%; p<0.001] and highly significant elevation in neutrophil [%] in the scahies group compared to the healthy controls [35, 9 +/- 4.2%vs. 21.4 +/- 2.6%, p<0.001]. As regards IL-S [there was a highly significant elevation in lnterleukin-5 in the scabics group compared to the healthy normal controls [47.0 +/- 18.31 ugh vs. 10 +/- 3.13 ug/l p<0.001].The results of this study suggest that there is a potent inflammatory immune response during the infestation of sarcopties scabiei. In conclusion, scabies is a dangerous disease affecting the immune system and should be treated once discovered to prevent the hazards of being epidemics

Depression among elderly in Beni Suef city [Upper Egypt]

Depression is a common mental health problem among elderly persons, about 10-15% of elderly suffers depressive symptoms. to find out the prevalence of depression among geriatrics living in geriatric homes versus those in clubs [living in home with their families], to detect the underlying risk factors of depression. In Beni Suef city there are three geriatric homes where the elderly are completely living away from their families, besides one geriatric club where the elderly people enjoy their daytime [there are two other clubs were inactive and under establishment], all the elderly above 60 years: males and females in geriatric homes and those attending the geriatric club were included [145] during the period [December 2008 - October 2009]. Those who can not communicate and answer the questionnaire were excluded. Data collection tools were a pretested questionnaire besides, Geriatric Depression Scale and Life Satisfaction Scale and Facing Daily Stressful Live Events Scale- Arabic version-. Appropriate statistical analysis was applied. Depression among elderly living in geriatric homes was higher [89.7%] in comparison to those in geriatric clubs [56.7%] i.e. living with their families [the difference was significant]. Chronic medical conditions are not considered as a risk of depression among elderly, also there was no significant difference between males and females while depression is common with those who suffer from loneliness as single, widowed or divorced elderly. Other factors as educational level, sex difference or family history of depression has no effect on presence of depression [difference was insignificant]. So it is recommended to strengthen social relationships and activities besides encouraging visiting geriatric homes either by related families or the civil societies and this is an important key in preventing depression. There must be a social and health programs about the importance of family support for the elderly in our community that will save a lot of medical and hospital care cost

Parathormone and estrogen in relation to osteoporosis in post-menopausal uremic women

Osteoporosis is often referred to as the "silent epidemic," it is a global problem that is increasing in significance as the population of the world both increases and ages. It is the most prevalent bone disorder in the general population, particularly in the middle and older age groups. Although more than half of the prevalent dialysis population is within these age groups, little concern has been given to the possible role of estrogen deficiency in the pathogenesis of bone disease in end stage renal disease [ESRD]. The purpose of this study is to evaluate both estradiol [E2] and parathormone [iPTH] as evidence that supports a potential role of the postmenopausal state in the pathogenesis of bone disease in ESRD to search for treatment. A total of 20 women below 50 years and had persistent amenorrhea with ESRD [under prolonged hemodialysis] were selected from Faysal Kidney Dialysis Unit Giza, Egypt [ESRD group] and a control group of 20 women matched with same age were selected from the healthy volunteers of the medical staffs. For all subjects, bone mass density [BMD] analysis by dual x-ray absorptiometry [DEXA] was done. Routine chemistry as serum creatinine, calcium, inorganic phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase were estimated using chemistry autoanalyzer. Serum E2 and iPTH levels were also measured by enhanced chemiluminescnce technique. It was shown that although the risk factors for fracture in ESRD were similar to the general population, the incidence was four folds higher in our cases. In ESRD cases the lower E2 level, the higher iPTH level [r=-0.861; p<0.001], and consequently the higher incidence of osteoporosis and fractures. Recent evidence on the risk of HRT therapy should caution about its use in ESRD patients. In conclusion, osteoporosis should be recognized as an important entity that may modify the current conception of renal osteodystrophy in postmenopausal patients with ESRD. Low serum E2 and high iPTH levels are risk factors in decreased BMD in postmenopausal women on dialysis. Early detection of osteoporosis leads to good prevention of the disease. The use of selective estrogen receptor modulators [SERM] which may increase bone mass without significant secondary effects needs further clinical studies in order to propose strategies that may reduce postmenopausal osteoporosis in the dialysis population and may be an essential part of post-renal-transplant care