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

Nutrition status and serum uric acid levels in adult men and its relation to atherosclerosis

The study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum uric acid [SUA] concentration and atherosclerosis. Forty five adult men aged 40-60 years were volunteers from three different institutions in Cairo. They were divided into 3 equal groups: one group being clinically healthy and normal serum uric acid was taken as control. The second group suffered from hyperlipidemia and hyperuricemia. The third group sufferred from hyperuricemia only. All groups were subjected to socioeconomic data collection, dietary and anthropometric [weights and heights] assessment, chemical analysis included serum levels of uric acid, lipid profile and platelets count. The results showed that all groups had their requirements from total calories and total proteins but low in carbohydrates. Group II had high fat and purine intake. It also showed positive correlation between serum uric acid and each of protein, fat and purine intake and the highest atherogenic index. Also there was positive correlation between serum uric acid and blood levels of triglycerides and cholesterol and negative correlation with blood platelets. Hence, it is recommended to have balanced diet with reasonable amount of foods rich in purine as prophylactic measure against atherosclerosis