Different methods for assessment of nutritional status in newborn infants based on physical and anthropometric indexes: a short review article

Several complications during childhood is associated with nutritional status of infants at birth. Therefore, nutritional status of newborns must be evaluated properly after birth. Assessment of the nutritional status of neonates based on anthropometric and physical indices is simple and inexpensive without the need for advanced medical equipment. However, no previous studies have focused on the assessment methods of the nutritional status of infants via anthropometric and physical indices. This study aimed to review some of the key methods used to determine the nutritional status of neonates using anthropometric and physical indices. To date, most studies have focused on the diagnosis of fetal malnutrition [FM] and growth monitoring. In order to diagnose FM, researchers have used growth charts and Ponderal index [PI] based on anthropometric indices, as well as Clinical Assessment of Nutritional [CAN] Score based on physical features. Moreover, in order to assess the growth status of infants, growth charts were used. According to the findings of this study, standard intrauterine growth curves and the PI are common measurement tools in the diagnosis of FM. Furthermore, CAN score is widely used in the evaluation of the nutritional status of neonates. Given the differences in the physical features of term and preterm infants, this index should be adjusted for preterm neonates. Longitudinal growth charts are one of the most prominent methods used for monitoring of the growth patterns of infants

association of the dietary fat and functional ovarian cysts in women of reproductive age referring to three hospitals in Mashhad, Iran, 2014

Background: Functional ovarian cysts [FOC] are one of the most common gynecological problems among women of reproductive age. Some studies have shown that diet may affect the function of the ovaries, so this study was performed to determine the association between the amount of dietary fat and functional ovarian cysts

Methods: This case-control study was performed on 264 female patients [132 with cyst in the case group and 132 in the control group] aged 13 to 49. The case group had ovarian cyst with a size of less than 8 cm and the control group didn't have any ovarian cyst. Data were collected by questionnaires including a demographic questionnaire, and medical and midwifery characteristics questionnaire; the amount of fat in the diet was measured using food frequency questionnaire [FFQ]. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. P<0.05 was considered significant

Results: The mean of fat consumption in the case group was 119.84 +/- 103.09g and in the control group it was 109.90 +/- 54.66g. The result of data analysis showed that there was no statistically significant relationship between the amount of fat in the diet and FOC in confidence level of 95% [P=0.056]

Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, the amount of fat consumption was higher in women with ovarian cysts; however, this difference was not statistically significant. In this regard, it is recommended that women of reproductive age should reduce their fat intake

Ramadan fasting: do we need more evidence?

Over a billion Muslims fast worldwide during Ramadan each year. This religious practice, contributes to their health as well as their spiritual growth. However, available evidence regarding the health benefits of Ramadan fasting is scarce and highly contentious. Although Islam exempts patients from fasting, many conceivably fast, and their clinical condition is prone to deteriorate due to persistent gap between current expert knowledge and conclusive strong evidence regarding the pathophysiologic and metabolic alterations of fasting. In this article, we summarize the results of initial studies regarding the effects of Ramadan fasting on some clinical conditions, alterations of body composition and clinically important outcomes of patients with previous history of cardiovascular disease, asthma or renal colic disease. Our studies have shed light on several outcomes in favor of Ramadan fasting, and encourage those afflicted to consult their physicians and follow medical and scientific recommendations. In this review we aimed to present relevant evidence, clarify future scope and provide suggestions for future investigations

Comprehensive evaluation of dehydration impact on ocular tissue during Ramadan fasting

The present study aimed to review the effect of dehydration during Ramadan fasting on the health and ocular parameters leading to changes in eye function. Articles included in the study were taken from PubMed, Ovid, Web of Science and Google Scholar up to 2014. Related articles were also obtained from scientific journals on fasting and vision system. Dehydration and nutrition changes in Ramadan cause an increase in tear osmolarity, ocular aberration, anterior chamber depth, IOL measurement, central corneal thickness, retinal and choroidal thickness, and also a decrease in IOP, tear secretion, and vitreous thickness. Much research related to the effect of dehydration on ocular parameters during Ramadan fasting exists. The findings reveal association with significant changes on ocular parameters. Thus, it seems requisite to have a comprehensive study on "fasting and ocular parameters", which will be helpful in making decisions and giving plan to the patients

effects of aerobic exercise during Ramadan on the levels of leptin and adiponectin in overweight women

Several epidemiological studies have indicated factors such as Leptin level, Adiponectin and plasma leptin -to-adiponectin index to be the predicting biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases. Given the importance of healthy nutrition and adequate exercise in reducing the risk of Atherosclerosis, this study aimed to investigate the effects of fasting and aerobic exercise on the level of leptin and adiponectin in overweight women. In this study, 27 overweight and obese women with the body mass index [BMI] of >/=25 kg/m2 and the age range of 45-20 years were selected by targeted sampling and were divided into two groups of fasting accompanied with aerobic exercise [N=15], and fasting only [N=12]. The active group had an exercise protocol including three 60-minute sessions of aerobic exercise per week, with a 50% to 65% of heart rate reserve. Anthropometric dimensions and blood levels of leptin and adiponectin were measured in all the subjects before, at the second week and the fourth week and one week after Ramadan. Data were analyzed using repeated measures and the significance level of P

effects of Ramadan fasting on the level of sex hormones in pre-menarche girls in Mashhad, Iran

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Ramadan fasting on the level of sex hormones in girls between 9-13 years before age at menarche. This study was conducted on a sample of 58 subjects [age range: 9-13 years], who were divided into two groups of fasting [N=31] and non-fasting [N=27]. The levels of follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], luteinizing hormone [LH], progesterone and estradiol were measured in all the subjects before and after Ramadan. Measurements were carried out three days before the start of Ramadan, and one day afterwards. In this study, FSH levels significantly increased in the non-fasting group [P=0.01], and the level of Dehydroepiandrostenedione [DHEA] had a significant decrease during the time of study in both groups [P=0.001, P=0.006]. In addition, serum levels of LH significantly increased in the non-fasting group after Ramadan [P=0.006], and estradiol significantly increased in both groups [P=0.008, P=0.004]. Given the similar changes in the levels of DHEA, progesterone and estradiol in both study groups, it could be concluded that fasting has no effects on these parameters, and the changes in LH and FSH levels could be due to other contributing factors

effect of Ramadan fasting on cardiometabolic risk factors and anthropometries parameters: a systematic review

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is a religious rituals of all healthy adult Muslims. However, there is no clear agreement on the effects of Ramadan fasting on cardiovascular disease. Comorbidities and factors such as age, gender, health status, daily duration of fasting, food intake before and after fasting may impact on a fasting individual's cardiometabolic risk. This review was undertaken to assess the effects of Ramadan fasting on: the incidence of cardiovascular disease during the month of Ramadan; the clinical status of patients with stable cardiac disease; and any alterations in cardiometabolic risk profile. A systematic search was undertaken for studies that investigated the impact of Ramadan fasting on cardiovascular outcomes and risk factors. Electronic databases including MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Knowledge were searched from 1982 up to 2014. The incidence of acute cardiac illness during Ramadan fasting was similar when compared to non-fasting days. Ramadan fasting is associated with elevations in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-c], and reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-c] and total cholesterol [T-chol]. However, the lipid profile of diabetic patients deteriorated significantly during Ramadan fasting. In addition, Ramadan fasting lowers body weight, body fat percentage and BMI [body mass index]. However, the relationship between weight reduction and loss of body fat is not studied. The majority of patients with stable cardiac illness can opt for Ramadan fasting safely. However, the long term effects of Ramadan fasting on cardiovascular outcomes and risk factors remains uncertain, and the apparent discordant effects in individuals with and without diabetes mellitus merits further study

[ effect of diet and exercise on improvement of quality of life in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis]

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH] is part of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD]. No special medical treatment is known for this disease, and lifestyle modification is the best known method of treatment. We aimed to compare the effect of diet and aerobic exercise with that of diet alone on the quality of life of patients with NASH. In the present study, 25 patients within the age of range of 18-55 years were randomly divided into two groups of diet along with aerobic exercise [n = 12] and diet alone [n = 13]. The low-calorie diet in both groups included 500 kilocalories of energy less than the estimated daily energy requirement. In addition to diet, the first group participated in aerobic exercise for a period of 12 weeks, 3 days a week with 55-60% heart rate reserve. Quality of life score was measured by the short form-36 [SF-36] and ultrasonography at the beginning and the end of the study. In assessment of quality of life in diet along with aerobic exercise group, physical function, performance limitations due to illness, physical component score, general health, and vitality showed significant changes. In the diet alone group, general health and vitality improved after the intervention. Moreover, a significant reduction was observed in ultrasonographic features of fatty liver of those who also had aerobic exercise. Results of this study showed that addition of aerobic exercise to low-calorie diet was more effective in the improvement of quality of life and ultrasonographic features of patients with NASH

Cardiovascular risk factors and nutritional intake are not associated with ultrasound-defined increased carotid intima media thickness in individuals without a history of cardiovascular events

Carotid ultrasound appears to be useful in the assessment of cardiovascular risk. In this study, we have assessed the carotid intima-media thickness [CIMT] in a group of individuals without a history of cardiovascular events. A sample of 431subjects [189 [43.9%] males and 242 [56.1%] females] was obtained from an urban population using a stratified-cluster method in Mashhad stroke and heart atherosclerosis disorder study. None of the subjects had a history of the cardiovascular event. Carotid artery duplex ultrasound was used to determine the CIMT in all subjects, and to identify those with an abnormal value [CIMT [+]; i.e., CIMT >/= 0.8 mm]. Dietary intake of participants was assessed using a questionnaire for 24-h dietary recall. The relationship between anthropometric, biochemical and dietary data and CIMT were assessed. The mean age of subjects was 48.7 +/- 8.0 years. Of the 431 patients, 118 [27.4%] were found to be CIMT [+]. Of the cardiovascular parameters assessed, only age [odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval [CI]], 1.11 [0.56-4.34]; P < 0.01] and male gender [OR [95% CI], 1.14 [0.63-2.23]; P < 0.05] were significant independent predictors of ultrasound defined CIMT. Crude and total energy adjusted intake were not associated with the presence of CIMT [+]. It appears that within a relatively young Iranian population of individuals without a history of cardiovascular event, the presence of CIMT [+] defined by duplex ultrasound cut-off value of >/= 0.8 mm, did not associate with several modifiable cardiovascular risk factors or measures of dietary intake

Effects of Ramadan fasting on ambulatory blood pressure in hypertensive patients

Previous studies have indicated that Ramadan fasting has beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors, specially blood pressure and heart rate [1]. In the present study, the effect of Ramadan fasting on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate has been investigated. This prospective observational study was conducted on two groups of individuals. Six patients under hypertension treatment were allocated to the case group and 12 healthy individuals were selected as the control group. Twenty-four-hour blood pressure monitoring was carried out during four periods: prior to Ramadan, during the first ten days and the last ten days of Ramadan, and one month after it. All patients continued their medication, which was administered twice per day. Twenty-four-hour mean blood pressure, weight, body mass index [BMI], and waist circumference were compared among the groups. In the case group, there was a significant reduction in subjects' weight during the third period of the experiment; also, a significant improvement was observed in the heart rate during the second and third periods in the case group [P<0.05, t-test]. This study indicated a significant improvement in the subjects' heart rate over second and third periods of measurements; also, no high-risk variations in blood pressure or heart rate were observed among the subjects

effects of Ramadan fasting on growth parameters: a narrative review

Ramadan fasting is prescribed by Quran for every able?bodied, adult Muslim and is considered an obligatory act of worship. During Ramadan, the majority of Muslims eat two major meals? one before dawn [Sahar] and another immediately after the sunset [Iftar]. Islamic fasting, due to its particular nature, may cause metabolic and hormonal changes in the body, which are different from those in regular fasting. To the best of our knowledge, no comprehensive study has been conducted on changes in growth parameters during fasting periods. Therefore, the aim of this review, which is based on scientific literature review, was to describe the effects of fasting on growth parameters in humans

Effects of Ramadan fasting on lipid profile: a narrative review

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is a religious obligation, practiced by millions of people around the world. Ramadan fasting is essentially a fundamental change in lifestyle for one lunar month. This type of fasting may have significant effects on lipid profile. Although there is no scientific consensus about the effects of fasting on cardiovascular risks such as changes in lipid profile, some studies have revealed the positive effects of Ramadan fasting [and similar religious fasting] on lipid profile and cardiovascular diseases [CVDs] such as atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. These effects may be related to factors such as different fasting durations [season-dependent], diets, and physical activities during Ramadan. An overall improvement in cardiovascular risk profile is noted during Ramadan fasting. Majority of studies have reported an increment in high-density lipoprotein [HDL] level, decreased triglyceride level, and no change or decline in total cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein [LDL] levels. Therefore, given the lack of comprehensive literature in this field, we reviewed some related studies in order to describe the impact of Ramadan fasting on lipid profile. It can be inferred that Ramadan fasting alters lipid profile by improving HDLcholesterol and reducing LDL-cholesterol in some cases. However, changes in triglyceride and total cholesterol during Ramadan are not uniform or similar. Moreover, Ramadan fasting is not associated with any changes in the prevalence of CVD or frequency of hospitalization

Hypothyroidism and Ramadan fasting

Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is an obligation for all adult, healthy Muslims. As several studies have indicated, both fasting and energy restriction can alter thyroid hormone metabolism and affect the clinical features and well-being of hypothyroid patients. Hypothyroidism is more prevalent among women and the elderly. Its prevalence has been reported to be 4-8% of the general population. Despite the large body of animal research on fasting, few human studies have focused on Ramadan fasting and its impacts on hypothyroid patients. PubMed and Google scholar databases were searched using keywords such as Ramadan, fasting, hypothyroidism, and food restriction. Animal and human studies, which were highly relevant to the topic, were selected. Four animal and 7 human studies were included in this article.We found that levothyroxine dosage should be increased for hypothyroid patients from the beginning of the month until 15-20 days after the end of Ramadan. Fasting can change the concentration of thyroid hormones, thyroidstimulating hormone level, and the associated metabolisms both in animals and humans. As the results indicated, hypothyroid individuals, who fast during the month of Ramadan, particularly women and the elderly, may suffer from thyroid hormone changes. For these patients, levothyroxine dosage should be increased to 25-50 micro g/day from the beginning of Ramadan until 15-20 days after the end of this month. An increased dose of levothyroxine during Ramadan is recommended for hypothyroid patients, particularly women and the elderly

effect of ramadan fasting and physical activity on homocysteine and fibrinogen concentrations in overweight women

Increased levels of certain markers like fibrinogen and Homocysteine are independently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Considering the numerous favorable effects of healthful nutrition and physical activity on reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, in this study we intend to take into account fasting and physical activity during the month of Ramadan and their impacts on Homocysteine and fibrinogen concentrations in overweight women. In this experiment, 22 overweight and obese women with a body mass index [BMI] of greater than 25 kg/m² aging from 20 to 45 years were enrolled into two groups by means of targeted-sampling method. One group involved fasting accompanied with regular physical activity [12 subjects] and the other group involved only fasting [10 subjects]. The protocol for the physical activity group consisted of three 60-minute sessions of aerobic exercise per week with a 50% to 65% of heart rate reserve. Towards the end of Ramadan, the anthropometric and blood levels of Homocysteine and fibrinogen were closely measured. Data were analyzed using repeated measures and the significance level of P

Glutaric acidemia type 1: a case report

Glutaric academia type I is a metabolic disorder that is caused due to deficiency of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase. Macrocephaly is a common sign in GA1, although many infants usually appear healthy at birth. A 5.5 year old boy with GA1 was admitted to NICU. Chief compliance of patient for hospitalization was pneumonia and sepsis and he was intubated and mechanically ventilated. This disease was diagnosed with signs of set developmental delay at 8 months old and during these years; he was under control for nutritional counseling with a nutritionist and pediatrician. Nutritional support for this patient was in NICU. Medical treatment combined with nutritional support in GA1 management signs of serious illness; also dietary treatment may control progression of the neurological damage

Therapeutic effects of aerobic exercise and low-calorie diet on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis [NASH] is part of a broad spectrum of nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases that can lead to cirrhosis. To date, there is no effective medical treatment for NASH. We aim to compare the effect of aerobic exercise in conjunction with diet to diet alone on the improvement of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in patients with NASH. We enrolled 23 NASH patients, ages 25-50 years, and randomly divided them into two groups, aerobic exercise plus diet [n=12] or diet alone [n=ll]. In this study, diet in both groups included 500 kilocalories of energy less than the estimated daily energy requirement. In addition to diet, the first group participated in aerobic exercises that consisted of walking, jogging and running, for a period of eight weeks, three days a week at a 55%-60% heart rate reserve. For all patients, we measured blood pressure, Waist Circumference, serum ALT, HDL, TG, FBS, insulin levels, and insulin resistance according to HOMA-IR at baseline and after eight weeks. We analyzed data with the paired and independent samples t-test, at a significance level of p<0.05. Although, there was no significant difference noted in patients in the diet only group, HOMA-IR, Systolic Blood Pressure, Diastolic Blood Pressure, FBS, ALT, and insulin levels significantly decreased in patients who underwent both diet and exercise. Serum TG levels and WC decreased significantly in both groups. In a comparison between the groups, there was a significant decrease observed in WC, FBS, and ALT. Aerobic exercise in conjunction with diet may be more effective than diet alone in the treatment of patients with NASH

Valuation of ocular accommodation, convergence and fusional vergence changes during Ramadan

There are a few researches regarding the effects of Islamic fasting on visual system. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Ramadan fasting on the amplitude of accommodation [AA], near point of convergence [NPC], positive and negative fusional vergences [PFV and NFV, respectively] in visually healthy fasters. AA, NPC, PFV and NFV at far [6m] and near [40cm] were measured in 30 male students. Nutritional habits in a week before each examination visit were assessed with the Food Frequency Questionnaire [FFQ]. Mean age and fasting average experience were 23.9 and 10 years, respectively. AA and NPC showed significant changes [p<0.05] during Ramadan; but there was no significant difference before and after Ramadan in these parameters. NFV blur, break and recovery points at far significantly reduced in Ramadan than before [p=0.003, p=0.005, p=0.003, respectively] with insignificant compensation after Ramadan. Results showed that there was no significant correlation between changes in diet pattern and AA, NPC and distant NFV variations [p<0.05]. Some visual problems may be reported at far and near visual tasks during Ramadan; but most of the problems may be resolved after it. Some visual preparations may be needed for more effective visual activities during Ramadan; essentially for students with intensive visual tasks. Vision therapy may be suggested along with nutrient pattern improvement during Ramadan

Changes in dietary intake during Ramadan in North East of Iran population

Ramadan is the holiest month in Islamic calendar and Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, and smoking from dawn to sunset, in which there are changes in quality of food and eating patterns. The purpose of this study was to know whether these changes provide nutritional needs, and supply all of necessary macronutrients for individuals in the month. A prospective observational study was performed during Ramadan of 1429 AH [September, 2008] in Mashhad, Iran. Among 335 subjects enrolled for the study, 266 subjects met inclusion criteria. We used a semi?quantitative 302?item food frequency questionnaire [FFQ] that was self?administered and assessed the subject's energy, macronutrient, and fiber intake over the previous three days. Dietary intake assessment was carried out one week before or after Ramadan and during the month. Data showed that the amount of energy intake and macronutrients increased significantly in women and men less than 35 years during Ramadan, and also we found a significant difference in protein intake between males and females less than 35 years old out of Ramadan time. This study revealed that there was a significant increase in intake of energy and macronutrients in men and women less than 35 years that was mainly due to high consumption of carbohydrate during this month. In this study there was no change in energy intake of participants over 35 years old

Effects of Ramadan fasting on spirometric values and clinical symptoms in asthmatic patients

Ramadan is the 9th Islamic lunar month during which Muslims avoid eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. The effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting on asthma control is controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Ramadan fasting on the spirometric variables and clinical symptoms on well-controlled asthmatic patients during Ramadan. A cohort study was conducted in Mashhad, Khorasan Razavi, Iran. Twenty-nine [19 females and 10 males] well-controlled asthmatic patients aged 47 [12] years completed the study. The average duration of fasting was 26.5 days. Assessment of spirometric variables [daily peak expiratory flow, peak expiratory flow variability, peak expiratory flow home monitoring] as well as asthma clinical symptoms including dyspnea, cough, wheezing, and chest tightness were carried out. No significant changes in clinical symptoms were reported in asthmatic patients at the end of Ramadan fasting. Among spirometric variables, only peak expiratory flow improved after Ramadan [p<0.05]. There was a reduction in the mean peak expiratory flow variability from 13% at the first week of fasting to 10% at the fourth week [p<0.05]. In well-controlled asthmatic patients, Ramadan fasting resulted in improvement in peak expiratory flow and peak expiratory flow variability

effect of Ramadan fasting on thyroid hormones in 9-13 years old pre-menarche girls

Muslims fast from dawn to dusk during Ramadan. The effects of prolonged food deprivation on endocrine hormones have been studied in healthy adults but no previous study has investigated this effect on children. This study aimed to evaluate the feasible changes in serum level of thyroxin [T3], tetraiodothyronin [T4], thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH] and body composition in pre-menarche girls. This cohort study was performed through Ramadan 2012. We enrolled fifty-eight 9-13 years old girls [weight 34.20 +/- 7.96 kg, height 142.01 +/- 7.76 cm] in two groups from [31 and 27 in fasted and non-fasted groups, respectively] prior to Ramadan until afterwards. Weight and height of the subjects were measured using standard methods, and then Body Mass Index [BMI] was calculated. Body composition was measured using Bio Impedance Analyzer [BIA] method. Serum concentrations of T3, T4 and TSH hormones were measured by Radio Immunoassay [RIA]. Paired t-test was used to compare result of each group before and after Ramadan. Independent t-test was used to compare two groups together. Tanner intervention variable was controlled by generalized linear models intervening test. SPSS.11 software was used for data analysis. Ramadan fasting induces a significant decrease in BMI and weight on fasted group [P=0.005, P=0.044, respectively] while a significant increase was observed in non-fasted group [P<0.001]. Although, T3 decreased significantly by fasting [P<0.001], it remained in the normal range. Hence, T4 decreased and TSH increased slightly in both groups. According to our findings, despite a significant reduction of T3 in fasting group, variation in thyroid hormones level remained in the normal range during Ramadan fasting