Can pediatricians recognize eating disorders? A case study of early-onset anorexia nervosa in a male child.

INTRODUCTION: this article examines a boy who was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa at eight years old. Pediatricians and family physicians encountered difficulties during the diagnosis and treatment stages due to the fact that early onset of the disease is rare. CASE REPORT: a boy aged eight years and four months presented with bradicardia, malnutrition and dehydration as far away from the preliminary diagnosis of anorexia nervosa investigated for possible organic pathologies at the pediatric ward. Finally, he was diagnosed with early-onset anorexia nervosa and anxiety disorder based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5. DISCUSSION: the case highlights two important points. First, this case report demonstrates a limited awareness of anorexia nervosa and of a psychosomatic or psychiatric origin of weight loss in children among physicians. Second, disrupted eating behaviors and mood changes may be predicting factors for the development of full-blown anorexia nervosa.

Protective Effects of Quercetin on Necrotizing Enterocolitis in a Neonatal Rat Model.

INTRODUCTION: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the major health problems of newborn period. To date, a large amount of chemicals have been tested for NEC and some showed limited beneficial effects. The research for better results still continues. This study aims to investigate the effects of quercetin (QE) on NEC treatment in rats. METHODS: Newborn rats were divided into control, NEC, and NEC + QE groups. In NEC and NEC + QE groups, experimental NEC was induced. NEC + QE group animals were also given QE. Weight changes of the animals were recorded, and serum total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured. Histologic evaluation of the distal ileum and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining were performed. RESULTS: A significant increase in the TAS levels was observed in NEC + QE group. Only NEC group exhibited significantly higher TOS and MDA levels and lower GSH levels. Rats in the NEC + QE group had better histopathology and less apoptosis than NEC group. CONCLUSION: QE is effective in enhancing antioxidant defense mechanism, limiting oxidative stress, reducing intestinal damage, and preventing NEC development.

[Mean Platelet Volume in Children with Acute Gastroenteritis Caused by Entamoeba histolytica]. / Entamoeba histolytica'ya Bagli Akut Gastroenteriti Olan Çocuklarda Ortalama Trombosit Hacminin Degerlendirilmesi.

OBJECTIVE: Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a marker of platelet activation, which is a determinant of inflammation. The first aim of the present study was to investigate the MPV levels in children with amebiasis and compare the MPV levels with healthy controls. The second aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between MPV and other acute phase reactants. METHODS: Seventy six patients with amebic gastroenteritis (mean age 2.64 ± 0.23 years) and 53 healthy controls (mean age 2.35 ± 0.28 years) were enrolled in the study. Entamoeba histolytica was determined in stool using rapid antigen test. RESULTS: Complete blood count and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were assessed for all children. MPV levels of patients with amebiasis were significantly higher than those of control children (8.79 ± 0.09 vs. 7.87 ± 0.09 fL, p = 0.000). Leukocyte and eosinophil counts, C-reactive protein and creatinine levels of the patients were higher than controls. Leukocyte count was positively correlated with MPV (r = 0.192, p < 0.05), platelet count (r = 0.278, p < 0.01), and CRP level (r = 0.205, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this MPV levels were significantly higher in children with amebiasis compared to controls. MPV can be used as an acute phase reactant in children with Entamoeba histolytica gastroenteritis.

Mean platelet volume as a negative marker of inflammation in children with rotavirus gastroenteritis.

OBJECTIVE: Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a determinant of inflammation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the MPV levels in children with rotavirus gastroenteritis and to evaluate the possible relationship between MPV and severity of gastroenteritis. METHODS: Children diagnosed with acute rotavirus gastroenteritis and healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Patients were classified into three disease severity groups based on their Vesikari score (<7 mild, 7-10 moderate and >11 severe). Rotavirus was determined in fresh stool samples using ELISA test. Leukocyte and platelet counts, MPV and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were assessed for all children. FINDINGS: A total of 151 patients with rotavirus gastroenteritis (mean age 2.41± 0.14 years) and 80 healthy controls (mean age 2.63±0.22 years, P=0.129) were enrolled. MPV levels of children with rotavirus gastroenteritis were significantly lower than those of healthy peers (7.48±0.04 vs 7.79±0.07 fl, P=0.000). MPV levels were not significantly different among three gastroenteritis groups. Gastroenteritis score was positively correlated with leukocyte (r=0.670, P<0.01) and platelet count (r=0.159, P<0.05) and CRP level (r=0.256, P<0.01) in patients group. MPV was inversely correlated with platelet count. There was no significant correlation between MPV and gastroenteritis score. CONCLUSION: MPV levels were significantly lower in children with rotavirus gastroenteritis compared to controls. MPV can be used as a negative acute phase reactant in children with rotavirus gastroenteritis.