COVID-19: booster(s) vs. hospitalization and Intensive Care Unit admission.

OBJECTIVE: As the pandemic continues, different vaccine protocols have been implemented to maintain the protection of vaccines and to provide protection against new variants. The aim of this study was to assess hospitalized patients' vaccination status and document the efficacy of boosters. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The patients that were hospitalized due to COVID-19 were enrolled from 28 hospitals in Turkey for five months from September 2021. 5,331 confirmed COVID-19 patients from collaborating centers were randomly enrolled to understand/estimate the distribution of vaccination status in hospitalized patients and to compare the efficacy of vaccination/booster protocols. RESULTS: 2,779 men and 2,552 women of which 2,408 (45.2%) were admitted to Intensive Care Units participated in this study. It was found that the highest risk reduction for all age groups was found in groups that received 4 doses. Four doses of vaccination for every 3.7 people under 50 years of age, for every 5.7 people in the 50-64 age group, and for every 4.3 people over 65 years of age will prevent 1 patient from being admitted to intensive care. Regardless of the type of vaccine, it was found that the risk of ICU hospitalization decreased in those who were vaccinated compared to those who were not vaccinated. Regardless of the type of vaccine, the ICU risk was found to decrease 1.25-fold in those who received 1 or 2 doses of vaccine, 1.18-fold in those who received 3 doses, and 3.26-fold in those who received 4 doses. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that the addition of a fourth dose is more effective in preventing intensive unit care even in disadvantaged groups.

How the Aperture of Femoral Tunnel Affected in ACL Reconstruction Performed with AM Portal Technique?

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The purpose of this study was to evaluate the position of tibial tunnel (TT) and femoral tunnels (FT) performed by using the anteromedial (AM) portal technique and its effect on the aperture of FT. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total 44 patients operated for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture by AM portal technique between January 2013 and July 2015, were included in this study. They were subjected to a magnetic resonance imaging of the knee to assess the FT, dimensions of the FT aperture and TT. The location of the ACL graft within the joint was compared with the intact ACL of healthy individuals. The patients were also evaluated using Lysholm and IKDC subjective scores for functional outcome. RESULTS The mean FT angle on both the coronal plane (42.88°±5.83°) and the sagittal plane (68.47°±9.57°) was significantly different from the intra-articular part of the hamstring autograft angles (74.93°±7.27° and 58.74°±4.88°, respectively) (p<0.0001). The mean distance of the FT aperture was 13.18 (±2.49) mm on vertical axis, 10.97 (±1.50) mm on the sagittal axis (p<0.0001). The difference between TT axis and the axis of the intra-articular part of autograft on both coronal (72.78°±4.67° and 74.93°±7.27°, respectively) and sagittal planes (60.12°±5.53° and 58.74°±4.88°, respectively) were not significant (p>0.05). DISCUSSION Ilingrowth et al. claimed that the FT were scattered in the very large distance and some of them were placed outside of anatomical range in the series included the cases performed with transtibial and transtibial independent techniques. In this series, in which we used a femoral guide to drill the FT at lateral femoral condyle at 2 or 10 o'clock position depended upon the site of operation, we obtained a consistent FT which is comparable with the intra-articular part of native ACL. Amano et al. found that the FT aperture enlargement was significant in the series when hamstring tendons were used as autograft, over a 6-month period. We also found a significant difference between the narrowest part of the FT (7.01 ± 1.05 mm) and its aperture (10.97 ± 1.50 mm in sagittal, 13.18 ± 2.49 mm in vertical direction). The enlargement was mainly in the vertical direction, due to the fact that the loads resulting from daily life are mostly on the horizontal plane. CONCLUSIONS The direction of intra-articular part of the ACL graft in the cases operated with the AM portal technique is significantly different from the FT direction in both the coronal and sagittal planes. The enlargement of the FT aperture is larger in the vertical axis compared to the sagittal axis. Although the long-term clinical consequences of asymmetrical enlargement of the FT aperture are not known yet, to avoid this potential risk, a technique to approximate the direction of FT to the intra-articular part of the ACL without changing the FT entry site, can be used. Key words: knee, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, femoral tunnel, tibial tunnel, anteromedial portal.

Knowledge levels and attitudes of adult individuals about cancer and its risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Cancer maintains its importance as a major public health issue in the world and developing countries such as Turkey. Determining individuals' knowledge and attitudes about cancer is very important for cancer prevention. Research on knowledge and attitudes plays an important role in the development of targeted policies in the fight against cancer. AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and attitudes of adult individuals about cancer and its risk factors. METHODS: The study was conducted descriptively in the city center of Trabzon. The study population and sample consisted of 105.071 and 1200 adults aged 40 and over living in the city center, respectively. For the sample selection, multistage randomized sampling method was used. The data were collected using a questionnaire, which was developed by the researchers after reviewing the literature and receiving expert opinions. The findings were presented as descriptive statistics with numbers, percentages, and averages. RESULTS: It was found that 45.7% of the participants smoked, 9.1% consumed alcohol, 40.8% consumed acidic foods, 33.0% had family history of cancer in first degree relatives, and 28.5% had cancer-related death in first degree relatives. The participants stated that cancer was the most fatal disease and listed the first three cancer-causing factors as cigarettes (95.7%), mobile phones (90.4%) and alcohol (90.2%). 62.4% of them did not know the symptoms of cancer, and 86.4% and 76.4% believed that 'sadness and stress cause cancer' and 'cancer is inherited', respectively. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that adult individuals had a significant level of false and incomplete information about cancer, and their behaviors having risk factors for cancer could not be altered and transformed into appropriate ones. Therefore, it is thought that informative studies on cancer should be carried out continuously to carry out the fight against cancer successfully.

SUL-109 Protects Hematopoietic Stem Cells from Apoptosis Induced by Short-Term Hypothermic Preservation and Maintains Their Engraftment Potential.

The newly developed 6-hydroxychromanol derivate SUL-109 was shown to provide protection during hypothermic storage of several cell lines, but has not been evaluated in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Hypothermic preservation of HSCs would be preferred over short-term cryopreservation to prevent cell loss during freezing/thawing and would be particularly useful for short-term storage, such as during conditioning of patients or transport of HSC transplants. Here we cultured human CD34+ umbilical cord blood (UCB) cells and lineage-depleted (Lin-) Balb/c bone marrow (BM) cells for up to 7 days in serum-free HSC expansion medium with hematopoietic growth factors. SUL-109-containing cultures were stored at 4°C for 3 to 14 days. The UCB cells were tested for viability, cell cycle, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). DMSO-cryopreserved Lin- BM cells or Lin- BM cells maintained for 14 days at 4°C were transplanted into RAG2-/- Balb/c mice and engraftment was followed for 6 months. The addition of SUL-109 during the hypothermic storage of expanded CD34+ UCB cells provided a significant improvement in cell survival of the immature CD34+/CD38- fraction after 7 days of hypothermic storage through scavenging of hypothermia-induced ROS and was able to preserve the multilineage capacity of human CD34+ UCB cells for up to 14 days of cold storage. In addition, SUL-109 protected murine BM Lin- cells from 14 days of hypothermic preservation and maintained their engraftment potential after transplantation in immune-deficient RAG2-/- mice. Our data indicate that SUL-109 is a promising novel chemical for use as a protective agent during cold storage of human and murine HSCs to prevent hypothermia-induced apoptosis and promote cell viability.

Which men have better attitudes and participation to family planning services? A study in primary care settings from Northern Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Turkey is the third most populous country of the European region located at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. In Turkey, approximately 2 million pregnancies occur every year. Half of the pregnancies are involuntary, and five out of every 100 pregnancies end with wanted abortion. There are limitations in access to modern methods in the north of Turkey. This study was aimed to determine the factors associated with better attitudes and participation to family planning (FP) services in primary care settings from Northern Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study, based on primary care settings, was conducted in the Middle Black Sea Region of Turkey with 400 married men. Male attitudes and participation were measured by a questionnaire form. Chi-square testing and logistic regression analyses were applied. RESULTS: We found that male participation was present in 302 participants (75.5%), and 363 participants (90.8%) approved the use of FP. Male participation was significantly different by age, occupation, education, marriage age, spouses' education and occupation, and attitudes towards FP. Based on multivariate analysis, male participation was significantly associated with spouses' level of education, employment status, currently using FP, and the perception of spousal communication. CONCLUSION: Better participation existed among participants with higher educated spouses, employed spouses, current users of FP, and the better self-perception of communication.

Knowledge and attitudes among patients with asthma and parents and physicians towards influenza vaccination

BACKGROUND: Influenza is an infectious disease, dangerous for all people, especially for some risk groups such as patients with chronic diseases and health care workers. But most of the people under the risk of influenza, including health care workers are not immunised because of misinformation. In this study, we aimed to determine the knowledge, beliefs and attitudes of patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma and parents of such children related to influenza vaccination. Attitudes and beliefs of physicians treating these patients about influenza vaccination were also investigated. METHODS: Two different questionnaires consisting of various items related to influenza vaccine were distributed to physicians and patients and parents of children with asthma and allergic disease. RESULTS: The physicians group consisted of 189 physicians from various branches. About one third of physicians from various branches reported that they did not believe the vaccine's effectiveness. Most of the participating physicians did not immunise themselves with influenza vaccination despite the fact that any patient of theirs had died due to influenza infection. Although nearly half of the 183 patients had been vaccinated with influenza vaccine, only 27% of adults and 11.7% of children had been vaccinated annually. CONCLUSIONS: Asthmatic patients are not immunised regularly with influenza vaccine due to misperceptions about vaccine effectiveness and fear of adverse effects. Another important reason of this is that most the physicians caring for these patients neither immunise themselves nor recommend the vaccine to their patients

No disponible

Knowledge and attitudes among patients with asthma and parents and physicians towards influenza vaccination.

BACKGROUND: Influenza is an infectious disease, dangerous for all people, especially for some risk groups such as patients with chronic diseases and health care workers. But most of the people under the risk of influenza, including health care workers are not immunised because of misinformation. In this study, we aimed to determine the knowledge, beliefs and attitudes of patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma and parents of such children related to influenza vaccination. Attitudes and beliefs of physicians treating these patients about influenza vaccination were also investigated. METHODS: Two different questionnaires consisting of various items related to influenza vaccine were distributed to physicians and patients and parents of children with asthma and allergic disease. RESULTS: The physicians group consisted of 189 physicians from various branches. About one third of physicians from various branches reported that they did not believe the vaccine's effectiveness. Most of the participating physicians did not immunise themselves with influenza vaccination despite the fact that any patient of theirs had died due to influenza infection. Although nearly half of the 183 patients had been vaccinated with influenza vaccine, only 27% of adults and 11.7% of children had been vaccinated annually. CONCLUSIONS: Asthmatic patients are not immunised regularly with influenza vaccine due to misperceptions about vaccine effectiveness and fear of adverse effects. Another important reason of this is that most the physicians caring for these patients neither immunise themselves nor recommend the vaccine to their patients.

Health literacy among schoolteachers in Çorum, Turkey.

Teachers' health literacy is an important part of school health promotion programmes. This study in 2013 assessed health literacy and related factors in schoolteachers in Çorum, Turkey. In a cross-sectional study, 500 primary and secondary teachers answered a questionnaire about self-reported health behaviours and completed the 6-item Newest Vital Sign tool. The mean score on the health literacy scale was 2.12 (SD 1.82). Overall, 44.0% of the teachers had very limited, 29.8% limited and 26.2% adequate health literacy. Adequate health literacy levels were significantly higher among those without chronic disease, non-smokers, non-alcohol users and those interested in healthy lifestyle topics in the media. In binary logistic regression analysis, the risk of limited health literacy was significantly greater in the older age groups, in men and in those whose partner was an educator or a housewife. In view of the low health literacy levels, we suggest that teacher candidates could benefit from health education programmes after graduation.

Knowledge Attitudes and Behaviors About Organ Donation Among First- and Sixth-class Medical Students: A Study From Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to determine the knowledge, attitude, and behaviors of Erciyes University School of Medicine students regarding organ donation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted in 2014 on Erciyes University School of Medicine first- and sixth-grade students via questionnaire. It was to be conducted on all 490 students; in total, 464 students were enrolled-304 from first grade and 160 from sixth grade. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, χ(2) test, and binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean age was 20.9 ± 2.8 years and it was found that 48.9% were male, 65.5% were in first grade; 50.0% of the students who participated in the study were considering donating their organs and this rate is 45.4% in the first grade and 58.8% at sixth grade. Those who donated their organs were 3.4% in the entire group and were 1.6% and 6.9% consequently in first and sixth grades. Those who are; at the sixth grade, female gender, those who feel themselves responsible for the donation of society, who think organ donation is appropriate in terms of religion and conversations within family about organ donations significantly want organ donation more statistically. However, grade and gender had no effect on wishing donating organs according to binary logistic regression analysis. The rate of feeling themselves responsible from the donation in society was 73.9% and finding organ donation appropriate in terms of religion was 75.6% and there wasn't significant difference between first and sixth grades. CONCLUSION: Although there are increases in many variables about this issue at sixth grade, students are unable to gain sufficient attitude and behavior about organ donation. Training can be planned during medical educations in terms of gaining attitudes and behaviors about the issue.

Health literacy among schoolteachers in Corum, Turkey

Teachers' health literacy is an important part of school health promotion programmes. This study in 2013 assessed health literacy and related factors in schoolteachers in Corum, Turkey.In a cross-sectional study,500 primary and secondary teachers answered a questionnaire about self-reported health behaviours and completed the 6-item Newest Vital Sign tool.The mean score on the health literacy scale was 2.12 [SD 1.82]. Overall, 44.0% of the teachers had very limited, 29.8% limited and 26.2% adequate health literacy. Adequate health literacy levels were significantly higher among those without chronic disease, non-smokers,non-alcohol users and those interested in healthy lifestyle topics in the media. In binary logistic regression analysis, the risk of limited health literacy was significantly greater in the older age groups, in men and in those whose partner was an educator or a housewife. In view of the low health literacy levels, we suggest that teacher candidates could benefit from health education programmes after graduation

Les connaissances en matière de santé des enseignants sont une part importante des programmes de promotion de la santé en milieu scolaire.La présente étude menée en 2013 a évalué les connaissances en santé des enseignants ainsi que les facteurs en la matière à Corum [Turquie]. Dans une étude transversale, 500 enseignants d'établissements primaires et secondaires ont répondu à un questionnaire sur leurs comportements en santé autodéclarés puis aux questions de l'instrument en 6 items intitulé Newest Vital Sign scale. Le score moyen sur l'échelle des connaissances en matière de santé était de 2,12 [ET 1,82]. Globalement, 44,0 % des enseignants avaient des connaissances très limitées,29,8 % des connaissances limitées et 26,2 % des connaissances en santé adéquates. Les niveaux de connaissances en santé adéquats étaient nettement supérieurs chez les enseignants qui n'étaient pas atteints d'une maladie chronique,qui ne fumaient pas,qui ne consommaient pas d'alcool,ainsi que chez ceux qui s'intéressaient aux sujets portant sur les modes de vie sains dans les médias. A l'analyse de régression logistique binaire, le risque lié aux connaissances en santé limitées était significativement plus important dans les groupes plus âgés, chez les hommes et chez ceux dont le/la partenaire était un éducateur ou une femme au foyer. A la lumière de ces faibles niveaux de connaissances en santé, nous suggérons que les futurs enseignants puissent bénéficier de programmes d'éducation en santé après l'obtention de leur diplôme

Hospital admissions for anaphylaxis in Istanbul, Turkey.

BACKGROUND: There are very limited data characterizing the epidemiology of anaphylaxis from low- and middle-income country settings. We aimed to estimate the frequency of anaphylaxis admissions to hospitals in Istanbul. METHODS: We obtained data from all 45 hospitals in Istanbul over a 12-month period and used ICD-10 codes to extract data on those admitted with a recorded primary diagnosis of anaphylaxis. Because of concerns about possible under-coding, we undertook an additional analysis to identify patients admitted with two or more clinical codes for symptoms and/or signs suggestive of, but not coded as having, anaphylaxis. RESULTS: A total of 114 cases (79 people with anaphylaxis codes and 35 with symptoms and signs suggestive of anaphylaxis) were identified, giving an overall estimate of 1.95 cases per 100 000 person-years. CONCLUSION: The novel two-stage identification approach employed suggests significant under-recording of anaphylaxis in those admitted to hospitals in Istanbul.

Flow cytometric detection of anti-AB antibody titers in blood group O recipients of blood group A2 donor kidneys.

AIM: ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation has been accepted for end-stage renal failure patients who have no ready opportunity for a deceased or living donor. Antibody titration for ABO-incompatible renal transplantation is not only difficult but also lacks conformity among laboratories. Herein we analyzed 20 living related renal transplant couples to detect recipient anti-A2 antibody using flow cytometric analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were admitted to our center for renal transplantation between January 1999 and December 2010. All but four of them had undergone a previous renal transplantation from an ABO-compatible donor but experienced graft failure. All donor blood groups were subtyped by our blood bank using a lectin-based dilution assay. To detect recipient anti-A2 antibody titers we used a tube hemagglutination method. A/B antibody titer analysis by flow cytometry incubated serially diluted serum samples with donor erythrocytes. Each analysis was repeated three times over a 2-week period using an older and the last sera simultaneously. RESULTS: The 13 male and 7 female patients showed our overall mean age of 32 ± 12 years. All patients had panel-reactive antibody levels below 15%. The level of flow cytometric antibody titers did not vary upon repeated analysis (P = .01). When compared with the tube method there was a discrepancy of the level at which the antibody titer became negative. DISCUSSION: Flow cytometric antibody titration is a practical and rapid technique to determine the amount of anti-A2 antibody in renal recipients.

Determination of tetracycline residues in chicken meat by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Analysis of residual levels of tetracyclines (TCs) in chicken meat was performed using a validated liquid chromatography coupled with a tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) technique. Overall, the recoveries for TCs ranged from 56.9% to 101.2%, with standard deviations of 4.5-13.2%. Detection limits ranged from 7.9 to 14.6 µg kg⁻¹. In four of 60 samples, doxycycline (DXC) was determined in a range from 19.9 to 35.6 µg kg⁻¹; and in one sample tetracycline was detected at 17.2 µg kg⁻¹. Chlortetracycline (CTC) and oxytetracycline (OTC) were not detected in any of the tested samples. This study indicates that chicken meat sold in Bursa, Turkey, contained some residues of TCs. Therefore, stricter regulations for the use of antibiotics in the poultry industry and the monitoring of drug residues in chicken meat prior to marketing are needed. Finally, this method has been applied successfully for the confirmation of TCs in chicken meat.

ELISA screening and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry confirmation of chloramphenicol residues in chicken muscle, and the validation of a confirmatory method by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

In the period December 2008 to August 2009, 180 chicken meat samples, including 90 thigh and 90 breast meats in Bursa province, Turkey, were collected. The determination of chloramphenicol (CAP) residues in the samples was screened by ELISA, and a confirmatory method based on liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was described and validated. The ELISA screening of the samples was performed after extraction with ethyl acetate and defatting with n-hexane. The results showed that 15 (8.3%) of the chicken meat samples were positive for CAP residues from 12.64 to 226.22 ng/kg, with a mean of 45.32 ng/kg. Confirmatory analysis of the results from ELISA was practiced after an extraction with ethyl acetate. Chromatographic seperation was carried out by using a Synergy MAX-RP 80A column and the mixture of acetic acid-water as a mobile phase. The mass spectral acquisition was done in the negative-ion mode applying selective reaction monitoring with the following ions (mass-to-charge ratio, m/z): m/z 321 → 152 and m/z 321 → 194 for CAP. By liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, CAP was confirmed in 2 of 15 ELISA positive samples and 1 of 45 negative samples, with concentration levels that varied between 150 and 361 ng/kg. The method was validated according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. The calibration curves were linear with a typical r(2) value of 0.9966. The recovery values ranged from 97.3 to 104.0% and within-laboratory repeatability was lower than 5%. The decision limit was 0.10 µg/kg and detection capability was 0.11 µg/kg. To evaluate the presence of CAP residues, this method was successfully implemented in chicken meat samples.

Dentists’ knowledge about anaphylaxis caused by local anaesthetics

Background: IgE-mediated systemic reactions to local anaesthetics may be seen- althoughrarely- by dentists. However, it is not known whether dentists are familiar with symptoms,signs and management of anaphylaxis.Methods: In this study we aimed to evaluate knowledge of dentists of the symptoms and signsand current treatment of anaphylaxis. For this, some dentists working in their private officesin Istanbul were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire with 15 questions related toanaphylaxis.Results: A total of 86 dentists agreed to participate in the study. None of the attendants werecompletely aware of the symptoms and signs of anaphylaxis. About half of the attendants(48.8%) knew epinephrine as the first drug in the treatment of anaphylaxis and keep it in theiroffices (55.6%), but only one third of the dentists (31.5%) preferred intramuscular route as themost effective route for epinephrine injection.Conclusion: Our data show that the level of dentists’ knowledge of local anaesthetics allergyand anaphylaxis is inadequate. This may endanger patients’ lives. An educational programmethat may improve general dentists’ knowledge about local anaesthetics allergy and anaphylaxisis urgently necessary(AU)

Dentists' knowledge about anaphylaxis caused by local anaesthetics.

BACKGROUND: IgE-mediated systemic reactions to local anaesthetics may be seen--although rarely--by dentists. However, it is not known whether dentists are familiar with symptoms, signs and management of anaphylaxis. METHODS: In this study we aimed to evaluate knowledge of dentists of the symptoms and signs and current treatment of anaphylaxis. For this, some dentists working in their private offices in Istanbul were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire with 15 questions related to anaphylaxis. RESULTS: A total of 86 dentists agreed to participate in the study. None of the attendants were completely aware of the symptoms and signs of anaphylaxis. About half of the attendants (48.8%) knew epinephrine as the first drug in the treatment of anaphylaxis and keep it in their offices (55.6%), but only one third of the dentists (31.5%) preferred intramuscular route as the most effective route for epinephrine injection. CONCLUSION: Our data show that the level of dentists' knowledge of local anaesthetics allergy and anaphylaxis is inadequate. This may endanger patients' lives. An educational programme that may improve general dentists' knowledge about local anaesthetics allergy and anaphylaxis is urgently necessary.

Attitudes and behaviours of students from the faculty of theology regarding organ donation: a study from Turkey.

The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and attitude of students from the Faculty of Theology of Erciyes University regarding organ donation. This study comprising all students (n = 264) showed that 51.6% of subjects to the kidney is an organ that may be donated; other organs were less known. 16.5% of the students thought that organ donation is not in accord with Islamic beliefs; 22.0% thought that it is permitted in Islam for Muslims to donate to non-Muslims, and 23.6% were willing to accept organs from non-Muslims. 23.6% of the students were willing to donate their organs, whereas 57.3% were undecided. None of the students had an organ donation card. Among students who did not consider donation or were undecided, 16.5% stated that it was "religiously inappropriate" and 13.3% stated that they did not "approve the loss of body integrity." Students declared that they had little knowledge regarding organ/tissue donation: 67.9% about the religious aspect, 78.9% about the legal aspect, and 80.5% about the scientific aspect. Only 24.6% of the group noted school education as their source of information, with 51.2% stating that they had been questioned about organ donation by society. With this study, we concluded that the student's knowledge regarding organ donation was not sufficient.

Prevalence of asthma and other allergic diseases in children born after in vitro fertilisation.

BACKGROUND: Children born after in vitro fertilisation (IVF) are under greater risk of development of some health problems than those children born after spontaneous conception. Yet it is not exactly known what the prevalence of asthma and other allergic diseases among these children is. AIMS OF THE STUDY: To investigate the prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis in children born after IVF, and controls born after spontaneous pregnancy using questionnaires of International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children (ISAAC). METHODS: We recruited 158 children (mean age: 4.60 +/- 2.14 years) born after IVF pregnancies and 102 children (mean age: 5.27 +/- 2.8 years) as control group to investigate the prevalences of asthma, atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis. The questions in the questionnaire were asked to the parents by telephone or face to face. RESULTS: Wheezing ever has been reported in 19 % of the children born after IVF and in 17.6 % of the control group (p > 0.05). No significant differences were found between groups, in terms of use of any anti-asthma drugs, physician diagnosed asthma and admission to emergency room with wheezing (p > 0.05). In addition, prevalence of allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis were also comparable between two groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalences of asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis are similar in children born after IVF and children born after spontaneous conception.

Prevalence of asthma and other allergic diseases in children born after in vitro fertilisation

Background: Children born after in vitro fertilisation (IVF) are under greater risk of development of some health problems than those children born after spontaneous conception. Yet it is not exactly known what the prevalence of asthma and other allergic diseases among these children is. Aims of the study: To investigate the prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis in children born after IVF, and controls born after spontaneous pregnancy using questionnaires of International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children (ISAAC). Methods: We recruited 158 children (mean age: 4.60 ± 2.14 years) born after IVF pregnancies and 102 children (mean age: 5.27 ± 2.8 years) as control group to investigate the prevalences of asthma, atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis. The questions in the questionnaire were asked to the parents by telephone or face to face. Results: Wheezing ever has been reported in 19 % of the children born after IVF and in 17.6 % of the control group (p > 0.05). No significant differences were found between groups, in terms of use of any anti-asthma drugs, physician diagnosed asthma and admission to emergency room with wheezing (p > 0.05). In addition, prevalence of allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis were also comparable between two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Prevalences of asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis are similar in children born after IVF and children born after spontaneous conception (AU)

No disponible

Frequency of allergic diseases following measles.

OBJECTIVE: Viral and bacterial infections in childhood decrease the likelihood of allergic diseases in later life. The frequency of allergic diseases in patients with a history of measles has been reported to be low but some studies still suggest that measles can increase the frequency of allergic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of allergic diseases following measles in childhood. METHODS: Fifty-two children hospitalized in our clinic with measles were compared with 51 children without measles. Allergic diseases were investigated in both groups by using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. In all children, allergy skin tests were performed with the four most common allergens. RESULTS: Sensitivity to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was less frequent in children with measles than in those without (p < 0.05). A history of nebulized salbutamol use in the emergency room in the previous 12 months was also less frequent in the measles group (p < 0.05). Inhaled corticosteroid use was more common in the group without measles (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that findings of allergic disease are less frequent in children with a history of measles. These children were less sensitive to D. pteronyssinus.