The effect of mobile game training designed for asthmatic children on asthma management and quality of life.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the effect of mobile game training designed for children with asthma on inhaler use skills, asthma symptoms and treatment needs, and quality of life. DESIGN AND METHODS: This randomized controlled study was conducted between April and October 2023 at "Pediatric Asthma and Allergy Clinic" in Turkey. The sample of the study consists of a total of 74 children diagnosed with asthma, including the Mobile game (n: 37) and the Control group (n: 37). In the study, a mobile game was developed for children with asthma between the ages of 8-12. In collecting research data; Child and Parent Information Form, Inhaler Use Skill Evaluation Form, Asthma Symptom and Treatment Need Scoring (Asthma Symptom Score [ASS], Rhinitis Symptom Score [RSS] and Total Symptom Score [TSS]), DISABKIDS Asthma Scale were used. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the demographic status of the children (p > 0.05). It was determined that the average inhaler use skill score and DISABKIDS asthma scale Child/Parent score average of the children in the mobile game group were higher than the control group (p < 0.05). When the children's final follow-up ASS, RSS and TSS total scores were examined; It was determined that there was a statistically significant difference between the children in the mobile game and control groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: As a result of this study, it was determined that mobile game training designed for children is an effective method in increasing children's ability to use inhaler medications, reducing asthma symptoms and treatment needs, and improving quality of life. PRACTICE IMPLICATION: Nurses can improve children's quality of life by using mobile game training programs that attract children's attention.

The frequency of sleep-disordered breathing in preschool children with asthma and its effects on control of asthma.

CONCLUSION: The frequency and score of SDB were higher in patients with uncontrolled asthma. Frequency and score of SDB were significantly affected by the severity of asthma. SDB must be evaluated in preschool children with uncontrolled asthma. CONCLUSION: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is more common in asthmatic patients than in non-asthmatic persons, and SDB affects negatively to control asthma. A limited number of studies are discovered on the effect of SDB in preschool asthmatic children. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of SDB and its effect on control and severity of asthma in preschool children. A pediatric sleep questionnaire was completed by parents of asthmatic children. Patients who received a score of 0.33 or higher were diagnosed with SDB. Control and severity of asthma was assessed by a pediatric allergy specialist based on the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) criteria. The study included 249 patients, with a mean±SD age of 4.37±1.04 (range: 2-5.9) years; 69% were boys; 56.6% children had uncontrolled asthma and 28.7% had SDB. The SDB score was significantly different between controlled and uncontrolled asthma (0.19 vs 0.28; P < 0.001). The frequency of uncontrolled asthma in patients with and without SDB was 74.3% and 49.4%, respectively (P < 0.010). Based on the severity of asthma, the frequency of SDB among patients with mild, moderate, and severe asthma was 23.4%, 35.2%, and 47.4%, respectively (P = 0.010).

The frequency of sleep-disordered breathing in preschool children with asthma and its effects on control of asthma

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is more common in asthmatic patients than in non-asthmatic persons, and SDB affects negatively to control asthma. A limited number of studies are discovered on the effect of SDB in preschool asthmatic children. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of SDB and its effect on control and severity of asthma in preschool children. A pediatric sleep questionnaire was completed by parents of asthmatic children. Patients who received a score of 0.33 or higher were diagnosed with SDB. Control and severity of asthma was assessed by a pediatric allergy specialist based on the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) criteria. The study included 249 patients, with a mean±SD age of 4.37±1.04 (range: 2–5.9) years; 69% were boys; 56.6% children had uncontrolled asthma and 28.7% had SDB. The SDB score was significantly different between controlled and uncontrolled asthma (0.19 vs 0.28; P < 0.001). The frequency of uncontrolled asthma in patients with and without SDB was 74.3% and 49.4%, respectively (P < 0.010). Based on the severity of asthma, the frequency of SDB among patients with mild, moderate, and severe asthma was 23.4%, 35.2%, and 47.4%, respectively (P = 0.010). Conclusion: The frequency and score of SDB were higher in patients with uncontrolled asthma. Frequency and score of SDB were significantly affected by the severity of asthma. SDB must be evaluated in preschool children with uncontrolled asthma (AU)

Confirmation of drug allergy in a general pediatrics outpatient clinic.

BACKGROUND: Studies including diagnostic workups on true drug allergy in children are limited. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of confirmed drug allergy in children with a history of suspected drug allergy who had applied to the general pediatric outpatient clinics of our hospital owing to various health problems. METHODS: The history of drug allergy was asked among children who applied to the general pediatric outpatient clinics of our hospital. Allergy tests were performed to confirm drug allergy in children whose history was compatible with drug allergy. RESULTS: In this study, parents of 5553 children aged between 4 months and 17.9 years were asked, "Has your child ever developed an allergy after drug use?" A total of 7% of the parents (n = 389/5553) thought that their child had a drug allergy. When these patients were evaluated by a pediatric allergist, it was suspected that 21.1% (n = 82/389) had a drug allergy. When diagnostic tests were performed for drug allergy, drug allergy was confirmed in only 4.2% (n = 3/72). Consequently, the frequency of drug allergy according to the history was 1.47% (n = 82/5553) in the population we studied, whereas the frequency of confirmed drug allergy was found to be 0.05% (n = 3/5553). CONCLUSION: The patient or parent statements alone are not sufficient for the diagnosis of drug allergy in children. To confirm or rule out drug allergy, drug allergy tests must be performed so unnecessary drug restrictions can be avoided.

Evaluation of the Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome: A Multicenter Study.

INTRODUCTION: Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is a rare non-IgE, cell-mediated food allergy disorder. We aimed to report the demographic characteristics, clinical features, and management of pediatric patients with FPIES. METHODS: This retrospective study included all children diagnosed with FPIES at the pediatric allergy departments of the participating twelve study centers from January 2015 to November 2020. RESULTS: A total of 73 patients (39 males, 53.4%) with a male/female ratio of 1.1 were included in the study. The median (interquartile ranges) age at symptom onset was 6 months (0.5-168, 4-9.5). The most frequent offending foods were cow's milk, egg's yolk, fish, and egg's white, identified in 38.4% (n = 28), 32.9% (n = 24), 21.9% (n = 16) and 20.5% (n = 15) of the patients, respectively. The total number of reported FPIES episodes was 290 (3.9 episodes per child). Oral food challenge (OFC) was performed in 54.8% (n = 40) of the patients, and tolerance was detected in 17 OFCs (42.5%) at a median age of 15 months (range 8-132 months). CONCLUSION: FPIES is a non-IgE-mediated food hypersensitivity that commonly affects infants and is often misdiagnosed. The pathophysiology of the disease remains unclear and the low awareness of FPIES among physicians and parents highlights the need for more education.

Effects of Obesity on Airway and Systemic Inflammation in Asthmatic Children.

BACKGROUND: Obese asthma is a complex syndrome with certain phenotypes that differ in children and adults. There is no clear evidence regarding the presence of additive or synergistic pathological interaction between obesity and asthma in children. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to demonstrate the interaction of obesity and asthma in children in terms of airway and systemic inflammation by a controlled observational study. METHODS: Four groups were formed: asthma obese (AO), asthma nonobese (ANO), non-AO (NAO), nonasthma nonobese (NANO). Spirometry test, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) test, skin prick test, serum inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein, C3, C4, adiponectin, leptin, resistin, periostin, YKL-40, Type 1, and Type 2 cytokines) were conducted and evaluated in all participants. Sputum inflammatory cells (sputum eosinophils and neutrophils) were evaluated in patients who could produce induced sputum and obesity-asthma interactions were determined. RESULTS: A total of 153 participants aged 6-18 years were included in the study, including the AO group (n = 46), the ANO group (n = 45), the NAO group (n = 30), and the NANO group (n = 32). IL-4 (p < 0.001), IL-5 (p < 0.001), IL-13 (p < 0.001), resistin (p < 0.001), and YKL-40 (p < 0.001) levels were higher in patients with asthma independent of obesity. The lowest adiponectin level was found in the AO group and obesity-asthma interaction was detected (p < 0.001). Sputum eosinophilia (p < 0.01), sputum neutrophilia (p < 0.01), and FeNO levels (p = 0.07) were higher in asthmatic patients independent of obesity. In the group with paucigranulocytic inflammation, resistin and YKL-40 levels were significantly lower than in the group without paucigranulocytic inflammation (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: No interaction was found between obesity and asthma in terms of airway inflammation. Interaction between obesity and asthma was shown in terms of adiponectin level and resistin/adiponectin and leptin/adiponectin ratios. It was found that serum YKL-40 and resistin levels could be associated with airway inflammation.

Risk Factors Influencing Tolerance and Clinical Features of Food Protein-induced Allergic Proctocolitis.

OBJECTIVE: Continued progress in our understanding of the food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis (FPIAP) will provide the development of diagnostic tests and treatments. We aimed to identify precisely the clinical features and natural course of the disease in a large group of patients. Also, we investigated the predicting risk factors for persistent course since influencing parameters has not yet been established. METHODS: Infants who were admitted with rectal bleeding and had a diagnosis of food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis in 5 different allergy or gastroenterology outpatient clinics were enrolled. Clinical features, laboratory tests, and prognosis were evaluated. Risk factors for persistent course were determined by logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Among the 257 infants, 50.2% (n = 129) were girls and cow's milk (99.2%) was the most common trigger. Twenty-four percent of the patients had multiple food allergies and had more common antibiotic use (41.9% vs 11.8%), atopic dermatitis (21% vs 10.2%), wheezing (11.3% vs 1.5%), colic (33.8% vs 11.2%), and IgE sensitization (50% vs 13.5%) compared to the single-food allergic group (P < 0.001, P = 0.025, P = 0.003, P < 0.001, respectively). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, presence of colic (odds ratio [OR]: 5.128, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.926-13.655, P = 0.001), IgE sensitization (OR: 3.964, 95% CI: 1.424-11.034, P = 0.008), and having allergy to multiple foods (OR: 3.679, 95% CI: 1.278-10.593, P = 0.001] were found to be risk factors for continuing disease after 1 year of age. CONCLUSION: Although most children achieve tolerance at 1 year of age, IgE sensitization, allergy to multiple foods, and presence of colic were risk factors for persistent course and late tolerance. In this context, these children may require more close and extended follow-up.

The Frequency and Clinical Features of Hypersensitivity Reactions to Antiepileptic Drugs in Children: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) can cause hypersensitivity reactions during childhood. Studies report a wide clinical spectrum of reactions with AED use, ranging from a mild rash to severe cutaneous reactions. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and clinical features of AED hypersensitivity reactions during childhood. METHODS: Patients in our pediatric neurology clinic who were prescribed an AED for the first time between November 2015 and November 2016 were monitored and those who developed skin rash during this period were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 570 patients were evaluated. The median age of the patients was 8.86 (interquartile range, 4.2-13.7) years, and 55.8% (318) of patients were male. The most frequently used AEDs were valproic acid (42%, n = 285) and carbamazepine (20.4%, n = 116). Hypersensitivity reactions to AEDs developed in 5.4% of patients. Of these patients, 71% (29) had cutaneous drug reactions and 29% (9) had severe cutaneous drug reactions; 61.3% (19) were using aromatic AEDs, and the leading suspected AED was carbamazepine (45.2%). Comparison of patients who did and did not develop AED hypersensitivity showed that hypersensitivity was more frequent among patients who were younger than 12 years, who used aromatic AEDs, or who used multiple AEDs. In addition, according to regression analysis results, aromatic AED use significantly increased the risk of AED hypersensitivity (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Although allergic reactions to AEDs are rare, they are of significance because they can cause life-threatening severe cutaneous drug reactions. Therefore, patients receiving AEDs, especially aromatic AEDs, must be monitored closely.

The Frequency of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Hypersensitivity in Children with Asthma.

BACKGROUND: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the second-most frequent drug type to cause hypersensitivity reactions in children. Asthma is one of the risk factors for NSAID hypersensitivity (NSAID-H) in adult patients. There are limited number of studies evaluating NSAID-H among children with asthma. Our aim was to assess the frequency of confirmed NSAID-H and evaluate the classification of NSAID-H in children with asthma. METHODS: Patients followed with a diagnosis of asthma in our Pediatric Allergy Clinic were evaluated for NSAID-H. Patients were questioned whether they had used NSAIDs, and if they experienced any reaction with these drugs. A control group was also questioned for reactions to NSAID use. RESULTS: 976 children with asthma and 2,000 healthy children as a control group were included in this study. The mean age of the patients with asthma was 10.61 ± 4.21 years and 59.5% were male. Ten (1%) had a reaction history to NSAIDs. NSAID-H was confirmed in 9 (0.9%) who were tested with the suspected drugs. Six of these were classified as "single NSAID-induced urticaria/angioedema or anaphylaxis" and 3 were classified as "NSAIDs-exacerbated respiratory disease." In the control group, only 1 subject had a reaction history to acetylsalicylic acid and no reaction developed in the provocation test. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, NSAID-H was found more frequent in children with asthma than in the control group. Children with asthma should be evaluated for reactions to NSAIDs during hospital visits.

Frequency of selective immediate responders to aminopenicillins and cephalosporins in Turkish children.

BACKGROUND: Beta-lactam antibiotics (BLA) are the most commonly prescribed antibiotics and are responsible for the majority of immediate hypersensitivity reactions to drugs in children. Cross-reactivity is important in hypersensitivity to BLAs because these drugs all share a common beta-lactam structure and some share similar side chains. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients who are diagnosed with immediate-type BLA hypersensitivity and frequency of patients with side chain hypersensitivity, "selective responders." METHODS: The study included patients who were diagnosed with immediate-type BLA hypersensitivity between January 2011 and May 2016 in a pediatric allergy outpatient clinic. The patients who had negative penicillin test (minor determinant mixture, benzylpenicilloylpoly-L-lysine, penicillin G) results and could tolerate penicillin V and/or BLAs with dissimilar side chains but had positive skin and/or provocation test results with the suspected drug were diagnosed as selective responders. RESULTS: During the study period, 357 patients (55.2% girls) were admitted to our clinic with suspected immediate-type BLA hypersensitivity. Parents of 11 patients did not give consent for an allergy workup with the suspected drug. Forty-five of the patients were diagnosed (45/346 [13%]) based on skin test or drug provocation test results. The most common susceptible agent was amoxicillin-clavulanate. Of the patients, 71.4% with a reaction to sulbactam-ampicillin /or amoxicillin-clavulanate and 93.7% with a reaction to cephalosporin were classified as selective responders. CONCLUSION: Among children with immediate BLA hypersensitivity, selective responders constituted an important group. Most of the patients with reactions to aminopenicillin and cephalosporins safely tolerated penicillin V and BLAs with dissimilar side chains after negative allergy workup results.

Allergic and autoimmune disorders in families with selective IgA deficiency.

BACKGROUND/AIM: IgA deficiency is the most common human primary immunodeficiency. The prevalence of allergic disorders and autoimmunity is thought to be increased in selective IgA deficiency (sIgAD). However, it is currently unclear if these disorders coincide within these families. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of allergic and autoimmune disorders in children with sIgAD and their first-degree relatives (FDRs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 81 children diagnosed with sIgAD and 274 of their FDRs. The presence of allergic and autoimmune disorders was evaluated and serum antithyroglobulin and antithyroid peroxidase levels were measured in both patients and their first-degree relatives. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 9.9 ± 3.9 years. Among the patients with sIgAD, 45.7% of them had at least one allergic disorder and 17.3% of them had at least one autoimmune disorder. The frequencies of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema in the FDRs of sIgAD patients were 10.9%, 9.1%, and 7.7%, respectively. Among their FDRs, 14.6% had autoimmunity, compared to an estimate of 5% in the general population. CONCLUSION: Increased frequency of allergic and autoimmune disorders in patients with sIgAD and their FDRs suggests a possible common predisposing genetic component for sIgAD and autoimmunity in these families.

Clinical diagnosis and management of anaphylaxis in infancy.

BACKGROUND: Anaphylaxis is increasingly reported in infancy. Diagnosis and management of anaphylaxis is difficult, and data are limited in infants. The aim of the present study was to determine the clinical course and management strategies used for anaphylaxis in infancy. METHODS: Patients attending to our clinic and who had anaphylaxis under 2 years old were evaluated. Sixty-three patients were enrolled for the study. The mean ± standard deviation age was 10.6 ± 6.1 months (median, 11 months). RESULTS: Anaphylaxis occurred at home in 48 infants (76.2%). Food was the most common causative agent (n = 52 [82.5%]), with cow's milk (n = 21 [40.4%]) and egg white (n = 13 [25%]) being the most frequent. Medication was the other causative agent (n = 9 [14.3%]), with antibiotics being the most frequent (n = 6 [66.7%]). The clinical manifestations were cutaneous (95.2%) and respiratory symptoms (79.4%). The median time lapse between contact and onset of symptoms was 10 minutes (5-15 minutes) (median, interquartile range [IQR] 25-75%). The total duration of symptoms was 2 hours (0.5-3 hours) (median, IQR 25-75%). Six patients had mild (9.5%), 40 moderate (63.5%), and 17 severe (27%) symptoms. A biphasic course was noticed in two infants (3.2%), with a symptom-free interval between a minimum of 30 minutes and a maximum of 4 hours. Forty-three (68.3%) received H1 antihistamines, 31 received corticosteroids (49.2%), and 23 received adrenaline (36.5%). Only one patient needed intensive care. CONCLUSION: This study provided detailed clinical information in the diagnosis of anaphylaxis in infants. Diagnosing and managing anaphylaxis are difficult in infancy. Arrangements for definition of symptoms should be made in the new anaphylaxis guidelines.

The frequency of sleep-disordered breathing in children with asthma and its effects on asthma control.

BACKGROUND: The presence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in children with asthma may cause difficult to control asthma. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of SDB in children with asthma, to evaluate its effects on asthma control and to assess the risk factors associated with the presence of SDB. METHODS: Parents of children who Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) and the Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT). Asthma control level was assessed according to Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). Same ear-nose-throat (ENT) specialist evaluated all patients. A 4-point tonsil grading method and adenoid-nasopharynx ratio were used to categorize tonsil and adenoid size, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 408 children (275 male, 67.4%) with a mean age of 8.1 ± 3.2 years were included. Nearly 40% of asthmatic children were not-well-controlled according to GINA and 34.6% of all patients had SDB according to PSQ. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that coexistence of SDB [OR: 6.62, 95% CI (4.21-10.41); p < 0.001)] and tonsillar hypertrophy [OR: 3.47; 95% CI (1.05-11.5); p < 0.041] were independent risk factors for not-well-controlled asthma in asthmatic children after other established contributors to asthma control were adjusted. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that SDB is a strong risk factor for not-well-controlled asthma in asthmatic children independent of other confounders. In addition, tonsillar hypertrophy may have a role in the association between SDB and not-well-controlled asthma in childhood.

IgE-Mediated Hypersensitivity and Desensitisation with Recombinant Enzymes in Pompe Disease and Type I and Type VI Mucopolysaccharidosis.

Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is important for the treatment of lysosomal storage disorders. Hypersensitivity reactions with ERT have been reported, and in these cases, desensitisation with the enzyme is necessary. Here we report the cases of 3 patients with lysosomal storage disorders, including Pompe disease and mucopolysaccharidosis type I and VI, who had IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reactions and positive skin tests. Successful desensitisation protocols with the culprit enzyme solution were used for these patients. All 3 patients were able to safely receive ERT with the desensitisation protocol.

Proven Non-ß-Lactam Antibiotic Allergy in Children.

BACKGROUND: Parallel to the increasing use of non-ß-lactam (NBL) antibiotics, allergic reactions to this drug group seem to increase. Data about NBL antibiotic hypersensitivity in children are limited. The aim of this study is to evaluate characteristic reactions to NBL antibiotics in children. METHOD: Patients with suspected NBL allergy were assessed between 2011 and 2015. Characteristics of the reactions and results of skin and drug provocation tests (DPTs) were recorded. RESULTS: In total, 96 patients aged 75.15 ± 56.77 months (range: 3-208) were assessed. Clarithromycin (63.6%) was the most common cause of reactions reported. After ingestion of NBL antibiotics, maculopapular rash, urticaria/angioedema and anaphylaxis presented in 48.9, 40.7 and 10.4% of the patients, respectively. Tests were performed in 85 patients. Intradermal tests were positive in 3 patients (clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin and cotrimoxazole) and DPT was positive in 1 patient (clarithromycin). Eleven patients could not be tested. Seven patients had severe anaphylaxis, and 4 patients with urticaria/angioedema had to take their medications at the time of the reaction so desensitization was performed. When only patients confirmed by tests were evaluated, NBL allergy was 4.7% (4/85) in our study group. However, when patients who could not be tested, but were regarded as suffering from drug hypersensitivity according to clinical findings, were included, the frequency of NBL allergy was 15.6% (15/96). CONCLUSION: Most of the children with suspected NBL do not have true hypersensitivity. The frequency of confirmed hypersensitivity is low, and thus a detailed history should be taken from patients with suspected NBL hypersensitivity and DPTs should be performed in patients without contraindications.

Direct oral provocation tests in non-immediate mild cutaneous reactions related to beta-lactam antibiotics.

BACKGROUND: Skin testing has a limited role in the diagnosis of non-immediate beta-lactam hypersensitivity in children. The aim of this study was to report the results of oral provocation tests performed without skin tests in children with non-immediate mild cutaneous reactions without systemic symptoms caused by beta-lactam antibiotics. METHODS: Oral provocation tests with suspected antibiotics were performed to patients with non-immediate mild cutaneous reactions without systemic symptoms caused by beta-lactam antibiotics. Skin tests were not performed before provocation tests. A total of five doses were administered with half-an-hour intervals in increasing doses. Provocation was continued for 5 days. RESULTS: A total of 119 patients with a median age of 4.3 (IQR: 2-7.5) years, of whom 58% were males, were included in the study. Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid was the most frequently responsible agent in 87 (73.1%) patients, and most common type of rash was maculopapular in 74 (62.2%) patients. Four patients (3.4%) had an urticarial reaction during the provocation test. CONCLUSION: We did not experience any severe reactions during oral provocation test without previous skin tests performed to children with non-immediate mild cutaneous reactions without systemic symptoms. Omitting skin tests before oral provocation test in this group of children can help decreasing the burden of allergy clinics and alleviating the discomfort of children.

Evaluation of inhaler technique, adherence to therapy and their effect on disease control among children with asthma using metered dose or dry powder inhalers.

OBJECTIVE: To address the problems about correct use of inhaler devices, adherence to inhaler corticosteroid treatment and the effects of these problems on the control of asthma. METHODS: Children with asthma were evaluated for the correct use of inhaler devices and adherence to therapy using a questionnaire. Effect of these on control of asthma was defined. RESULTS: A hundred and seventy-one patients and/or their families were interviewed. The mean age was 8.29 ± 4.65 years (1-19) and 62.6% were male. Metered dose inhaler (MDI) with spacer was used by 119 (69.5%) patients and 52 (30.5%) used dry powder inhalers (DPIs). The devices were used correctly by 68.1% of patients using MDI and 34.6% of patients using DPI (p < 0.001). The most common improper step was "breathe in from the spacer 5-6 times or 10 s" for MDI (24.4%) and "exhale to residual volume" for DPI (51.9%). Frequency of correct use was higher in patients trained 3 times (p < 0.001). Asthma was controlled more frequently among correct users (p < 0.001). Partial or poor adherence was showed 22.8% of patients. Patients with mothers who had lower educational status had higher frequency of incorrect use of inhaler device (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: It was found that asthma control was better among correct users. Repetitive training about using devices may contribute improving inhaler technique. Especially children whose mothers had low education level and patients using DPI should be evaluated more carefully.

The Prevalence of Hemoglobinopathies in Young Adolescents in the Province of Mugla in Turkey: Results of a Screening Program.

Thalassemia is an autosomal recessive inherited blood disorder. It is prevalent in Mediterranean countries such as Sardinia, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Lebanon and also Southeast Asia. Our aim was to investigate the carrier prevalence of thalassemia and other hemoglobinopathies in adolescents who live in Mugla Province, Turkey. We analyzed retrospectively the surveys conducted at primary schools between 1997 and 2013. Complete blood count (CBC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used to screen for thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies. Patients were diagnosed as having thalassemia trait if the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was ≤ 80.0 fL, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (Hb) was ≤ 27.0 pg and Hb A2 levels were ≥ 3.5%. A total of 164,814 students were analyzed. The median age of the students was 13.5 years (minimum 13.0, maximum 14.0). The total number of students with abnormal HPLC results was 5861 (3.8%). There was a significant decrease in the newborn of new thalassemia patients found with screening programs for hemoglobinopathies in Mugla Province from 1997 to 2013. The number of students with abnormal HPLC results for thalassemia, sickle cell disease and other Hb traits were 3.2, 0.15 and 0.4%, respectively. It is important to recognize that including Hb, MCV, red blood cell (RBC) count and HPLC tests for carrier screening are necessary to find hemoglobinopathies. Our study supported that the number of new patients significantly decreased using these screening programs from 1997 to 2013.