A case of an accelerated uremic neuropathy

We present a 62-year-old man, with a prior history of diabetes mellitus, atherosclerotic heart disease, and chronic renal failure requiring peritoneal dialysis, who developed accelerated uremic sensorimotor polyneuropathy. Our patient significantly improved after effective hemodialysis. Although renal transplantation is a curable therapy for uremic neuropathy, effective dialysis is still an important treatment for the group of patients who cannot undergo renal transplantation.     

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Anemia among Adolescents in Denizli,Turkey

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of anemia among adolescents in Denizli where Mediterranean cuisine (fresh fruit and vegetables) is adopted.

Methods

We accepted hemoglobin values below 12 g/dl for girls and 13 g/dl for boys as the criteria of anemia. We recorded a detailed history including nutritional habits, consumption of animal source foods especially red meat, consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables, presence of parasitic infestation, psychosocial status, school success and any materials consumed except ordinary food.

Findings

We investigated the prevalence of anemia in 1120 children (672 girls and 448 boys), aged 12 to 16 years. We found that the overall prevalence of anemia was 5.6%. 8.3% of the girls and 1.6% of the boys were anemic. We diagnosed iron deficiency anemia in 37(59%) anemic patients and combined iron deficiency and vitamin B12 deficiency anemia in 26 (41%) anemic patients. None of the patients had folic acid deficiency.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the socioeconomic status of the family, traditional eating habits of the region, the fear of gaining weight and irregular eating habits are of great importance in the development of adolescent anemia in Denizli.     

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the parotid gland in childhood survivor of acute lymphoblastic leukemia with need of radiotherapy for treatment and review of the literature

Diagnosis of secondary malignancies began with the increasing survival in childhood cancer. Children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have an increased risk for developing mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) of the parotid gland. The latent period ranges from 5 to 16 years. A 2 6/12-year-old girl was treated for pro-B ALL. Treatment included multidrug chemotherapy, prophylactic intrathecal methotrexate, and cranial radiotherapy. MEC of the left parotid gland was diagnosed at the age of 8 years, 3 years after completing treatment. She was treated with multiple surgery and radiotherapy. The authors aimed to emphasize the need for concern about second cancers of the parotid gland in children treated for ALL.     

Fenofibrate-induced rhabdomyolysis in a patient with chronic renal failure due to nephrotic syndrome: a rare case report

ObjectivesFenofibrate is a fibric acid derivative that is used alone or combination with statins in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. These drugs have potential risks, including rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure. Despite reports of rhabdomyolysis with the use of fenofibrate alone or with statin-fibrate combinations, there have been no cases of rhabdomyolysis described when fenofibrate was used alone to treat patients with chronic renal failure owing to nephrotic syndrome.Design and methodsWe report on a 26-year-old male who presented with fenofibrate-induced rhabdomyolysis with chronic renal failure due to nephrotic syndrome.ResultsAfter the discontinuation of fenofibrate, the patient was treated with intravenous fluid replacement and urine alkalization. Subsequently, his clinical and biochemical findings improved.ConclusionsBefore starting fenofibrate therapy, the causes of secondary hyperlipidemia, especially nephrotic syndrome, should be investigated. In the presence of chronic renal failure and hypoalbuminemia, the fenofibrate dose should be adjusted. Physicians should be aware of the potential toxicities of fenofibrate, and patients should be informed about its potential side effects.     

The knowledge, attitudes and practices of soldiers in a gendarmerie command headquarters about family planning and venereal diseases

The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of young male soldiers about family planning. This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Gendarmerie Command Headquarters, Elazig City, eastern Turkey, carried out on 14 April 2004. One hundred ninety-one of 209 soldiers who were present at the Gendarmerie Command Headquarters were included in the study. A questionnaire, developed by the researchers evaluating the goals of the study, was filled out by the subjects prior to the Family Planning Seminar given to the soldiers. Data were assessed using SPSS and the chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Defining family planning correctly, being familiar with planning methods and a knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and their prevention was found to be at low levels among soldiers. A knowledge of family planning, birth control methods, identification and prevention of STD was higher with higher levels of education. The most familiar family planning methods were condom and oral contraceptive use. Soldiers constitute one of the most significant target groups for education programs.     

Oral health status and treatment requirements of different residential homes in Istanbul: a comparative study

The purpose of this study was to investigate dental/denture status of the elderly people living in different residential homes. In 346 elderly people from different residential homes two belonging to the state (Group 1 and Group 2) and one supported by private foundations (Group 3) were examined. Sixty percent of participants were edentulous and 22.8% of participants had no complete dentures which 9 (7.4%) of them were in Groups 1 and 2. Over 50% of the participants had no or low income and 45% of participants were illiterate. All of the participants who were illiterate and had low income were in Group 1 and Group 2. Oral hygiene was good for 15.4% and only 19.4% of participants removed their dentures overnight. Denture stomatitis was observed in 61.7% of subjects. Significant correlation was found between denture hygiene and age of participant, general health status, denture stomatitis, and overnight denture wear (p = 0.001). The decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) scores were 25.52 ± 3.37. There was statistically significant differences between groups for DMFT scores (p = 0.016). Dental health education is also needed focusing on the special needs of this neglected and socioeconomically deprived population to improve their quality of life.     

A key problem and challenge for hepatology: Obesity-related metabolic liver diseases

With the arrival of the new millennium,gastroenterologists have been faced with the problem of metabolic liver diseases associated with obesity.The active role of the liver in metabolism and inflammation make it a key organ in the war against the rapidly-spreading worldwide epidemic of obesity.Many lives and much money could be saved if the work of hepatologists led to the development of effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies against this growing leader of cirrhosis.     

Surgical management of post-SCIWORA spinal deformities in children

Background  

Patients with spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality (SCIWORA) are prone to develop spinal deformities. The purpose of this study is to report on the clinical and radiological features of post-SCIWORA spinal deformities.