The Turkish version of the breastfeeding attrition prediction tool

This study demonstrates that the original English version of the Breastfeeding Attrition Prediction Tool (BAPT) was successfully adapted to Turkey, as methodologically demonstrated here. The results of this study show that the Turkish version of the BAPT is similar to the original version and that it can be used with Turkish women to identify mothers who may be at high risk of weaning prematurely.     

Acquired progressive lymphangioma: Case report with partial response to imiquimod 5% cream

Acquired progressive lymphangioma (APL), or benign lymphangioendothelioma, is an unusual entity derived from vascular structures. Clinically and histopathologically it may resemble Kaposi's sarcoma and well‐differentiated angiosarcoma, causing a diagnostic problem. We report an individual with APL initially diagnosed with Kaposi's sarcoma who underwent unnecessary laboratory testing. Imiquimod 5% cream stopped the progression of the lesion. Awareness of this rare entity may prevent patients from undergoing excessive testing. Imiquimod may be used as a safe, effective treatment option.     

Thyroid involvement in ankylosing spondylitis and relationship of thyroid dysfunction with anti-TNF α treatment

Association between rheumatological and autoimmune thyroid disorders has been demonstrated by many studies. However, a few data exist indicating the association between thyroid disorders and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). In this study, the frequency of thyroid disorders in patients with AS and the impact of anti-TNF α therapy on this were investigated. Data of 108 patients (female/male (F/M) 27/81) were analyzed. Data on free T3, free T4, thyroid-stimulating hormone, anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO), anti-thyroglobulin antibodies, and thyroid ultrasound were assessed retrospectively. 44 (F/M 15/29) patients were receiving anti-TNF α, while 64 (F/M 12/52) were receiving other drugs [(sulfasalazine, anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs)]. Among those not receiving anti-TNF α therapy, TPO level was high in 23 patients (mean TPO value 86.69 ± 65.28 U/ml), while it was high only in nine receiving anti-TNF α (mean TPO 36.61 ± 14.02 U/ml) (p < 0.05). Investigating the data regarding gender in both populations, autoimmune thyroid disease frequency was found to be lower in the patient group receiving anti-TNF α treatment. Subclinical hyperthyroidism was discovered in three patients (one female two male), and subclinical hypothyroidism in two (two male). Thyroid nodule was detected in 29 patients. It was concluded that the frequency of thyroid autoimmune disease was higher in our study than that reported in the literature, and the frequency of thyroid disorder in patients with AS was lower in those receiving anti-TNF α compared to those not. This may arise from the role of TNF α on pathogenesis of thyroid disorders.     

The relationship between breast milk intake and speech in children with cerebral palsy

Background/aimCerebral palsy (CP) is a nonprogressive neurodevelopmental disorder that cause damage to the developing brain (0–3 years) for various reasons. Children with CP commonly have speech disorders due to impairment in neuromuscular control of oro-motor coordination. We focused on the relationship between breast milk intake and speech functions in children with CP.Materials and methodsThe gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) was used to categorize the gross motor function. The viking speech scale (VSS) was used to classify the speech in children with cerebral palsy. Children were subdivided into two groups as term and preterm based on gestational age. The duration of exclusive breast milk intake was defined as the period when the infant received breast milk alone. We used Spearman’s correlation coefficient to evaluate the relationship between the duration of breast milk intake, GMFCS, and VSS.Results The median level of viking speech scale was 2 in preterm-born children and 4 in term-born children. There was no correlation between age and VSS levels.We observed a statistically significant difference in terms of preterm- or term-born status among children with different VSS levels. There was a weak positive correlation between birth weight and VSS level, indicating better speech function in children with lower birth weight. There was a moderate negative correlation between the duration of exclusive breast milk intake, the total duration of breast milk intake, and the corrected age of weaning completion with VSS level.Conclusion The duration of breast milk intake may reflect the oromotor function and predict speech performance in children with cerebral palsy. We wanted to emphasize that speech language therapy is as important as motor rehabilitation.