Dyslipidemia and its associated factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Journal of Public Health - Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor known to be associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This study determined the frequency of lipid abnormalities among...     

The electrorectogram in Hirschsprung's disease

The electrorectographic pattern of Hirschsprung's disease (HD) was studied in 14 HD patients with a mean age of 4.6 ± 1.5 years; 7 healthy children acted as controls. Monpolar recordings were made from a silver-silver chloride electrode situated 1 cm from the tip of a 4 F catheter attached to the rectal mucosa by suction. At least four 120-min recording sessions were performed for each subject. No complications were encountered. Regular and reproducible triphasic pacesetter potentials (PP) were recorded from all healthy children, followed randomly by bursts of action potentials (AP). No PP or AP were recorded from patients with HD; the silent electrorectogram (ERG) was reproducible. Since numerous difficulties in histopathologic interpretation affect the reliability of rectal biopsy for the diagnosis of HD, the ERG may play a role in this respect. The ERG is noninvasive and nonradiologic; however, until this investigati tool is substantiated by the work of other investigators, a histologic diagnosis needs to be made before undertaking a pull-through procedure.     

Constricting band penile injury with urethral transection

Constricting band penile injuries in children may be caused by inadvertent entrapment by a variety of agents including hair, thread, and circumcision dressings. Alternatively, the offending band may have been self-applied or applied by an attendant. Unrelieved, the band causes serious vascular occlusion, progressive tissue necrosis, and injury to the urethra and erectile tissue. We report a case of CBPI in a 12-year-old circumcised boy. The glans was attached to the penile shaft by a tenuous segment of tissue dorsally with complete transection of the urethra. A three-stage reconstruction using a delayed groin flap was successful.     

Comparative study between different diagnostic techniques in huge splenomegaly cases in El-Minia Province

Fifty four patients presenting by huge splenomegaly were admitted to Tropical Medicine Department, El-Minia University Hospital. Tissue biopsy revealed pure bilharziasis due to S. hematobium in 10 (19%) cases, liver cirrhosis in 23 (42%), mixed schistosomiasis and cirrhosis in 8 (15%), hepatoma in 3 (6%), lymphoma in 6 (11%) and hematological diseases in the form of chronic myeloid leukemia in 2 (3.5%) and thalassemia major in 2 (3.5%) cases. The sensitivity and specificity of abdominal ultrasonography was 100% and 97% in cases of schistosomiasis, 100% and 100% in cases of hepatoma, 87% and 100% in cases of liver cirrhosis, 33% and 100% in cases of lymphoma respectively. There was a positive significant correlation between endoscopic variceal grading, portal vein diameter, splenic vein diameter, size of the spleen and the grading of the portal tract thickenings. The pathological and ultrasonographic diagnosis was the same in 38 (70%) cases. Splenogram was characteristic but not diagnostic in cases of schistosomiasis and liver cirrhosis. It was diagnostic and similar to peripheral blood picture in the 2 cases of chronic myeloid leukemia and was normal in cases of thalassemia major. Splenic aspiration was able to diagnose all cases of lymphomas. It can be considered as a useful adjunct to the usual diagnostic procedures, both in staging and follow up, especially in cases presenting only by splenomegaly.     

Developing and testing of an Egyptian version of Children's Health Locus of Control scale

The purpose of this study is to develop and test the reliability and validity of an Egyptian version of the Children's Health Locus of Control scale. A cross sectional study design was applied using a stratified random sample of 930 students from the final two grades of primary and all grades of the preparatory schools. A further convenience sample of 120 students was selected to examine test-retest reliability of the scale. A preliminary instrument was developed and consisted of 40 statements having one of two response forms; a Yes/No format and a 4-point Likert scale format From data analysis the later format showed higher validity and reliability than the former one. Construct validity of the scale is evidenced by the factor analysis which revealed five factors (Internal, Chance, Powerful Others, Fate and Self blame) consistent with the previous theoretical model of HLC. As indicated by eta coefficient the scale and the subscales showed strong discriminating power between subjects. The known group comparison indicated a good criterion validity of the scale and the subscales. The scale showed a considerable reliability as alpha coefficient was 0.73 with test-retest reliability of 0.65. Comparison of different groups of students indicated that the scale could be used with confidence for all age groups, though it was more reliable for the preparatory phase, for private and governmental schools for males and females and for different social strata. Further testing of the developed scale is indicated among Egyptian children in different cultures.