Length polymorphism of heterochromatic segment of the Y chromosome in boys with acute leukemia

The extent of length polymorphisms of the heterochromatic and euchromatic segment of the human Y chromosome were investigated in 15 boys with acute leukemia and were compared with 15 normal controls. A greater value of the Yh/F index in relation to controls was established (P < 0.05). The length of the euchromatic segment was also shorter in the patients than the controls (P < 0.05).     

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Children After the 1999 Marmara Earthquake in Turkey

<P> Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in different age groups of children after the 1999 Marmara earthquake in Turkey. </P><P>Method: The study included thirty-five patients, two to sixteen years old, who presented to the child and adolescent psychiatry department with symptoms of PTSD after the earthquake. An Earthquake Information Form and a Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Checklist were filled out with clinical interviews of cases</P>     

The Effect of Earthquakes on the Risk of Suicide

<P> Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate whether a traumatic experience such as an earthquake has any effect on the probability of suicide, especially in those who seem psychologically healthy. Prevention and support parameters are evaluated. </P><P>Method: Two groups of thirty-five people each were compared regarding their probability of committing suicide. One group had experienced an earthquake and the other had not. A Suicide Probability Scale and a questionnaire on the socioeconomic and health status of the groups were used.</P>     

Transcatheter Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Under 6 kg and Premature Infants

Background

Transcatheter closure of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) has always been considered risky for infants weighing <6 kg and preterms. We present our findings regarding transcatheter closures of PDA.

Methods

The inclusion criteria were a weight of <6 kg and the presence of PDA symptoms. The study subjects were divided into two groups: <6 kg and premature infants.

Results

A total of 69 infants were included. The mean ages and weights of the <6 kg and the preterms were 5.4 ± 2.7 months and 30.3 ± 19.9 days, and 4.6 ± 0.8 and 1.7 ± 0.3 kg, respectively. Type C PDAs were most frequently observed in the premature group, and type A was in <6 kg. Sixteen of the patients were premature infants, and 81.2% of them had an extremely low birth weight. All of the premature infants had comorbidities, and had been receiving respiratory support therapy. Transcatheter closure was successfully completed in 81.2% of the premature infants and 94.3% of the <6‐kg infants. Major complications occurred in 4 patients (one death and three device embolizations). The patient's age was found to be the main risk factor. The most frequently used device was the Amplatzer duct occluder II in additional sizes (84.6%) in the preterms and the Amplatzer duct occluder I (34%) and II (34%) in the <6‐kg group.

Conclusion

The transcatheter closure of PDA is relatively safe and effective in preterms and in infants <6 kg. The selection of a suitable device based on the type of PDA is critical to the success of the procedure.

     

Postoperative anorectal manometric evaluation of patients with anorectal malformation

BACKGROUND: Fecal incontinence is a common problem after reconstructive surgery for anorectal malformations. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of clinical scores and anorectal manometry in patients, who have been operated on for anorectal malformations. METHODS: In total, 18 patients who underwent surgery for anorectal malformation between 1999 and 2004 were investigated for anal continence. For the assessment of the patients' continence, Kelly's clinical scoring, Kiesewetter-Chang scoring, and anorectal manometry were used. RESULTS: In the intermediate level anorectal malformations, average anal resting pressure was found as 58.16 +/- 8.14 cmH(2)O and in high level anorectal malformations was found as 40.16 +/- 17.4 cmH(2)O. In the continence score, good according to Kelly and Kiesewetter-Chang scoring systems was an average anal resting pressure value of 57.92 +/- 8.57 cmH(2)O and in fair or bad was found as 32 +/- 12.83 cmH(2)O. There were significant differences between the scoring systems anorectal malformation level, and average anal resting pressure values (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Anorectal manometric evaluation of the patients in postoperative period with anorectal malformation can give more realistic information about the patient continence status in anorectal malformations.     

Effect of specific immunotherapy in Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergic children

The effect of immunotherapy on 21 Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dpt)-sensitive patients (15 children with extrinsic asthma and six children with extrinsic asthma plus allergic rhinitis) aged 8.9±0.71 years was studied. Their subjective and objective respiratory symptom score was recorded before beginning and after the first year of immunotherapy. The respiratory subjective symptoms, such as cough day/night, running nose, sputum production, sneezing, shortness of breath at night and asthma attacks, decreased significantly from pretreatment level (P < 0.05). The objective symptoms, such as wheezing, dyspnea with prolonged expiration, sibilant rales and retractions score, gradually decreased during treatment (P < 0.01). Total eosinophil count decreased in 76.2% of patients after immunotherapy (P < 0.01). While total immunoglobulin E (IgE) decreased in 81% of patients and specific IgE for Dpt decreased in 90.5% of patients, specific IgG for Dpt increased in 76% of patient (P < 0.001). Our results suggested that rising IgG and falling IgE values do not always coexist in the patients who benefit from immunotherapy.