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Objectives Extra gastrointestinal symptoms in celiac disease (CD), such as neurological manifestations, might be common in pediatrics. The present study aimed to evaluate the frequency of CD in children with idiopathic epilepsy. Materials & Methods In a cross-sectional study, signs and symptoms of CD were evaluated in 40 children aged 2-14 years with idiopathic epilepsy who were referred to the Pediatric Neurology Clinic of Shahid Sadoughi Medical Sciences University, Yazd, Iran. Then, serum levels of tissue transglutaminase antibody (tTG) and total IgA were measured in them. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and small intestine biopsy were recommended for patients with abnormal serum IgA Anti-tTG. Results Eighteen girls and 22 boys with a mean age of 5.29±2.4 years were evaluated. In this study, only three patients (7.5%) with epilepsy had abnormal serum IgA Anti-tTG and serum Total IgA. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and pathological examination of duodenal biopsy of those three children reported total villous atrophy (Marsh type 3). The age of onset of seizures in children with CD was more than three years, while in children without CD, 62.2% of cases were less than three years. These results indicate that CD is associated with the age of onset of seizures in children. Conclusion Due to the accompaniment of celiac with neurological manifestations, patients with neurological symptoms and gastrointestinal symptoms should be examined for celiac. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has always been argued that countries should not be inactive about the quality of health services. Therefore, a clear policy needs to be created regarding how quality of health services should be. The present scoping review was aimed to identify and map the available evidence regarding the National Quality Policy and Strategy (NQPS) of the health services in health systems of developing countries, graphically and tabularly. We followed the published methodological guidance of the Joanna Briggs Institute reviews. Also, we employed a narrative thematic synthesis integrated with the systematic analysis using the World Health Organization's approach of NQPS, and the multiple-streams framework of Kingdon. We included 33 records that met the inclusion criteria; these records were published between 2010 and 2019. Meanwhile, government documents were the most frequent records (61%). Zimbabwe, Indonesia, and Sudan were the most frequent locations (each one 8%). The Ministry of Health was in charge of the ultimate responsibility for developing the NQPS in all identified countries. Besides, 82% of the countries were in the development phase of NQPS formulation, and convergence of three streams was observed in Indonesia, Sudan, and Tanzania. It seems that the African countries were informed about their quality issues, and the need for having NQPS have been more popular with them. We recommend that future research focuses on examining NQPS in terms of prioritizing in the agenda-setting phase of the policy-making cycle, and also, document analysis of all identified NQPS based on the core eight interdependent elements related to the NQPS approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High‑quality health care is an important component of efforts to reach Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Given this pivotal fact, poor quality of care is a significant bottleneck in the endeavors of Iran to UHC. This study was part of a broader qualitative study and aimed to provide supplementary data about the documents related to the National Quality Policies and Strategies (NQPS) health services in the health system of Iran to determine the degree of alignment with the World Health Organization (WHO) approach for NQPS, and to track change and development over time. Methods: This document analysis was performed following the READ approach for systematic document analysis in health policy research. Furthermore, qualitative content analysis following parallel forms of the mixed analysis in which the textual material proceeded with different inductive and deductive content‑analytical procedures simultaneously, applying the WHO practical approach for NQPS, was selected. Results: The 15 included records that met the inclusion criteria were released in the post‑Islamic Revolution period. The Ministry of Health was found as the most responsible authority for publishing the NQPS among the other authorities. Furthermore, 67% of NQPS was aligned with the goals and priorities of a broader national plan or policy. Contradictions, variations, and ambiguities were also found in the literature circumstances of the NQPS. There was no NQPS concentrated on the entire pathway of care in the Iranian health system, which developed according to the WHO approach for NQPS. Conclusions: Qualitative analysis of the current NQPSs based on the eight inter‑dependent elements and critical supplements, the technical perspective of broad stakeholders, community engagement, and steady commitment of policymakers are our recommendations for future efforts towards having NQPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The imbalance of phenylalanine (PA) to tyrosine level and decreased dopamine brain level in patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) may have a role in their susceptibility of them to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of ADHD in referred patients to PKU Clinic in Yazd, Iran. Materials & Methods In this cross-sectional analytical study, all patients older than three years with PKU who were referred to the PKU Clinic of Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Yazd, Iran, in 2018 were evaluated, and ADHD symptoms in them were assessed via parent face-to-face interview. The patients were diagnosed with ADHD if they scored at least of 20 on ADHD diagnostic rating scale via parent interview based on DSMVI criteria. Results Fourteen boys and 21girls with a mean age of 9.55±1.8 years were evaluated. 51.5% of those diagnosed with PKU had ADHD. Accordingly, ADHD was more frequent in girls (77.8% vs. 41% in boys, P=0.03). The mean age of diagnosis of PKU was significantly higher in patients with ADHD (52.54±15.65 months vs. 29.75±9.65 months, P = 0.03). The mean of PA level in the last six months (15.59±5.95 vs. 8.72+5.18, P= 0.005) and mean of the last six PA levels (14.76±4.71 vs. 8.96±3.86, P= 0.03) were significantly higher in ADHD group. Conclusion The prevalence of ADHD in phenylketonuria patients in the present study was much more than in other studies. Late diagnosis of PKU and long-term high PA blood and brain level might be associated with increased neonatal screening. Hence, regular follow-up and continuous evaluation of patients with PKU for ADHD symptoms should be performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mental disorders can significantly impact maternal health and neonatal health and development. This study investigated maternal anxiety, depression, and stress during pregnancy concerning their children's development. Methods: In this follow-up study, all pregnant women with gestational age > 12 weeks referring to an obstetrics and gynecology clinic affiliated with Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences over six months were included. Data on mothers were collected using a personal information questionnaire and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS)-42 standard questionnaire. Finally, based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the children of 73 mothers were included in the study. Infant development was assessed based on the Persian version of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) at six months postpartum. Data analysis was conducted using the Pearson correlation test and multiple regression analysis. Statistical analyzes were carried out using SPSS 21. A P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In this study, 39.7%, 63%, and 56.2% of women suffered from depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. In this study, a significant relationship was found between antenatal maternal depression and gross motor (P: 0.022), fine motor (P: 0.003), personal-social (P: 0.009), and communication skills (P: 0.0180). Moreover, there was a significant relationship between maternal anxiety and personal-social (P: 0.012) and gross motor domains (P: 0.008). Also, a significant association was observed between personal-social skills and maternal stress (P: 0.030). Conclusion: As shown by the results, antenatal maternal mental illness can interfere with the development of children. Therefore, paying attention to the mental health of pregnant women is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Febrile seizure is the most common form of childhood seizures that occur in 2-5% of them. The purpose of this study was to compare serum sodium level in first simple, multiple and recurrent febrile con-vulsions to answer whether serum sodium levels can predict febrile seizure recurrence in 24 hours and in other febrile episodes? In a retrospective study, sodium serum levels of all children aged 6 months to 6 years with final diagnosis of first febrile seizure admitted between March 2004 and August 2005 to Yazd Shaheed Sadoughi Hospital, were compared in simple, multiple and recurrence febrile convulsions. 139 cases with final diagnosis of first febrile seizure found among whom serum sodium checked in 112.54 girls and 58 boys with mean age of 2.01 ± 1.2 years evaluated. Type of febrile convulsions was complex in 36.6% of them. 18% had multiple (occurrence of more than one seizure during the febrile illness) seizures and 35.7% showed seizure recurrence in other fever episodes among whom 88% occurred in first year. Mean survival recurrence rate was 6.7 ± 5.9 months. There is no significant differences in age and serum sodium level among the three groups. Association of relative hyponatremia and febrile seizure recurrence was not confirmed. These findings reaffirm the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics to not routinely obtain electrolytes in febrile convulsion unless clinically indicated.

Objective One-third of epilepsy of children is refractory, and this study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and adverse events of levetiracetam as add-on therapy in the treatment of refractory epilepsy of children. Materials & Methods In this quasi-experimental study, seizures frequency and side effects of 314 children aged 1-14 years with refractory epilepsy were referred to the Pediatric Neurology Clinic of Shahid Sadoughi Medical Sciences University, Yazd, Iran, and treated with levetiracetam for six months, were evaluated. Results We evaluated 142 girls and 172 boys with a mean age of 6.78±2.12 years. At the end of six months of treatment with levetiracetam, 20% became seizure-free, 28% had more than 50% decrease in seizure frequency, 38% did not have a notable change in seizure frequency, and 14% experienced an increase in seizure frequency. Good response (stopping of all seizures or more than 50% reduction in seizure frequency) was seen in 51% of mixed types, 61% of myoclonic seizures, 64% of generalized tonic-clonic seizures, 69 % of partial seizures, 100 % of tonic seizures, and in 40 % of atonic seizures. Levetiracetam was significantly more effective in partial seizures, idiopathic epilepsies, and children with normal developmental status and normal brain MRI. Twelve children discontinued the treatment due to severe drowsiness, restlessness, and exacerbation of seizures. Transient and mild side effects, including somnolence, anorexia, fatigue, headache, ataxia, and diplopia, were seen in 9% (N=28) of patients. Conclusion Levetiracetam could be considered an efficient and safe adjunct therapy in treating refractory epilepsy in children. Keywords: Levetiracetam; Refractory Epilepsy; Children; Side effects [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Topiramate is effective in the prevention of pediatric migraine, and studies show that vitamin D3 supplementation might also be useful in the treatment of adult migraineurs with a normal vitamin D3 level. The present study aimed at comparing the efficacy and safety of topiramate plus vitamin D3 and topiramate alone in the prophylaxis of pediatric migraine. Materials & Methods In a single-blinded, randomized, clinical trial, 5-15-year-old children with migraine headaches, referred to the Pediatric Neurology Clinic of Shahid Sadoughi Medical Sciences University, Yazd, Iran from January 2016 to January 2017, were randomly allocated to receive 2 mg/kg/day of topiramate or 2 mg/kg/day of topiramate plus one 500,000 IU vitamin D3 pearl weekly for two consecutive months. Primary outcomes were the reduction of monthly frequency, severity, duration, and the disability score of migraine, and the secondary outcomes included a good response to treatment (more than 50% reduction in monthly headache frequency) and a lack of clinical adverse events. Results Totally, 31 female and 26 male children with the mean age of 10.02±2.11 years were evaluated. Both drugs were effective in the reduction of monthly frequency, severity, duration, and disability for headaches. Nevertheless, the combination of topiramate and vitamin D3 was more effective than topiramate alone in reducing the monthly headaches frequency (6.12±1.26 vs. 9.87±2.44 times, P=0.01) and disability score (19.24±6.32 vs. 22.11±7.91, P=0.02). Good response to treatment was observed in 60.7% and 75.9% of the subjects in the topiramate alone and topiramate plus vitamin D3 groups, respectively, and topiramate plus vitamin D3 was more effective (P= 0.01). Transient mild side effects were observed in 14.3% and 17.2% of the subjects in the topiramate alone and topiramate plus vitamin D3 groups, respectively (P=0.8). Conclusion A combination of Topiramate and vitamin D3 might be considered safe and more effective than Topiramate alone in the prophylaxis of pediatric migraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lumbar puncture (LP) is a worth procedure in diagnosis of oncological diseases and intrathecal administration of antineoplastic drugs. The effort should be to minimize pain of LP in children with cancers. This clinical trial was done to compare success rates in performing LP and reducing anxiety and pain of LP in sitting and lateral decubitus positions in 1 to 5-year-old children. Materilas and Methods: In a not-blinded clinical trial, 80 children aged 1-5 years, undergoing LP in Pediatric Ward of Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Yazd, Iran, from May to September 2019, were randomly allocated to two groups. Intravenous 0.5mg/kg midazolam was injected in all patients five minutes before LP, and LP was performed in sitting position in group I and in lateral decubitus position in group II. Primary outcomes included rate of successful LP, anxiety and pain scores before LP and during needle insertion to skin for LP, and secondary outcomes comprised of success rates in decrease of anxiety (anxiety score of four and more) and pain (pain score of less than three) when the needle was inserted to skin for LP. Results: Thirty-eight girls and 42 boys with the mean age of 2.51 ± 0.32 years were evaluated. Success rates in performing LP (70 % in sitting vs. 65% in decubitus position, P=0.5), decrease of LP anxiety (77 % in sitting vs. 75% in decubitus groups, P=0.8) and reduction of pain during skin needle insertion for LP (72 % in sitting vs. 67% in decubitus position, P=0.7) were not significantly different between the two positions. Conclusion: Rates of success in performing LP and reduction of its pain and anxiety in children were equal in lateral decubitus and sitting positions and, in 1 to 5-year-old sick children with or without cardiorespiratory difficulties, LP can be done in lateral decubitus or sitting position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives We aimed to answer the question whether or not previous antiepileptic drugs with combination of omega-3 and risperidone are more efficient than previous antiepileptic drugs with risperidone alone in decreasing of seizures monthly frequency of children with refractory epilepsy and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Material & Methods In a randomized clinical trial (IRCT201604212639N18), participants referred to Pediatric Neurology Clinic of Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Yazd, Iran from Jun 2015 were distributed randomly into two groups. In group I, one capsule of omega-3 daily and 0.5 mg of risperidone was divided into two doses with previous antiepileptic drugs and in group II, 0.5 mg of risperidone was divided into two doses with previous antiepileptic drugs were given. The drugs use was continued for three months and the children were followed up monthly for three consecutive months. Primary outcomes included seizure monthly frequency and good response (more than 50% of reduction in seizures monthly frequency). Secondary outcome was clinical side effects. Results Overall, 23 girls and 33 boys with mean age of 9.24±0.15 yr (29 children in omega-3 group and 27 children in control group) were evaluated. Omega-3 therapy was effective in decreasing of seizures monthly frequency (10.41±3.92 times vs. 17.01±4.98, P=0.03). Good response was seen in three children (11.1%) in control (95% confidence interval: 8%-22.8%) and in 9 children (31%) in omega-3 (95% CI: 47.83%-14.17%) group, which showed that omega-3 was more effective in seizure control. (P=0.001). Frequency of side effects was not different in the two groups (14.8 % in control vs. 20.7% in omega-3 groups, P=0.5). Conclusion Omega-3 might be used as an effective and safe drug in seizures control of children with refractory epilepsy and ADHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: The purpose of this research was to compare the analgesic effect of kangaroo mother care (KMC), breastfeeding and swaddling in Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination in term neonates.Methods: In a randomized 120 healthy term neonates who received routine BCG vaccination in the first day of their life are distributed into three groups. In group 1, neonates breastfed two minutes before, during and one minute after BCG vaccination. In group 2, neonates received KMC 10 minutes before, during and one minute after vaccination and in group 3, they were swaddled 10 minutes before, during and one minute after vaccination. Primary outcomes included pain score during, one minute and two minutes after BCG vaccination and obtaining pain score of less than three during vaccination .Results: Pain scores during, one minute and two minutes after vaccination in group 1 were lower than in groups 2 and 3. Group 1 had higher success rate in painless vaccination and had lower crying duration in comparison to another groups (p < 0.05) Conclusion: Breastfeeding was more effective than KMC and swaddling in reduction of BCG vaccination pain in healthy term neonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Suitable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques from conventional to new devices can help physicians in diagnosis and follow up of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients. The aim of present research was to compare effectiveness of Fluid Attenuation Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) sequence of conventional MRI and Diffuse Weighted Imaging (DWI) sequence as a new technique in detection of brain MS plaques. MATERIALS & METHODS: In this analytic cross sectional study, sample size was assessed as 40 people to detect any significant difference between two sequences with a level of 0.05. DWI and FLAIR sequences of without contrast brain MRI of consecutive MS patients referred to MRI center of Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Yazd, Iran from January to May 2012, were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-two females and 8 males with mean age of 35.20±9.80 yr (range = 11-66 yr) were evaluated and finally 340 plaques including 127(37.2%) in T2WI, 127(37.2%) in FLAIR, 63(18.5%) in DWI and 24(7.1%) in T1WI were detected. FLAIR sequence was more efficient than DWI in detection of brain MS plaques, oval, round, amorphous plaque shapes, frontal and occipital lobes, periventricular, intracapsular, corpus callosum, centrum semiovale, subcortical, basal ganglia plaques and diameter of detected MS plaques in DWI sequence was smaller than in FLAIR. CONCLUSION: Old lesion can be detected by conventional MRI and new techniques might be more useful in early inflammatory phase of MS and assessment of experimental treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]