The hidden danger in Syria: Silent Celiac Disease

Author(s):  
Adel Alhabbal ◽  
Sameh Saber ◽  
Imad AbouKhamis

Celiac disease (CD) is a disorder caused by an aberrant autoimmune response to gluten ingestion in genetically susceptible individuals. Its prevalence nears 1%, and it is not considered typical in the Middle East because of the lack of reports in the Arabic countries. Therefore, this study aimed to define the prevalence of celiac disease in the Syrian community. Healthy young adults and volunteers ranging between 5–65-year-old were tested from December 2018 till May 2019. Samples from the participant's sera were tested for anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody (tTG) IgA/IgG by ELISA using the human recombinant transglutaminase antigen. One hundred participants with a mean ± SD of 22 ± 14 years-old were recruited in the study. Only one participant was suspected of having celiac disease. The mean ± SD of anti-tTG IgA/IgG values were 9.81 ± 9.61 for IgA and 6.64 ± 6.60 for IgG. The study shows no significant difference in IgA or IgG titers between males and females at P = 0.7, P = 0.8, respectively. The estimation of seroprevalence of CD antibodies in a healthy Syrian population is close to 1%. We suggest that the underdiagnosed CD might pose a high risk in Syria, contrary to previous thoughts.

2015 ◽  
Vol 52 (4) ◽  
pp. 272-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sedat IŞIKAY ◽  
Şamil HIZLI ◽  
Serkan ÇOŞKUN ◽  
Kutluhan YILMAZ

Background - Celiac disease is an autoimmune systemic disorder in genetically predisposed individuals precipitated by gluten ingestion. Objective - In this study, we aimed to determine asymptomatic spike-and-wave findings on electroencephalography in children with celiac disease. Methods - A total of 175 children with the diagnosis of celiac disease (study group) and 99 age- and sex-matched healthy children as controls (control group) were included in the study. In order to determine the effects of gluten free diet on laboratory and electroencephalography findings, the celiac group is further subdivided into two as newly-diagnosed and formerly-diagnosed patients. Medical histories of all children and laboratory findings were all recorded and neurologic statuses were evaluated. All patients underwent a sleep and awake electroencephalography. Results - Among 175 celiac disease patients included in the study, 43 were newly diagnosed while 132 were formerly-diagnosed patients. In electroencephalography evaluation of patients the epileptiform activity was determined in 4 (9.3%) of newly diagnosed and in 2 (1.5%) of formerly diagnosed patients; on the other hand the epileptiform activity was present in only 1 (1.0%) of control cases. There was a statistically significant difference between groups in regards to the presence of epileptiform activity in electroencephalography. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that epileptiform activity in both sleep and awake electroencephalography were positively correlated with tissue transglutaminase levels (P=0.014 and P=0.019, respectively). Conclusion - We have determined an increased epileptiform activity frequency among newly-diagnosed celiac disease patients compared with formerly-diagnosed celiac disease patients and control cases. Moreover the tissue transglutaminase levels were also correlated with the presence of epileptiform activity in electroencephalography. Among newly diagnosed celiac disease patients, clinicians should be aware of this association and be alert about any neurological symptoms.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-68
Author(s):  
Sumit Jeena ◽  
Jaswinder Kaur ◽  
Nishant Wadhwa

Background: Celiac disease is basically an immune-mediated enteropathic condition produced by permanent sensitivity to gluten in genetically susceptible subjects. There is paucity of data in north India regarding clinical symptoms of coeliac disease, Serum IgA Anti TTG and Biopsy in pediatric population. The present study was conducted with the aim to determine the correlation between clinical symptoms of coeliac disease, Serum IgA Anti TTG and Biopsy in pediatric population of northern India.Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in prospective including 73 pediatric patients at Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Institute of Child Health, Sir Gangaram Hospital, New Delhi, India. Esophagogastroduodenoendoscopy and serum anti Ig A tissue transglutaminase were performed. The characteristic scalloping of the folds were looked for in endoscopy followed by four duodenal biopsies performed from second part of duodenum and histological grading was performed as per modified marsh system. Patients with Serum IgA anti tTG>20 U/ml were confirmed to be at risk. Complete histological work up was done including hemoglobin, RBC indices and peripheral blood smear examination. The association of clinical manifestations with disease grade was also established with correlation coefficient. All the data thus obtained was arranged in a tabulated form and analyzed using SPSS software. Probability value of less than 0.05 was regarded as significant.Results: There were 4 males and 16 females with marsh grade 1 and 2 and mean age of 7.3±1.9 years. There were 5 males and 8 females with marsh grade 3a and mean age of 6.8±2.3 years. The mean weight of 18.11±3.89, height of 103.17±8.73 and BMI of 16.26±3.78 was observed amongst subjects with Marsh grade 1 and 2. The mean weight of 15.12±3.17, height of 99.28±9.19 and BMI of 15.02±3.20was observed amongst subjects with Marsh grade 3a. Diarrhoea was maximum amongst subjects with grade 3c and 4(70%) and minimum amongst Grade 1 and 2 (40%). There was a significant difference between the frequency of anemia amongst different grades as the p value was less than 0.05.Conclusion: The most common presenting signs and symptoms were diarrhea and abdominal pain. The study also concluded that the incidence of anemia increases with higher marsh grades.


2020 ◽  
Vol 0 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Rajesh Kumar ◽  
Tribhuwan Kumar ◽  
Kamlesh Jha ◽  
Yogesh Kumar

Objectives: Seizure is the fourth most common neurological disorder in the world; it affects all age groups with equal possibility of occurrence in both males and females. Many antiepileptic drugs are available today, but its diagnosis is challenging. The present study attempted to see if seizure activities could be predicted by analyzing the pre-seizure electrical activities. The prediction may help in taking preventive measures appropriately beforehand in the individuals with seizure proneness. Material and Methods: We selected 11 generalized seizure patients and 19 control patients out of total 115 patients referred for electro-diagnostics for various reasons. EEG of the subjects recorded, segmented as per protocol, and analyzed using MATLAB and EEGLAB tools. Results: The mean energy level in alpha and beta band of the study subject was significantly lower (P = 0.04 and 0.004, respectively) as compared to the age matched control subjects. Theta and delta bands did not show any significant difference between the groups. The difference between the pre- and post-electrical seizure energy and entropy was statistically insignificant. Conclusion: The study shows that the energy level remains low in the seizure patients in the alpha and beta bands. This further goes down when electrophysiological seizure activities starts. The randomness or entropy does not alter significantly among the seizure subjects in comparison to non-seizure subjects.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1949 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 805-809
Author(s):  
W. M. KELSEY ◽  
L. B. LEINBACH

Values for total serum base in 96 normal children under 12 years of age as determined by the conductivity method fell between 143 to 160.5 mEq./l. The mean was 153. Standard deviations for each age group are given. The values in 73 normal persons above the age of 12 varied from 142 to 160.5 mEq./l. The mean was 147 mEq./l. A statistically significant difference between the total serum base in children and adults was found.


2015 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sedat IŞIKAY ◽  
Nurgül IŞIKAY ◽  
Halil KOCAMAZ

Background Familial Mediterranean Fever and celiac disease are both related to auto-inflammation and/or auto-immunity and they share some common clinical features such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating and flatulence. Objectives We aimed to determine the association of these two diseases, if present. Methods Totally 112 patients diagnosed with Familial Mediterranean Fever and 32 cases as healthy control were included in the study. All participants were examined for the evidence of celiac disease, with serum tissue transglutaminase IgA levels (tTG IgA). Results Totally 144 cases, 112 with Familial Mediterranean Fever and 32 healthy control cases were included in the study. tTG IgA positivity was determined in three cases with Familial Mediterranean Fever and in one case in control group. In that aspect there was no significant difference regarding the tTG IgA positivity between groups (P=0.81). Duodenum biopsy was performed to the tTG IgA positive cases and revealed Marsh Type 3b in two Familial Mediterranean Fever cases and Marsh Type 3c in the other one while the biopsy results were of the only tTG IgA positive case in control group was Marsh Type 3b. In HLA evaluation of the celiac cases; HLA DQ2 was present in two celiac cases of the Familial Mediterranean Fever group and in the only celiac case of the control group while HLA DQ8 was present in one celiac case of the Familial Mediterranean Fever group. Conclusions We did not determine an association of Familial Mediterranean Fever with celiac disease. Larger studies with subgroup analysis are warranted to determine the relationship of these two diseases.


2012 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 204-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreia Oliveira ◽  
Eunice Trindade ◽  
Marta Tavares ◽  
Rosa Lima ◽  
Mariana Terra ◽  
...  

CONTEXT - The first degree relatives of celiac patients represent a high risk group for the development of this disorder, so their screening may be crucial in the prevention of long-term complications. OBJECTIVE - In order to determine the prevalence of celiac disease in a group of first degree relatives of children with proven gluten intolerance, we conducted a prospective study that consisted in the screening of celiac disease, using a capillary immunoassay rapid test that allows a qualitative detection of IgA antibody to human recombinant tissue transglutaminase (IgA-TTG). METHODS - When the screening test was positive subjects were advised to proceed with further investigation. The screening test was performed in 268 first degree relatives (143 mothers, 89 fathers, 36 siblings) corresponding to 163 children with celiac disease. RESULTS - Screening test was positive in 12 relatives (4.5%), of which 1 refused to continue the investigation. In the remaining 11 relatives celiac disease was diagnosed in 7 cases (2.6%, 5 mothers, 2 fathers) who had a median age of 39 years (27-56 years), mild gastrointestinal symptoms, high titre of IgA-TTG and histology abnormalities confirming the diagnosis. All these patients are currently on a gluten-free diet. CONCLUSION - The prevalence of celiac disease among first degree relatives (2.6%) was 5 times higher than that in the general population. Although the recommendations for screening asymptomatic high risk groups, such as first degree relatives, are not unanimous the early diagnosis is crucial in preventing complications, including nutritional deficiency and cancer.


2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-64
Author(s):  
Anup Dhungana ◽  
RR Joshi ◽  
AS Rijal ◽  
KK Shrestha ◽  
S Maharjan

 The objective of this study was to compare the graft uptake results and postoperative hearing of myringoplasty with temporalis fascia and cartilage-perichondrial composite graft in high risk perforations. Patients of age 13 years and above with diagnosis of chronic otitis media – mucosal type with high risk perforation that is >50% perforation of tympanic membrane, revision cases, absent/ eroded handle of malleus, oedematous/unhealthy middle ear mucosa and marginal involvement cases were included for myringoplasty. Pure Tone Audiometry was done within 1 week before surgery. 80 cases were included for myringoplasty which were randomly allocated by lottery method with 40 cases each in temporalis fascia group and cartilage perichondrial composite graft group. Graft uptake results were assessed after 6 weeks and postoperative hearing was evaluated and compared within and between the groups. Graft uptake rate in temporalis fascia group and cartilage perichondrial composite graft group was 90% and 92.5%, respectively with no significance difference in the graft uptake rate (p = 0.692) between the groups. The mean pre and post-operative air bone gap in temporalis fascia group and cartilage perichondrial composite group were 30.69dB±10.19,16.36±8.37dB and 33.73±8.07dB, 20.76±9.47dB, respectively with highly significant difference in both groups (p < 0.001) showing improvement in the hearing after surgery in both groups. The mean air bone gain were 14.33dB and 12.97dB in temporalis fascia and cartilage perichondrial composite group respectively with no significant difference between the groups (p=0.469). The graft uptake rate and hearing results after cartilage perichondrial composite graft are comparable to those of temporalis fascia graft. Furthermore, the cartilage perichondrial composite graft is more rigid and thick so it is more resistant than fascia to anatomic deformation and necrosis. Therefore, we recommend the use of cartilage perichondrial composite graft for tympanic membrane reconstruction in high risk perforation without concern about affecting audiometric results.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
Eman Ali Moselhi Mater ◽  
Huda Shawky Mahamud ◽  
Mohamed Farouk Mohamed

Background and aim: The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a stressful environment for high risk neonates. Persistent bright light is one of the main environmental stressors that are distressed newborn infants in NICU. Cycled lighting may decrease distress level of newborn infants by enhancing calming status. This study aimed to investigate effects of eye cover among high risk neonates at night shift on their distress levels.Methods: Quasi experimental research design was carried out on a randomized sample of 60 newborn infants attending the NICU of El Manial University Hospital (Kasr Al Ainy), (30 control group and 30 study group). Neonatal assessment tool and COMFORTneoNRS scale were utilized for data collection.Results: There was a statistically significant difference between control and study groups regarding the distress levels (p < .00). The mean score of distress levels were 6.80 ± 1.80 and 0.80 ± 1.15 respectively and the mean score of comfort levels in the newborn infants in the control and study groups were 23.22 ± 5.50 and 6.60 ± 1.06 respectively. Eye coved enhanced quite sleep (66.7%), relaxed muscle (73.3%), decrease movement (66.7%) and no crying (85.7%).Conclusions: The use of eye cover among high risk neonates at night shift is effective to decrease their distress level and improve their comfort state in the morning shift by promoting quite sleep and relaxation. Recommendations: The educational program is needed to raise awareness among neonatal nurses about the effect of light reduction methods such as eye patches on the distress level and comfort state that enhances the growth and development of newborn infants.


1988 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 619-625 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Viterbo McCarthy

To relate experiences to thoughts and actions about the nuclear predicament, 49 elderhostelers and 54 college women were compared on their responses to the Nuclear Activism Questionnaire and scores on five areas of the Survey of Feelings about Nuclear War. Tests were group-administered in 30 min. to 49 late adults and 54 young adult women who volunteered to participate and responded anonymously. Analysis showed a significant difference in the mean activism scores of the two groups; elderhostelers were significantly more antinuclear than the young adults. For the two samples, among many similarities on the survey was one striking contrast: if a difference in the tendency to deny threat to self and to project threat on others is indicative of defensiveness, then these elderhostelers were far less defensive than the young adults. From clues about coping strategies noted here, we recommend further inquiry about the paradigm, belief, or world view directing the mode of thought that accounts for activism scores, with larger groups of subjects.


1956 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 227-230
Author(s):  
Antonia Bell Morgan

The Morgan Test of Logical Reasoning, which is entirely verbal in form, was given to 133 males and 35 females. All Ss were in their 20s and applicants for government employment. All had the BA or BS degree but no other, and none had had any training in formal logic. No significant difference was found between the mean scores of males and females on this test, nor between the distribution and variation of scores.


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