Journal of Pediatrics Review
Volume:10 Issue: 3, Jul 2022

Eating disorders are among the deadliest psychiatric diseases that have become increasingly prevalent in different societies in recent years. Various biological, social, and psychological factors are involved in the emergence of different types of eating disorders. Several studies have been conducted by medical and non-medical researchers in Iran to estimate the prevalence of this disorder and its subcategories, which have been associated with different epidemiological methodologies and instruments and inconsistent results. 

This study aims to statistically analyze all available findings to determine the total estimate of the prevalence of eating disorders in the general population of Iran and to investigate the reasons for the heterogenous results in previous studies.

The articles were collected by searching the following databases: SID, Magiran, Irandoc, Iran Medex, PubMed, and Google Scholar. All studies evaluating the prevalence of eating disorders in any region of Iran from 1990 to the end of 2021 were included in the study. Meanwhile, articles that were irrelevant in terms of subject or methodology were excluded. Three researchers independently extracted the data from the articles based on a pre-prepared list that included the author’s name, study title, year of publication, journal name, city and study population, sample size, study instruments, and eating disorder prevalence.

The estimated point prevalence of any eating disorder in Iran was 22% (95% CI, 7%-38%). The estimated lifetime prevalence of eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa was 1% (95% CI, 1%-2%), 1% (95% CI, 0%-1%), and 1% (95% CI, 0%-1%), respectively.

The prevalence of eating disorders and its subcategories is much lower in Iran compared to high-income and developed countries. The available data are insufficient to determine the exact prevalence of this disorder in the general population, especially among Iranian men.

Neonatal hypoglycemia is one of the major complications in neonatal wards, requiring rapid diagnosis and treatment to prevent its complications. Dextrose gel is used as a cheap and safe choice. Thus, the present systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to investigate the effects of oral dextrose gel in preventing and treating neonatal hypoglycemia. To find the relevant articles, the national databases, including Barekat Gostar, SID, Magiran, IranDoc, and international databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were consulted with standard keywords. The data were analyzed using the STATA 14 software, while the P value < 0.05 was considered significant. In 9 articles with a sample size of 8755 neonates, the mean neonatal weight ranged from 2890 to 3669 g. The share of neonates born through normal vaginal delivery equaled 61%, while 16% had low birth weight (below 2500 g), 16% had high birth weight (above 4500 g), 51% had diabetic mothers, 20% were premature, and 88% were singleton. Oral dextrose gel reduced the risk of neonatal hypoglycemia by OR=0.83 (95% CI: 0.75-0.93). However, neonatal hypoglycemia treatment with oral dextrose gel had an OR=0.78 (95% CI: 0.57-1.07), which was not statistically significant. Oral dextrose gel was effective in preventing neonatal hypoglycemia.

AIDS is one of the perilous infectious diseases and according to the WHO, the only effective way to prevent AIDS is through health education. Therefore, high-risk and vulnerable groups, including adolescents, should be prioritized in educational programs. 

This systematic review study aims to investigate the effects of model-based educational interventions on promoting AIDS preventive behaviors in Iranian adolescents.

International databases, including Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, ISC, and Google Scholar, along with national databases, including Magiran, SID, IranDoc, and IRCT were consulted for eligible articles. The following keywords were selected based on MeSH and combined with Boolean (AND, OR) operators: “Adolescent, ” “Health model, ” “Education, ” “HIV, ” “Iran, ” and “Knowledge.” A total of 2969 articles published from April 1, 2005, to May 1, 2020, were extracted. Subsequently, two researchers reviewed the articles independently for screening and selection. The main inclusion criteria were Persian and English studies and model-based educational interventions. Data extraction was performed by two researchers via a researcher-made form independently according to the inclusion criteria. 

Of the 12 final articles with a total sample size of 2013 adolescents, 8 articles were from the national databases and 4 from the international databases. Based on the results, although the health belief model is the most prevalent framework in designing educational interventions related to AIDS-preventive behaviors, it does not seem appropriate for changing long-term behaviors. It was also indicated that educational interventions based on the social cognitive theory did not have much effect on their attitudes, despite increasing adolescents’ awareness. Educational interventions based on the theory of planned behavior also improved attitudes and significantly increased rejection skills while delaying risky AIDS-related suggestions in students.

Different types of health belief model, theory of planned behavior, and the social cognitive theory educational interventions can be effective in increasing the knowledge of adolescents and promoting their HIV-related preventive attitudes and cognitive perceptions. Given their effectiveness, the design and implementation of such interventions are recommended in schools.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has significantly affected people’s lives worldwide. Governments have used various measures to contain the spread of the pandemic, including confinement policies that have changed children’s lifestyles. Children had to limit their outdoor activities and daily routine to indoor activities. Alternative learning systems, such as online and offline teaching via digital devices have replaced traditional teaching methods. Therefore, children have to spend many hours in front of digital devices. As a natural side effect of the pandemic, these changes may influence children’s ocular health who may not be able to complain about these problems as early as adults. 

This study reviews the literature regarding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children’s eye health, including myopia and digital eye strain.

For this narrative review, a comprehensive literature search was performed on December 30, 2021, in Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus using the following keywords: “COVID-19,” “lockdowns,” “children,” “ocular health,” “eye health,” “visual health,” “ocular complications,” “myopia,” “ myopia progression,” “digital eye strain,” “computer vision syndrome,” “quarantine,” and “prevention.” A total of 22 eligible studies were identified for review.

Studies performed during the COVID-19 pandemic have shown an increase in myopia prevalence, incidence, and progression in children, especially among young children. Strategies imposed by governments to control the spread of COVID-19 during confinement have led to dramatic changes in children’s lifestyles. These measures have compelled children to restrict outdoor activities and increase their near-work time (e.g., online e-learning), which contributes to the increase in digital eye strain and myopia progression.

Children’s eye health can be influenced by the COVID-19 outbreak. These can serve as a warning to policymakers, health professionals, teachers, parents, and children about the effects of pandemics, such as COVID-19, on children’s visual health and the need to implement preventive and therapeutic measures.

Enuresis is a common problem that affects up to 15% of 5‐year‐old children and may have significant psychological, emotional, and social consequences for both the child and their family. Enuresis is the inability of toilet‐trained children to hold urine during the night. It can be classified as primary and secondary. Secondary enuresis occurs in children who have had a dry duration of more than six months; otherwise, it is called primary enuresis.

This narrative review aims to summarize the available data on the epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, evaluation, and treatment of children with enuresis.

This study was conducted through a literature search with the keywords based on Medical Subject Headings (MESH) and were combined with other keywords, including enuresis, pediatric, incontinence, and treatment using PubMed, Embase, Web of Sciences, Scopus, and Cochrane databases.

The initial evaluation of enuresis needs a detailed medical history and a careful physical examination with no need for radiology and invasive procedures. The treatment’s mainstay is non‐pharmacological treatments, such as behavioral intervention followed by pharmacotherapy. The appropriate treatment chosen depends on the children's age, midnight voiding patterns, and family and child preferences.

Enuresis is a common disorder that affects both the child and the family in many ways. Enuresis's etiology is complex, and it is still not well understood. The child and family must be included in the treatment process, and potential pathophysiological causes must be taken into account.

Context: 

This study was conducted to evaluate the diversity of approaches for improving hand function through telerehabilitation in CP patients. Google Scholar and PubMed databases were consulted to perform an electronic search. A total of 12 studies were selected and reviewed. 

Evidence Acquisition: 

This study was conducted to evaluate the diversity of approaches for improving hand function through telerehabilitation in CP patients. Google Scholar and PubMed databases were consulted to perform an electronic search. A total of 12 studies were selected and reviewed.

The data demonstrated the usability of telerehabilitation in children with CP for improving hand functions. Their gross and fine motor functions were significantly improved. Meanwhile, the data reported the perception of the caregivers.

The conclusion based on the result of training hand function with telerehabilitation in the CP population showed promising results in improving grip strength, hand dexterity, motor skills, and so on. The secondary outcome was the satisfaction of caregivers.

As the most common congenital heart malformation, tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) produces cyanosis. Patients with TOF suffer from a higher frequency of major noncardiac congenital disorders. Its association with congenital scoliosis influences vital and functional overcomes, restricting physical activity and lowering life expectancy. An 8-month-old female child was reported with admitted cough, fever, and ruled-out pneumonia. The child was diagnosed with heart disease at 2-month-old when cyanosis was apparent. After being admitted to a hospital, history and physical examination showed mild neurodevelopmental delays, such as an inability in rolling and crawling. Her chest x-rays revealed congenital spine abnormalities thoracic vertebral at T3-T8 levels and bilateral segmented-bar sacral vertebrae. Given that patients with TOF routinely undergo chest radiographs, physicians examining TOF patients’ chest radiographs should be aware of the potential for congenital scoliosis to provide early diagnosis and referral for orthopedic evaluation and treatment.

The present research aimed to report the treatment of primary congenital lymphedema using the Godoy method with a 17-year follow-up period. A 2-month-old male patient with bilateral primary congenital lymphedema of the lower limbs was sent to the Clinica Godoy-Brazil for specialized treatment. The physical examination revealed bilateral lower limb edema affecting the feet and middle third of the legs. The patient was made to use hand-crafted stockings made of grosgrain fabric. When the child reached 10 years of age, mechanical lymphatic therapy was conducted. A considerable reduction in the edema was achieved but with periods of improvement and worsening. In the last 4 years of the 17 years of treatment, the limbs have remained within or near the range of normality. The present findings demonstrate that the Godoy method is effective in controlling edema in cases of primary congenital lymphedema. When the family has difficulties, others who take care of the child should get involved to ensure the treatment of this type of lymphedema.

Overweight and obesity are prominent threats to pediatric health. The prevalence of childhood obesity has dramatically been increasing worldwide. 

In this study, we analyze the effects of 8-week anaerobic gymnastic training on weight loss and related growth factors in obese children.

In this clinical trial study, 30 obese elementary gymnasts in the age range of 8 to 12 years were randomly divided into control (n=15) and experimental (n=15) groups. The experimental group performed 45 minutes of anaerobic gymnastics training. Anthropometrical and body composition characteristics, maximal oxygen consumption, and the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and vascular endothelial growth factor were measured before and after 8 weeks of training.

At the baseline, there were no significant differences for any of the dependent variables between the two groups (P≥0.05). After 8 weeks of training, values of weight, waist-hip ratio, body fat percentage, body fat weight, lean body weight, and maximal heart rate decreased significantly (P<0.05) while maximal oxygen consumption and BDNF increased significantly (P<0.05).

We concluded that weight loss because of anaerobic gymnastic training may lead to a high serum concentration of BDNF. High BDNF may help in maintaining a reduced weight after intervention for obesity and may increase fat oxidation. The inhibitory effects of weight loss on vascular endothelial growth factor may have abolished the stimulatory effects of exercise and prevented a significant increase in the vascular endothelial growth factor level.

Functional abdominal pain (FAP) is a debilitating disorder that has a high prevalence among children. The goal of this study is to evaluate patients’ and parents’ perceptions of health-related quality of life (QoL) for children with FAP.

Between April 2018 and June 2019, a total of 200 children (including 100 with FAP and 100 healthy individuals) and 200 parents participated in this study. The participants completed a health-related QoL scale (pediatric quality of life inventory) that is scored on a scale from 0 (poor) to 100 (best). Children with FAP and their parents were compared to a control group consisting of healthy children.

Children with FAP had lower self-report QoL scores (46.97±17.43) compared to their healthy peers (78.69±13.02) and the difference was significant (P<0.05). Parents of children with FAP reported lower QoL scores compared to parents of the control group (45.56±14.19 vs 75.94±15.06, P<0.05) but it was similar to the scores for their children.

The present study demonstrated that children with FAP and their parents experience a poor QoL compared to their healthy peers.