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Biomedical subjects

Polyxeni Nicolaidou

Publications and source records attributed to Polyxeni Nicolaidou.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

The secular trend of body weight of Greek schoolchildren in the 20th century.

BACKGROUND: Improvements in socioeconomic conditions in the 20th century had a dramatic impact on the growth and development of children, resulting in greater somatic growth and earlier pubertal maturation. Furthermore, in the last part of that century childhood obesity took on epidemic proportions in many countries The aim of the study was to present the secular trend of body weight of Greek schoolchildren in the 20th century. MATERIAL/METHODS: The data were taken from growth studies the authors conducted themselves or were able to find in the Greek literature. All studies were cross-sectional and spanned the years from 1920 to 1995. The studies referred mainly to children living in Athens or other major cities of the country. RESULTS: The data were taken from growth studies the authors conducted themselves or were able to find in the Greek literature. All studies were cross-sectional and spanned the years from 1920 to 1995. The studies referred mainly to children living in Athens or other major cities of the country. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in the socioeconomic conditions in Greece resulted in an increase in body weight in Greek schoolchildren in the 20th century. However, this increase tended to stop in adolescent girls.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Vitamin D receptor polymorphisms in hypocalcemic vitamin D-resistant rickets carriers.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hypocalcemic vitamin D-resistant rickets (HVDRR) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by severe rickets, hypocalcemia, secondary hyperparathyroidism, elevated levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)], and occasionally, alopecia. In most cases, the disease is associated with mutations in the gene of the vitamin D receptor (VDR), the mediator of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) action. The apparently healthy HVDRR heterozygotes express both normal and mutant VDR alleles, and they present higher levels of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) than their respective controls. Because VDR function, except for the disease-causative mutations, might be influenced by the presence of certain polymorphisms, we investigated the distribution of four common VDR polymorphisms--BsmI, ApaI, TaqI and FokI--in HVDRR carriers compared with their respective controls. METHODS: Sixty-seven relatives of 2 HVDRR patients, all members of an extended Greek kindred, were included in the study. VDR allelic polymorphisms were assessed by restriction fragment length polymorphisms after specific polymerase chain reaction amplification. RESULTS: The distribution of genotypic and allelic frequencies differed between HVDRR carriers and their respective controls regarding BsmI and TaqI polymorphisms. The bb genotype and the T allele (presence of BsmI and absence of TaqI polymorphisms) were less frequent in the HVDRR carrier group than in the control group in a statistically significant manner (p = 0.029 and p = 0.025, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that the apparently healthy HVDRR carriers present a different distribution of BsmI and TaqI VDR polymorphisms than their controls, suggesting that further investigation of the HVDRR carrier population may elucidate the implication of VDR alleles in VDR function and the vitamin D endocrine system.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Adrenal function improves in asthmatic children on inhaled steroids: a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Asthmatic children on long-term treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) may exhibit mild adrenal suppression. We aimed to test the hypothesis that baseline adrenal function of some asthmatic children might be lower than that of others and that this difference might be accentuated by ICS therapy. METHODS: A low-dose Synacthen test was performed in 41 prepubertal asthmatic children placed on long-term inhaled budesonide (400 microg/day) prior to the onset of ICS treatment, 6 and 12 months later. Five children withdrew before the 6- and another 2 before the 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: Low adrenal function was demonstrated in 4 children (9.8%) upon recruitment and in another 8 at the 6-month evaluation (22.2%). Adrenal function normalized in the aforementioned 4 children at the 6-month evaluation, while 6 (17.6%) exhibited suppressed adrenal function at the 12-month evaluation. Three of these patients had also exhibited adrenal suppression at the 6-month visit. A significant improvement in peak cortisol values from baseline to the 6- and 12-month evaluation (95% confidence intervals: -283.9 to -69.0 and -239.8 to -50.8, respectively) was evident when children with suppressed adrenal response at the second or third evaluation were excluded. CONCLUSIONS: In many asthmatic children, adrenal response improves on long-term ICS. The expected adrenal suppression of certain patients on maintenance ICS appears to constitute a separate phenomenon.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed2006

Does the rare A172G mutation of PTPN11 gene convey a mild Noonan syndrome phenotype?

BACKGROUND: Noonan syndrome NS (OMIM 163950) is an autosomal dominant developmental disorder characterized mainly by typical facial dysmorphism, growth retardation and variable congenital heart defects. In unrelated individuals with sporadic or familial NS, heterozygous missense point mutations in the gene PTPN11 (OMIM 176876) have been confirmed, with a clustering of mutations in exons 3 and 8, the mutation A922G Asn308Asp accounting for nearly 25% of cases. PATIENT AND METHODS: We report a 7-year-old boy with short stature and some other clinical features of NS, who has been investigated by molecular analysis for the presence of mutations in the PTPN11 gene. RESULT: The de novo mutation A172G in the exon 3 of the PTPN11 gene, predicting an Asn58Asp substitution, has been found. To the best of our knowledge, this specific mutation has only been described once before, but this is the first report of detailed clinical data suggesting a mild phenotype. CONCLUSION: Detailed clinical phenotype in every patient with major or minor features of NS and molecular identification of PTPN11 gene mutation may contribute to a better phenotype-genotype correlation.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Association of weather conditions with childhood admissions for wheezy bronchitis or asthma in Athens.

BACKGROUND: The association between asthma morbidity and meteorological conditions is well documented, but it is not clear to what extent more specific meteorological variables are implicated. OBJECTIVES: This study was aiming to investigate whether there is any association between specific meteorological conditions and the seasonal variation and the rate of asthma admissions among children in Athens. METHODS: Data were obtained retrospectively from hospital registries of the three main Children's Hospitals in Athens during a 23-year period (1978-2000). The meteorological database consisted of mean monthly values of eight meteorological variables. The whole period studied was divided into three time periods: 1978-1987, 1988-1993 and 1994-2000. RESULTS: A clear seasonal trend with a permanent pattern was detected. There were more monthly asthma admissions in winter-spring and autumn for younger children, as well as a lower peak in winter and autumn and a major one in May for older children, without significant differences in between the three time periods. The results of a multiple regression analysis revealed that relative humidity and atmospheric pressure were predictors of up to 56.7% (1988-1993) and 59.2% (1994-2000) monthly asthma admissions among younger children. No relation of the time trend in asthma admissions during the periods studied for any age group with any of the meteorological variables was detected. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate a constant seasonal variability in asthma admissions among children in Athens, whereas relative humidity and atmospheric pressure are the more implicated meteorological variables for younger asthmatic children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Different effects of urban and rural environments in the respiratory status of Greek schoolchildren.

We hypothesized that asthma symptoms and lung function of schoolchildren living in Athens urban area are adversely affected as compared to others living in a rural environment, over a period of 8 years. We recruited 478 and 342 children aged 8-10 years living within a short radius around the urban and rural area monitoring stations, respectively. Respiratory health was assessed by a parent-completed questionnaire in three phases: 1995-1996 (phase-1), 1999-2000 (phase-2), 2003-2004 (phase-3) and by spirometry in phases-1 and 2. Reported asthma and wheeze did not differ in the two areas, whereas cough was more prevalent in the urban area in phase-1. Children from the rural environment had lower levels of percent-predicted forced vital capacity (FVC%) in phase-1 and higher of percent-predicted-forced expiratory flow at mid-FVC (FEF(50)%) in both phases. Independent associations were detected between FVC% as-well-as FEF(50)% and residential area. High FVC% was associated with outdoor systemic athletic activities; there was lower FVC% growth in the urban versus the rural area. Nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide were higher in the urban area, whereas ozone concentrations differed less between the two areas. These results suggest that long-term exposure to urban environment is associated with sub-clinical airway narrowing and slower rate of FVC growth.

Air Pollution↗
PubMed2006

The effect of vitamin K supplementation on biochemical markers of bone formation in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis.

INTRODUCTION: Impaired vitamin K status in cystic fibrosis (CF) has been considered as a newly emerged pathogenetic factor for reduced bone mineral density (BMD). OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of vitamin K supplementation in managing bone formation abnormalities in children and adolescents with CF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The statuses of vitamins K and D in relation to biochemical markers of bone metabolism and BMD were examined in 20 CF children receiving vitamin D supplements but not vitamin K supplements. Laboratory tests were carried out at the beginning of the study period and after 1 year of vitamin K supplementation (10 mg single oral dose/week) and the results were compared; the results were also compared with those of 25 healthy controls. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Ten of the CF patients had BMD z-score<or=2.5 (n=5) or between -1 and -2.5 (n=5). Biochemical tests on patients before vitamin K supplementation revealed that the levels of osteoblastic activity markers, namely, bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), serum osteocalcin (Gla-OC), serum carboxy-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP) and serum amino-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP), were significantly reduced compared with those of the controls. These patients had also lower 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) and vitamin K serum levels, higher undercaboxylated osteocalcin (Glu-OC) and parathormone (PTH) levels and a higher calcium to creatinine ratio (Ca/Cr) than the controls. Vitamin K intake was associated with an increase in Gla-OC, PINP, PICP levels and a decrease in Glu-OC levels. PTH levels were lower after vitamin K supplementation without any difference in BMD z-scores. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that vitamin K supplementation may have a beneficial role in bone health in CF children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Calcium and vitamin D metabolism in hypocalcemic vitamin D-resistant rickets carriers.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hypocalcemic vitamin D-resistant rickets (HVDRR) is a rare monogenic autosomal recessive disorder associated with mutations in the gene of the vitamin D receptor (VDR), the mediator of 1,25(OH)2D3 action. Although many investigations have discussed the clinical manifestations and molecular etiology of this disease, only a few have investigated the biochemical and hormonal status of heterozygous HVDRR. The aim of the current work was to investigate the profile of selected biochemical and hormonal parameters related to the vitamin D endocrine system in a large number of HVDRR heterozygotes. METHODS: 67 relatives of 2 HVDRR patients, all members of an extended Greek kindred of five generations with a common ancestor, were included in the study. Direct sequencing was used to identify VDR gene mutations. Serum Ca, P, 25(OH)D, iPTH, and 1,25(OH)2D levels were determined in all members of the kindred. RESULTS: DNA analysis of the participants led to the design of two study groups: the HVDRR carriers (24) and the control subjects (43). Our results showed elevated circulating serum levels of 1,25(OH)2D3 and lower levels of PTH than their age- and sex-matched controls. No hypocalcemia or hypophosphatemia were detected in HVDRR carriers. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that HVDRR carriers may have compensatory elevated serum levels of 1,25(OH)2D3 through which they restrain PTH secretion. The study of HVDRR carriers could be a useful tool for the investigation of the vitamin D endocrine system.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA in respiratory and nonrespiratory specimens by the Amplicor MTB PCR.

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of a commercially available Mycobacterium tuberculosis PCR assay (Amplicor MTB-ROCHE), 2296 respiratory and nonrespiratory specimens from 2296 patients with suspected tuberculosis (TB) were collected prospectively in an 8-year period. Clinical data for each patient were abstracted, and all samples were examined blindly by direct microscopy, culture, and PCR. M. tuberculosis DNA was detected in 93 of 113 culture-positive samples and in 29 of 38 samples from patients with probable TB. The lowest sensitivity was observed in pleural fluid and abscess aspirates. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of the assay were 97.2%, 100%, and 100% for smear-positive specimens and 75.3%, 97.0%, and 47.5% for smear-negative specimens, respectively. The PCR cost per additional correct clinical decision was Euro 2826 but would have declined to Euro 308 if the test was applied only to smear-positive specimens. The overall performance of Amplicor MTB test was excellent for smear-positive, but suboptimal for smear-negative specimens.

Body Fluids↗
PubMed2006

Bronchial hyperresponsiveness, atopy, and bronchoalveolar lavage eosinophils in persistent middle lobe syndrome.

Most cases of middle lobe syndrome (MLS) in children are considered to be due to asthma and may recover spontaneously; however, in persistent MLS, repeated episodes of infection often institute a vicious cycle that may lead to persistent symptoms and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR). The present study was undertaken to investigate whether asthma, as an underlying diagnosis, is predictive of a favorable outcome of children with persistent MLS. We evaluated 53 children with MLS who underwent an aggressive management protocol that included fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). These patients were compared to two other groups: one consisting of children with current asthma but no evidence of MLS (N = 40) and another of non-asthmatic controls (N = 42), matched for age and sex. Prevalence of sensitization (>or=1 aeroallergen) did not differ between patients with MLS and "non-asthmatics" but was significantly lower than that of "current asthmatics." A positive response to methacholine bronchial challenge was observed with increased frequency among children with MLS when compared to "current asthmatic" and non-asthmatic children. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between an increased number of eosinophils in the BAL fluid (BALF) and a favorable outcome, whereas no correlation was detected between sensitization or BHR and BAL cellular components. In conclusion, children with MLS have an increased prevalence of BHR, even when compared to asthmatics, but exhibit prevalence of atopy similar to that of non-asthmatics. An increased eosinophilic BALF count is predictive of symptomatic but not radiographic improvement of MLS patients after aggressive anti-asthma management.

Asthma↗
PubMed2006

Quantification of siderophages in bronchoalveolar fluid in transfusional and primary pulmonary hemosiderosis.

Transfusional iron overload may occur in the lungs. We hypothesized that quantitating siderophages in the bronchoalveolar fluid (BALF) of heavily transfused patients may prove to be a useful tool in determining lung iron overload in transfusion-dependent patients. The study included six patients (7-20 years) with thalassemia major (TM) who had received multiple blood transfusions, one with hereditary spherocytosis (four blood transfusions) and one with sickle cell disease (never transfused); they were compared to three children with idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH) (2.5-7.0 years) as positive controls. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage was performed in seven patients under general anesthesia for elective surgery and the rest were bronchoscoped electively under sedation. Spirometry was also performed in eight patients. There was no significant difference between children with TM and IPH in siderophages as percentage of total count (95% CI -31.0 to 1.5, P = 0.068). There were positive relationships between both mean serum ferritin values during the preceding year and the total number of units of transfused blood, and percent siderophage count among multiply transfused patients (P = 0.010, P = 0.052, respectively); similar findings were noted for the Golde score (P = 0.001, P = 0.031, respectively). None of the patients showed lung function impairment. In conclusion, in this small study, we found that the BALF of multiply transfused patients with benign hematological disorders contain similar numbers of siderophages to that of patients with IPH; this is strongly suggestive of secondary pulmonary hemosiderosis. The correlation between the patients' serum ferritin, and the BALF siderophages suggests that the later may serve as a marker of pulmonary iron overload in patients requiring blood transfusion and appear to be more sensitive than standard pulmonary function tests.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Isolated scrotal hair in infancy.

Nine male infants who developed scrotal hair with no other signs of virilization were evaluated. Median age for the development of scrotal hair was 4.5 months, and median age at presentation was 7.5 months. Endocrinologic investigations performed in 6 of the infants yielded normal findings. The scrotal hair receded at a mean age of 12 months, suggesting a transient benign event. The development of genital hair in boys under age 9 years is considered precocious, suggesting a possible pathological condition (eg, precocious puberty, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, adrenal or genital tumors), or may be due to premature adrenarche.

Hirsutism↗
PubMed2006

Early growth acceleration in girls with idiopathic precocious puberty.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the growth pattern of girls with idiopathic precocious puberty (IPP) from birth until diagnosis. STUDY DESIGN: We studied 47 girls with IPP and 35 control girls. In each subject, height and weight were measured at diagnosis, whereas data on height from birth until diagnosis were taken from the personal health book of the patient. Height standard deviation score (HSDS) and body mass index SDS were calculated. RESULTS: Mean age (+/-SD) of the girls with IPP was 7.6 (1.1) years and of control girls was 7.5 (0.9) years. At birth, HSDS of the patients with IPP was -0.01 (0.8); at the age of 2 years, 0.42 (1.2); at the age of 4 years, 0.64 (1.1); and at diagnosis, 1.23 (1.7) (P < .001). HSDS of control girls was 0.02 (0.8) at birth, 0.25 (0.8) at 2 years, 0.12 (0.9) at 4 years, and 0.19 (1.1) at assessment (P > .05). There was no statistical difference between body mass index SDS of the patients 0.6 (1.1) versus that of control girls 0.5 (1.0). CONCLUSIONS: The early growth acceleration pattern may be used as an additional clue to the diagnosis of idiopathic precocious puberty.

Birth Weight↗
PubMed2006

Prevalence of obesity in elementary schoolchildren living in Northeast Attica, Greece.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of obesity and obesity trend in schoolchildren living in Northeast Attica, Greece. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Mean (standard deviation) and median weight and BMI were calculated in 4131 (2054 boys and 2077 girls) 6- to 11-year-old Greek schoolchildren living in Northeast Attica between November 2003 and April 2004. Two hundred thirty-six (95 boys, 141 girls) immigrant children also participated in the study. The secular trend for obesity was determined comparing our data with those of a similar study performed in 1994. RESULTS: Of boys, 27.8% were overweight, and 12.3% were obese. For girls, the corresponding values were 26.5% for overweight and 9.9% for obesity. There was an increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the last 10 years in both sexes. For boys, overweight increased by 4.2% and obesity by 2.9%, whereas, for girls, overweight increased by 3.8% and obesity by 1.6%. Overweight and obesity were less prevalent in the immigrant children compared with their Greek peers. For immigrant boys, overweight was 15.9% and obesity was 7.9%, and for immigrant girls, overweight was 15.2% and obesity was 8.7%. DISCUSSION: Greek schoolchildren living in Northeast Attica present a high prevalence of overweight and obesity and a positive secular change in the prevalence of obesity.

Body Mass Index↗
PubMed2006

The growth of children in relation to the timing of obesity development.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether there is an association between the timing of the development of obesity and children's growth. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: This study investigated 141 prepubertal obese children (76 girls) and 72 healthy non-obese children (39 girls). The target height standard deviation score (SDS), the percentage weight for height, and the height SDS (H-SDS) at presentation and at the age of 2 years were calculated. Patients were classified, according to whether obesity developed before or after the age of 3 years, as presenting with early-onset or late-onset obesity, respectively. RESULTS: Mean age (+/-SD) at presentation was 9.4 (2.1) years. At the age of 2 years, the H-SDS of the children with early-onset obesity was 1.3 (1.0) vs. 0.9 (1.3) for the late-onset obese (p > 0.5) and 0.4 (1.0) for controls (p < 0.001), and the children with late-onset obesity were also significantly taller than controls (p < 0.005). At presentation, children with early-onset obesity were significantly taller than children with late-onset obesity [1.1 (0.8) vs. 0.6 (1.0); p < 0.001] and controls [0.2 (0.8); p < 0.001]. There was no increase in H-SDS after the age of 2 years in the late-onset obese children (p > 0.05). H-SDS values were below average in 21% of the children with late-onset obesity and in only 4% of the children with early-onset obesity. DISCUSSION: These findings indicate that late development of obesity is not associated with increased stature in prepubertal children; however, it may be preceded by growth acceleration in the early years of life. Growth acceleration in early life may be a predictor for future obesity.

Body Height↗
PubMed2006

UGT1A1 promoter polymorphism as a predisposing factor of hyperbilirubinaemia in neonates with acute pyelonephritis.

We describe 4 jaundiced neonates with acute pyelonephritis of whom family history was positive for or pointed to Gilbert's syndrome (GS). Uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT-1A1), (TA)7 polymorphism, associated with GS was found in these neonates. We suggest that extended (TA)7 promoter, acting as a predisposing factor, contributes substantially to hyperbilirubinaemia seen in a number of neonates with urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Female↗
PubMed2006

Ovarian insufficiency in congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia begins in infancy.

The aim of the present study was to investigate ovarian function in a 46,XX female patient with congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia (lipoid CAH) during infancy and childhood. We measured serum gonadotropin and estradiol levels regularly from 6 months to 10.9 years of age. Serum FSH levels were clearly elevated during the first 2 years of life; they decreased gradually until the age of 5 years and they then fell into the normal range for a prepubertal female. Serum LH levels were elevated until the age of 2 years and they then fell into the normal range. Serum estradiol levels were always in the normal prepubertal range. Pelvic ultrasonography performed at the age of 9 months and at 9.8 years of age showed normal uterine and ovarian morphology for a prepubertal female. In conclusion, our data suggest that ovarian insufficiency in lipoid CAH begins in infancy.

Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital↗