Health check Qatar by Ravi Nair

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ISSUE 17

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

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Qatar Celebrates

World Hepatitis Day 2015

I QATAR TO HOST GCC DRUG PRICING THE STATE OF QATAR IS TO HOST THE 22ND MEETING OF THE GCC DRUG PRICING COMMITTEE ON MONDAY, 27 JULY

r. Aisha Ibrahim al Ansari, director of the Pharmacy and Drug Control Department at the Supreme Council of Health (SCH), said that the meeting, which is scheduled to last for four days, will discuss, examine, and price the medicines in the State of Qatar, and will discuss the recommendations on the pricing of generic drugs registered in GCC countries, given in Bahrain by the Gulf Central Committee for Drug Registration (GCC-DR). The committee will also discuss the action on the acceleration of the process of pricing the undecided medicines, the companies’ perspective, and the agenda of the committee for the coming phases. The SCH official stressed that standardizing the price of medicines aims mainly to provide high-quality medicines at reasonable prices. She added that the first and second phases of the decision to standardize the prices of medicines in the GCC member states were completed and that the third phase of standardizing the generic and innovative medicines is being implemented. It is to be mentioned that the innovative medicine is the medicine produced by a pharmaceutical company and for which it holds a patent right for a number of years, after which the door is opened for the other companies to produce the same medicine under a different name, which is known as a generic medicine.

n cooperation with Hamad Medical Corporation and Primary Health Care Corporation, the Supreme Council of Health organizes some awareness activities which are aiming to educate people by acquainting them with different hepatitis’ viruses, causes of infection, transmission, living healthy life with chronic hepatitis, prevention, and treatment. Qatar has developed a number of preventive strategies which involve regular check-up for citizens and residents, children regular checkups, premarital medical tests. Also, Qatar pays attention for pre-employment health screening especially for jobs of high risk transmission as health care personnel and food handlers. Moreover, blood gets tested for infectious diseases in blood banks and for the sake of high risk related persons like renal failure patients on dialysis. Since the last decade, Qatar provided hepatitis B vaccine in its immunization program for children, then it became provided for adults. On the side of

QATAR PARTICIPATES IN WORLD HEPATITIS DAY ON 23 JULY 2015. THE THEME FOR THIS YEAR’S WORLD HEPATITIS DAY IS “PREVENT HEPATITIS. ACT NOW”. treatment, Qatar has adopted a strategy by which the most recent medications is prescribed for hepatitis patients. Qatar is cooperating with World Health Organization (WHO) to ensure effective responds to this challenge by using best preventive guidelines, taking treatment measures, exerting efforts that are aiming to reduce drugs prices in order to increase the affordability of drugs for all hepatitis patients. In line with the approach

of the Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean in composing a technical teamwork from all the concerned departments such as surveillance, diagnosis, care and treatment, Qatar is sharing WHO its commitment to defeat hepatitis through increasing scientific–based preventive and therapeutic services to be an excellent example in the field of integrated health care services delivery. Viral hepatitis is one of the most infectious and dangerous diseases in the

Middle East. According to WHO’s reports 4.3 million people are infected with hepatitis B, 800,000 people are infected with hepatitis C, while nearly 50% of children in the age of 15 will be experienced with the infection of hepatitis A. Hepatitis is a global health problem which affects the health of millions of people. Approximately, 1.45 million deaths from viral hepatitis each year. The regional theme of this year’s day is “Prevent hepatitis B and C”.

ISQua’s 32nd International Conference

he International Society for Quality in Health Care is a society at the forefront of Inspiring, Promoting and Supporting Continuous Improvement in the Quality and Safety of Healthcare Worldwide. ISQua is a global organisation whose origins date back to 1984 when it created a network for clinicians, managers, policy makers, academics and others to share knowledge easily and promote Quality and Safety of Healthcare Globally. The ISQua Network develops partnerships which improve

the delivery of health care for patients, their families and the organisations administering that care. One of ISQua’s key partners is the World Health Organisation (WHO) who they assist with technical and policy advice as well as knowledge sharing. Educating is also a large part of ISQua, they offer a unique Fellowship Programme, made up of learning activities, networking opportunities, skills development and education, through the world’s largest network of quality in health care professionals.

ISQua is probably best known for its International Accreditation Programme. They are responsible for assessing the standards of organisations who set the benchmarks in healthcare safety and quality worldwide. ISQua is the only organisation who “accredits the accreditors”. ISQua holds an annual International Conference, which is considered to be one of the leading International Scientific Meetings in Quality and Safety in Healthcare.

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Wednesday, August 26, 2015

... REPORT ...

Launch of “Choose Healthy Eating Habits” Campaign

T THE SUPREME COUNCIL OF HEALTH (SCH), THE RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITY FOR HEALTHCARE ISSUES IN THE STATE, LAUNCHED ITS “CHOOSE HEALTHY EATING HABITS” CAMPAIGN WITH THE AIM OF PROMOTING THE SOCIETY’S AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF HEALTHY EATING.

his initiative comes as part of an extensive awareness campaign launched by SCH last month under the slogan “Our Future Lies in our Health” with the purpose of encouraging all segments of society to follow a healthy lifestyle and abandon harmful daily habits. The initiative also comes as part of the SCH’s vision to build a healthy future for the State of Qatar within the framework of the considerable efforts it exerts to develop the health sector in the state, which is in line with the National Health Strategy (NHS) 2011-2016 and in fulfillment of the Human Development pillar of the Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030. The “Choose Healthy Eating Habits” campaign will provide many awareness messages, activities and events that emphasize the importance of healthy eating and of having a balanced dietary system on a daily basis, as well as the role of these foods in the overall physical health and immunity to illnesses. In addition, it will offer information about the essential nutrients, how to prevent obesity and appropriate diets for different age groups. In this context, SCH emphasized that: “Healthy eating is one of the vital issues at the moment worldwide. Thanks to our incessantly developing health sector, we

are able to support building a society that is healthier, both physically and psychologically, through the dissemination of preventative methods, promotion of health education, and emphasis on the importance of a healthy dietary system”. SCH pointed out that this campaign is in line with its educational role towards all segments of society, saying that “it aims to reduce obesity, attract consumers towards healthy and organic foods, and raise the awareness about the harmful effects of junk food, as well as to assert the importance of proper nutrition and balanced dietary system in our daily lives.” The “Our Future Lies in our Health” campaign will be ongoing for a year, focusing on the following three key awareness messages: Eat healthy, stop smoking and get active. SCH aims to get these messages across via numerous means and activities, on top of which are the awareness seminars at the public and private institutions, the distribution of pamphlets and brochures on the importance of healthy eating and sports in supporting the individual’s physical and psychological state, interviews with the public at public places such as malls, and social and educational events that address all segments of the community, taking into account the cultural diversity in Qatar.

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Wednesday, August 26, 2015

... HEALTH QUIZ ...

MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT FATIGUE s r e w s n A Quiz Question 1 = B Regular, moderate aerobic activity, like walking, is a great way to perk up and ease your fatigue. Caffeine might give you quick energy, but isn’t a great solution. It can keep you awake at night, which can make you sleepier during the day. That’s also why, in general, it’s better to avoid naps. When you nap, you may not be tired enough at bedtime to get a full, good night’s sleep.

Question 2= B

What’s good for your fatigue? a. Taking several naps b. Walking for 30 mins c. Drinking coffee

Getting only 6 hours of sleep a night? Even if you toss and turn, you should stay in bed for 8 hours a. True b. False

You’ve taken off work a lot because you feel so tired. You should. a. Try to return to work b. Stay at home c. Get your mind off your troubles

Fatigue isn’t always caused by lack of sleep. It might be triggered by a. Depression b. Anaemia c. Rheumatoid arthritis d. Liver disease e. All of the above

You feel as if you never have the energy to get everything done. You should. a. Save the best for last b. Do the important things first c. Do only one task

You’re supposed to go out with friends tonight, but you are absolutely exhausted. You should? a. Go anyway and pay for it tomorrow b. Make an excuse and don’t go c. Call and explain why

Just being at home makes you tired. Maybe this will help a. Simplify your house b. Clean your house c. Move to a different house

Sugar is an easy way to help fatigue a. True b. False

Feeling tired? You might be able to blame this in your kitchen: a. Fiber-filled food b. Spicy foods c. Too much water

When you’re suddenly very tired, it can be a sign of dehydration a. True b. False Source: webMD.com

It’s much better to get 6 solid hours of sleep than to spend more time in bed being restless. If you wake up and it’s still very early, try reading with a dim light and go back to bed if you get sleepy. But don’t sleep late to make up for it. That will throw off your sleep schedule.

Question 3 = A It’s tempting to stay home and hide under the covers, but it can feel better to get out and into your normal routines. That said, you may need to ask for some help at work when you feel particularly bad. You could talk to your boss about flexible hours or telecommuting as a way to tackle your symptoms while staying active and productive. If you continue to feel tired, discuss it with your doctor.

Question 4 = E Maybe you didn’t sleep well last night, but there can be other reasons for your tiredness. Fatigue can be caused by a whole range of conditions, including depression, mononucleosis, anaemia, thyroid problems, liver disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. If there’s no clear cause for your problem, your doctor may want to do some tests to get to the root of your symptoms.

Question 5 = B When you’re exhausted, you might not have the energy to get much done. So prioritize -- and get your most important chores or tasks finished first. That way if you don’t get to everything, it’s OK. You won’t feel stressed or

overwhelmed, and the critical tasks will already be finished.

Question 6 = C If you have a chronic illness that makes you tired a lot, tell your friends and family about it. They can support you when you’re really at your lowest -- and help out if you need it. They’ll understand if you don’t feel up to being social. You certainly shouldn’t force yourself to go out if your body is telling you that you shouldn’t.

Question 7 = A When you have small bursts of energy, you may want to simplify your house to make things more organized. Go from room to room, when you feel well, so that things you use often are in easy reach. When items you use often are easy to find, you spend less energy. Start with rooms you use the most –like the kitchen and bathroom.

Question 8 = B What you eat can have a big effect on how you feel and how much energy you have. Sugar might give you a quick burst of energy, but when it wears off, you’ll be tired all over again. Caffeine, alcohol, and junk food also can contribute to general fatigue. The best diet is a well-rounded and healthy one.

Question 9 = B Spicy foods -- especially if you eat them near bedtime -- can hurt your sleep because of indigestion and heartburn. Fiber-rich foods, like many fruits and vegetables, help your body absorb sugar. Fiber evens out energy highs and lows, which may keep you from getting too tired. It’s also important to drink plenty of water. If you get dehydrated, your body doesn’t work well and you can feel tired.

Question 10 = A When you don’t drink enough water, your body doesn’t work like it should. You can get tired and lose energy. That’s why it’s important to stay hydrated -- so try to skip sodas and coffee and drink water instead.

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Wednesday, August 26, 2015

... MENTAL HEALTH ...

UNCONTROLLED DIABETES MIGHT BOOST DEMENTIA RISK D

iabetes patients with high rates of complications from the disease may face increased risk for dementia, a new study suggests. “We found that as diabetes progresses and an individual experiences more complications from the disease, the risk of dementia rises as well,” wrote Dr. Wei-Che Chiu, of the National Taiwan University College of Public Health, in Taipei. Better blood sugar control can help prevent the mental decline associated with diabetes, he and his colleagues said. They examined data from more than 431,000 people in Taiwan who were older than 50 and newly diagnosed with diabetes. Complications of diabetes include vision loss, kidney failure and nerve damage. Over 12 years of follow-up, more than 6 percent of the patients were diagnosed with dementia. Those with a greater number of diabetes complications were at higher risk for mental decline than

those with few or no complications. The study was published online July 9 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. “The study demonstrates why it is so crucial for people with diabetes to work closely with health care providers on controlling their blood sugar. Managing the disease can help prevent the onset of dementia later in life,” Chiu said in a journal news release. More than 29 million Americans have diabetes, according to the Endocrine Society. Of every 100 Americans with the disease, 21 have nerve damage, 27 have kidney damage and 29 to 33 have eye damage. (Source: nytsyn.com)

Too Much of social media Tied to Poor

Teen Mental Health T

eens who frequently use social media are more likely to say they struggle with mental health concerns that are not being addressed, new Canadian research reveals. At issue is the amount of time adolescents spend browsing and posting on sites such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. “It is difficult to speculate what mechanisms may link the use of social networking sites to mental health problems,” said study author Dr. Hugues Sampasa-Kanyinga, from the department of epidemiology at Ottawa Public Health in Ottawa, Canada. While the study did not prove a cause-and-effect link, Sampasa-Kanyinga noted that the “use of social networking sites can lead to poor mental health, and poor mental health may be a reason why youth use social networking sites. That said, it could be that kids with mental health problems are seeking out interactions as they are feeling isolated and alone. Or it could be that greater time online exposes one to more opportunities for cyberbullying, for instance.” Sampasa-Kanyinga and study co-author Dr. Rosamund Lewis reported their findings online recently in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking. In the study, the researchers analyzed part of a youth health survey that tallied responses from more than 750 students who were enrolled in grades 7 through 12 (average age of 14) in Ottawa. Just over a quarter said they accessed social networking sites for more than two hours every day, while about a fifth said they never did or did so rarely. More than half (54 percent) said they surfed such sites, but for two hours or less daily. Nearly two-thirds described their mental health status as either “excellent” or “very good.” About a fifth said their mental state was “good,” while about 17 percent described it as “poor.”

In addition, about a quarter said they had mental health support needs that were going unmet, while the remainder said they were getting the help they felt they needed. About 13 percent said they had contemplated suicide. Ultimately, the study authors determined that teens who accessed online sites two or more hours per day were more likely to describe their mental health as “poor” and less likely to have their own perceived needs for mental health support addressed. Nevertheless, she stressed that “everything is a matter of balance,” and cautioned against drawing a direct cause-and-effect link between social networking and poor mental health among teens. “A simple use of social networking sites cannot fully explain by itself the occurrence of mental health problems,” Sampasa-Kanyinga said. “There are several factors that could interact to explain mental health outcomes,” she said, including substance use, bullying, body image and weight concerns, and family history and context. That said, she advised parents to limit their child’s social networking time to under two hours a day, while remaining on the lookout for mood changes, dietary shifts, sleep issues and unusual behavior. Scott Campbell, an associate professor of communication studies at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, described the study as “interesting,” while suggesting that the effort “actually raises more questions than it helps answer.” Campbell, who was not involved with the study, pointed out that asking teens to quantify hours spent online is unreliable, given that Internet use - unlike, say, movies - is not easily measured in blocks of time. He also said that “the social implications of social network sites are highly dependent on how people use them, not just how much they use them.” “Generally speaking,” Campbell said, “I would add that too much of anything is going to have negative implications, whether it be kale or social media.” But he said more research would be needed to develop “a more nuanced picture of how different uses of social network sites by youth are associated with mental health indicators.” (Source: HealthDay News)

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Wednesday, August 26, 2015

... WOMEN HEALTH ...

MENSTRUATION AND THE FEMALE BRAIN: How Fluctuating Hormone Levels Impact Cognitive Function DAYS BEFORE YOUR PERIOD YOU MAY FEEL AS IF YOU’RE WALKING AROUND IN A MENTAL FOG. DURING PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME (PMS), HORMONES BEGIN TO FLUCTUATE AND ALTER THE LEVELS OF BRAIN CHEMICALS THAT KEEP YOU BALANCED AND ALERT, BUT WHAT EXACTLY HAPPENS TO THE BRAIN DURING YOUR PERIOD?

THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE: MENSTRUATION Typically, women go through monthly bleeding as the body sheds the lining of the uterus while menstrual blood flows from it through the small opening in the cervix and through the vagina. Most menstrual periods last from three to five days, says the Office on Women’s Health, with the average menstrual cycle lasting 28 days long. A regular menstrual cycle exists when periods come regularly, hinting that important parts of the body are working normally. It is the very rise and fall of hormone levels during the month that control the menstrual cycle.

THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF OESTROGEN AND THE FEMALE BRAIN The levels of oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone — the three major hormones that control the menstrual cycle — are relatively low during the first day of bleeding. Usually, after the first few days, there will be a surge of oestrogen levels that will stimulate the release of endorphins that eliminate the mental change or hormonal cloud present during PMS. “Oestrogen levels are closely linked with women’s emotional well-being as oestrogen affects parts of the brain that control emotions,” Dr. Ben Michaelis said, a clinical psychologist in New York City and author of Your Next Big Thing. He believes the first few days of menstruation usually mark the “happy time” of the month, as some women report feeling more energetic, happy, and even inspired. This is why the rise in oestrogen levels helps suppress stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. The effects of the female hormone are so potent when it comes to brain health. A 2000 study published in the journal PNAS found oestrogen increases synaptic connectivity in the hippocampus by 25 percent. The hippocampus is involved in short-term memory and decision-making. The rise in oestrogen levels during the menstrual cycle deters women from impulsive decision-making. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found greater increases in oestrogen levels across the menstrual cycle compared to impulsive behaviour during the beginning of menstruation when oestrogen levels are low. However, low oestrogen levels during the beginning of the menstrual cycle can provide benefits. Women tend to display greater brain activity when thinking about positive experience such as winning money at the start of their cycle than women who are in the other stages of the cycle. A 2008 study published in the journal PNAS confirmed what

determined if a woman is an impulsive decision-maker is what stage of the cycle she’s in and her oestrogen levels. The higher the oestrogen levels, the less impulsive a woman is likely to be.

THE RISE OF TESTOSTERONE AND THE FEMALE BRAIN While oestrogen increases synaptic connectivity, testosterone production increases a woman’s sex drive during her period, as progesterone is lowest during this time. The combination of both increasing oestrogen and testosterone levels leads women tend to feel more sexual. Pelvic congestion, or the heaviness felt during menstruation can trigger or translate to arousal. “The rise of testosterone, one of the hormones that regulate sex drive, is associated with an increased libido in women and greater sexual arousal,” Michaelis said. Moreover, it’s believed because of the additional lubrication from menstruation, this makes penetration more comfortable.

PERIOD PAIN AND THE FEMALE BRAIN Period pain is very common and often experienced by about three out of four girls and women who experience a varying intensity at some point during menstruation, according to PubMed Health. Many girls and women experience common problems like abdominal cramps and pain. However, whether the pain is mild or severe, period-induced pain can cloud your cognitive functioning. According to Michaelis, “Menstrual pain and cramps may be associated with brain changes.” Women who get painful menstrual cramps are more

likely to show changes in the volume of the brain’s grey matter. This part of the brain is brain tissue made up of nerve cell bodies as opposed to fibres that are involved in the transmission and control of pain, including emotional responses. For example, a 2010 study published in the journal Pain found there were abnormal grey matter decreases found in regions involved in pain transmission, higher level sensory processing, and affected regulation, while increases were found in regions involved in pain modulation and in regulation of endocrine function in the pain group. Period pain does not only affect grey matter, but overall cognitive functioning. Common everyday pain experienced by women each month affects their ability to perform a range of complex tasks. A 2014 study published in the journal PAIN menstrual cramps have a noticeably negative effect on a woman’s ability to perform tasks. Women with period pains had a lower performance rating comparable to their non-period counterparts as they struggled with attention-based jobs, such as competing targets and dividing their attention between two tasks.

MENSTRUATION AND BRAIN POWER A woman’s menstrual cycle affects her brain in a number of ways, for better or for worse. Oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone fluctuate during a woman’s menstrual cycle. The hippocampus, hypothalamus, and the amygdala tend to be affected the most by the oestrogen-progesterone surges and drops. The surges of these hormones can influence a woman’s mood, self-esteem, and how she connects to others. Understanding these fluctuations and their effects on the brain can help not only doctors but women comprehend why they feel the way they feel during their menstrual cycle. (Source: Medicaldaily.com)

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Wednesday, August 26, 2015

... MEDICAL SCIENCE ...

MISSING LINK DISCOVERED BETWEEN OUR BRAIN AND IMMUNE SYSTEM

he recent discovery of a “missing link” between the brain and the immune system may lead to a complete revision of biology textbooks. The link, vessels of the lymphatic system that run through the sinuses, were previously unidentified and thought not to exist. However, the true significance of the discovery lies in the potential effects this finding could have on both the study and treatment of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis. The newly discovered “central nervous system lymphatic system vessels” follow a major blood vessel down into the sinuses, an area that has been traditionally difficult to obtain images of. Their presence is causing a stir in the medical world, as the researchers responsible believe the vessels may help to explain current medical mysteries, such as why patients with Alzheimer’s disease have accumulations of large protein plaques in the brain. The fascinating discovery was made by researchers at the University Of Virginia School Of Medicine, and a study on the finding is currently available in the online journal Nature. The discovery was also made possible thanks to the work of Antoine Louveau, a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of UVA’s Dr. Jonathon Kipnis. Even Kipnis was sceptical at the authenticity of the finding at first. “I really did not believe there are structures in the body that we are not aware of. I thought the body was mapped,” he said, as reported in the press release. “I thought that these discoveries ended somewhere around the middle of the last century. But apparently they have not.” Using a recently developed method,

the team mounted the meninges, the membranes covering the brain, on a single slide so that they could be better observed. Only after doing this were they able to notice the brain’s elusive lymphatic vessels. “It’s so close to the blood vessel, you just miss it,” Kipnis said. “If you don’t know what you’re after, you just miss it.”

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR SCIENCE The team believes that the “missing link” between the brain and the immune system could explain why some diseases like Alzheimer’s can cause plaque build-up in the brain. Kipnis believes this plaque may be the result of the meningeal lymphatic vessels not efficiently removing build-up before it reaches the brain. Although scientists are currently not sure what causes cell death and tissue loss in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s, this plaque buildup is believed to play a role. It’s not just the presence of plaque in the brain that the researchers hope this discovery can shed light on. According to Kipnis, this discovery could completely change the way we perceive the neuro-immune interaction. “We believe that for every neurological disease that has an immune component to it, these vessels may play a major role,” Kipnis said. “Hard to imagine that these vessels would not be involved in a [neurological] disease with an immune component,” he added. The vessels also appear to look different with age, which has led the researchers to suggest that they may play a role in the aging process. (Source: medicaldaily.com)

New Vaccine Helps Prevent Severe Cholera Illness A vaccine in a pill protects children and adults against severe cholera, a new study shows. Cholera is an infectious disease spread through contaminated water and food. It is typically found in hot, tropical climates, the researchers explained. The results of the first real-life trial of the vaccine support its use in routine mass vaccination programs to help control cholera in more than 50 countries. In countries where the infection is common, more than 1 billion people are at risk of contracting the infectious disease, the researchers noted. Each year, there are about 2.8 million cholera cases and 91,000 deaths in regions where the disease is common, they added.

The study included nearly 270,000 people living in a slum in Dhaka, Bangladesh, the researchers said. All were over the age of 1. They were at high risk of cholera due to overcrowding and poor sanitation. The study volunteers were randomly selected to receive either the oral cholera vaccine Shanchol, the vaccine along with improved hand-washing and clean drinking water, or no intervention. The vaccine was given in two doses 14 days apart. 65% of the vaccine-only group and 66% of the vaccine/hand washing/ clean drinking water group received two complete doses. Vaccination with two doses reduced the incidence of severely dehydrating

cholera by 37% after two years in the vaccine-only group, the study found. In the vaccine/hand washing/clean drinking water group, the rate of severely dehydrating cholera dropped by 45%. Further analysis showed that vaccination reduced the risk of cholera by 53% over two years, according to the study. The results were published online July 8 in The Lancet. “Our findings show that a routine oral cholera vaccination program in cholera-endemic countries could substantially reduce the burden of disease and greatly contribute to cholera control efforts. The vaccine is cheap, two doses cost U.S. $3.70, around a third of the price of the other licensed vaccine Dukoral,” study

author Dr. Firdausi Qadri, of the International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research Bangladesh, said in a journal news release. No serious side effects were reported. The most common problems associated with the vaccine were vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever and acute watery diarrhoea. “Ultimately, the key to controlling cholera is clean water and adequate sanitation, which half the developing world [around 2.5 billion people] lack, but this remains a rather difficult reality for the world’s poorest nations as well as those affected by climate change, war and natural disasters,” Qadri said. (Source: nytsyn.com)

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Wednesday, August 26, 2015

... PAEDIATRICS & CHILD HEALTH ...

RESEARCHERS FIND ANOTHER GENE MUTATION LINKED TO CHILD LEUKAEMIA

cientists say they’ve identified a gene mutation associated with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) is the most common type of cancer in children. “This is now the second such syndrome of leukaemia susceptibility we have described recently, suggesting that there is a significant proportion of childhood leukaemia that is inherited,” said study corresponding author Dr. Kenneth Offit, chief of the clinical genetics service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York City. The mutation is in the gene ETV6, which plays a role in cancers of lymphocytes –immune cells that circulate in the blood. This gene mutation was found in

f your child has asthma or allergies, make sure his or her teacher, principal and school nurse know about it as part of your back-to-school planning, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) recommends. “More than 10 million kids under age 18 have asthma, and one in four suffer from respiratory allergies,” ACAAI President Dr. James Sublett said in a news release from the organization. “Many kids with asthma and food allergies don’t have a plan in place at school. An allergy or asthma action plan doesn’t do any good if it’s not shared with the people who can act on it,” he noted. The first step is to have allergy/asthma control measures at home, such as lowering exposure to triggers and taking prescribed medications. At school, it’s important for teachers to know your child’s asthma and allergy triggers so that they can help the youngster avoid them in the classroom. Parents should talk to principals and school nurses about how to handle allergy/asthma emergencies. All 50 states have laws that protect students’ rights to carry and use medicines for asthma and severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) at school. Children at risk for life-threatening allergic reactions from certain foods or insect stings should carry epinephrine auto-injectors and have them available for immediate use, the ACAAI said. Children with asthma and allergies should be able to take part in any school sport as long as they follow their doctor’s advice. Parents should ensure their child’s gym teacher and coaches know what to do in case of an asthma emergency. Many children with food allergies are able to identify what they can and can’t eat, but it’s helpful if other parents and your child’s friends know, too. Some schools have policies restricting treats for special occasions. If your child’s school does not, be sure to tell other parents and children what types of foods your child must avoid. (Source: HealthDay News)

several children with leukaemia who are members of the same family, the research team said. The mutation causes significant changes in the function of the gene, according to the study recently published in the journal PLoS Genetics. “This discovery continues to provide insight into inherited causes of childhood leukaemia. It allows us to prevent this cancer in future generations,” Offit said in a cancer centre news release. Other studies will examine the frequency of inherited ETV6 mutations, and other genetic and non-genetic factors that affect leukaemia risk. The research team previously found a link between childhood leukaemia and a gene called PAX5. (Source: nytsyn.com)

Add Asthma, Allergy Plans to Your Back-to-School List

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Wednesday, August 26, 2015