Preethi Somanathen Pillai

Abstract

Background: GFR (Glomerular filtration rate) is the amount of blood filtered by the kidney’s glomerulus into the Bowman ’s capsule per unit of time. Schwartz equation is the length based calculation of estimated GFR (e GFR). Pottel’s equation is length independent one. The aim of the study is to find out the mean eGFR values in different age groups using the height dependent Schwartz formula in children 2-12 years. Secondary objective is to find out the relationship between eGFR and birth weight, gestational age, family history of renal disease and past history of urinary tract infection and to compare eGFR calculated by height dependent Schwartz formula and height independent Pottel’s equation Materials and Methods: 700 children in the age group 2 to 12 years were included in the study. After obtaining written informed consent from the child’s guardian, pessronal details and serum creatinine values were collected. Height was measured using a stadiometer. Estimated GFR values were calculated using Schwartz formula and results were statistically analysed. Results: Where GFR values by Schwartz formula were compared with inulin based GFR as in referenced study, it was found out that in certain ages there was statistically significant difference. Among the determinants studied, there was a weak positive correlation between gestational age and eGFR. eGFR by Schwartz formula was also compared with eGFR based on height independent Pottel’s equation and was found that there was statistically significant difference between absolute values, but they show a positive correlation Conclusion: 1: There was no statistically significant correlation between birth weight, family history of renal disease and past history of urinary tract infection with eGFR; 2: There was a weak positive correlation between gestational age at birth and eGFR; 3: When eGFR by Schwartz formula was compared with eGFR by Pottel’s equation, there was a positive correlation between the two, though the absolute values differed significantly; 4: Normative data of this study can be used for predicting eGFR in children 2-12 years.   Keywords: GFR, Schwartz formula, Pottel’s equation.

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Abstract

Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders of childhood. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the status of iron stores in children with ADHD and to investigate a possible correlation between serum ferritin levels and severity of ADHD. Materials and Methods: 60 children aged 3-12 years of age who were diagnosed to have ADHD as per the ICD 10 research Criteria for Hyperkinetic Disorder, were included in this study. After obtaining written informed consent from the child’s guardian, severity score of ADHD was determined using Conner’s Parent Rating Scale(CPRS), and blood investigations including Hb, PCV, blood indices, RDW, and serum ferritin were sent and results were statistically analysed Results: Serum ferritin levels were between 15-30 ng/ml in 16 children (26.7%) and more than 30 in 44 children (73.3%). The CPRS severity scores were found to be higher among children belonging to the combined (72.7%) and hyperactive (59.4%) categories than among those belonging to the inattentive category (23.5%). The haemoglobin level was found to be low as per the WHO standards in only 3 out of the 60 children studied. All 3 children with Hb Conclusions: The iron status in children with ADHD in our study was not suggestive of iron deficiency. Iron deficiency probably occurs in a subset of children with ADHD and illy found. The study also did not find any significant correlation between serum ferritin levels and the severity scores of ADHD on CPRS. Keywords: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Serum ferritin, Hyperactivity, Impulsivity

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