Sociodemographic factors of Environmental Enteropathy among Egyptian infants and children; A Retrospective Case–Control Study

Sociodemographic factors of Environmental Enteropathy among Egyptian infants and children; A Retrospective Case–Control Study

 

May Fouad Nassar (1), Ehab Khairy Emam (1), Mohamed Farouk Allam (2), Ahmed Mohamed Hamdy (3), Bassma A Abdelhaleem (1), Nehal Ahmed Radwan (4), Abeer Mohamed Emam (1), Haya Essam Ibrahim (1)

 

1. Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Clinical Nutrition Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Egypt.

2. Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Egypt.

3. Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Egypt.

4. Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Egypt.

 

Clin Ter 2026; 177 (3):525-531. doi: 10.7417/CT.2026.2037

 

Abstract

 

Background. There is substantial evidence that nutritional rehabilitation does not effectively resolve growth faltering in low- and middleincome countries, suggesting that environmental enteropathy (EE) may be a key underlying factor. EE is a chronic, subclinical condition associated with poor environmental conditions and limited resources in these regions. It is marked by pathological changes in the small intestine that impair the absorption of both macronutrients and micronutrients, ultimately contributing to growth faltering.

Objective. to assess the sociodemographic factors underlying the EE among infants and children with faltering growth (FG) in our community.

Patients and methods. This retrospective case control study enrolled 200 cases of primary faltering growth infants and children aged from 6 months to 5 years old after exclusion of secondary cases. Enrolled patients were divided into refractory cases and responsive cases to nutritional rehabilitation programs and sociodemographic factors were assessed among the 2 groups. No routine endoscopy was done nor existing histopathology findings were available.

Results. The results of this study revealed that out of the 200 enrolled patients 170 responded to the tailored nutritional program (responsive controls), while 30 patients were considered as refractory cases. On comparing the two groups, there were significantly higher frequencies of housewife mothers, non-skilled manual worker fathers, rural and slum residency, and low socioeconomic status among the refractory cases with p-values of 0.024, 0.002, 0.022, and 0.045 respectively.

Conclusion. Malnutrition is a complex condition with multifactorial causes, including socioeconomic factors besides the deficiencies in protein, energy, and essential micronutrients. In developing countries, EE is recognized as a significant contributor to the burden of malnutrition percolating their response to the nutritional rehabilitation program. Non-responders to nutritional rehabilitation program should be referred for endoscopy to confirm the diagnosis of EE.

 

Keywords: Pediatric Malnutrition, Growth Faltering, Sociodemographic factors.

 

https://www.clinicaterapeutica.it/ojs/index.php/1/article/view/1555/1041

 

Sociodemographic and Clinical Characteristics of Diabetic Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease In 2 Centers

Sociodemographic and Clinical Characteristics of Diabetic Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease In 2 Centers

Emad Ahmed Hussein (1), Hala Ahmed Talkhan (2), Mohamed Farouk Allam (3)*, Amr Nabil Kamel (1), Marwa Rushdy Elnajjar (2), Mohamed Mahmoud Zaki (1)

 

1. Department of Vascular Surgery, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

2. Department of Clinical Pathology, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

3. Department of Family Medicine Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University 11566 Abbasia, Cairo, Egypt.

 

DOI: 10.21608/asmj.2025.360251.1391

 

Abstract

Background: Comparing revascularization outcomes between the UK and Egypt helps identify clinical differences, outcome predictors, and healthcare disparities, guiding context-specific management for diabetic patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Aim: This study aimed to assess the clinical characteristics, outcomes, and predictors among patients undergoing revascularization in two tertiary centres. Methods: From March 2019 to December 2021, diabetic PAD patients undergoing revascularization were recruited from Royal Free Hospital (RFH), London, UK, and Ain Shams University Hospitals (ASUHs), Cairo, Egypt. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only 43 patients were included—17 from RFH and 26 from ASUHs—and followed for 3 months post-procedure. Sociodemographic data, medical history, and outcomes were collected. Egyptian patients also underwent pre- and postoperative testing for vascular inflammatory biomarkers: hsCRP, D-dimer, fibrinogen, Cystatin C, and LDL. Results: RFH patients were significantly older than ASUHs patients (70.1 vs. 60.5 years, p=0.004). Most were male (82.4% RFH, 84.6% ASUHs). ASUHs patients had higher rates of smoking (65.4% vs. 35.3%), obesity (50% vs. 11.8%, p=0.01), and hypercholesterolemia (76.9% vs. 17.6%, p=0.000). RFH patients had more renal insufficiency (58.8% vs. 3.8%, p=0.000) and foot ulcers (82.4% vs. 39.5%, p=0.006). Despite differences, favourable outcomes were similar (82.4% RFH vs. 88.5% ASUHs). Among ASUHs patients, postoperative reductions in LDL (p=0.03) and Cystatin C (p=0.13) were associated with better outcomes. Conclusion: ASUHs patients were younger and had different risk profiles, but clinical outcomes were comparable. Biomarker changes may help predict post-revascularization recovery.

 

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, endovascular treatment, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, peripheral arterial disease, surgical revascularization, smoking, Royal Free University Hospitals, Ain Shams University Hospitals, Egypt, UK.

 

https://asmj.journals.ekb.eg/article_487106.html

Tunis 2026: Shaping a New Era of Patient-Centered Respiratory Care in North Africa

 Tunis 2026: Shaping a New Era of Patient-Centered Respiratory Care in North Africa

The North African Respiratory Interdisciplinary Forum is more than a medical meeting—it marks the beginning of a transformative new era in respiratory patient care across the region.

Our mission is to place the patient at the heart of care.

The International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG) has developed a robust suite of tools for primary care that now serve as foundational pillars of this new model. The Forum’s educational approach is inspired by contemporary pedagogical methods. Innovative formats such as the Inhaler Game, World Café, and Escape Room create engaging, interactive learning experiences that go beyond traditional lectures.

We warmly invite you to take part in this dynamic shift in respiratory care by participating in the North African Respiratory Interdisciplinary Forum.

 

The programme and website

https://ipcrg2026.org/index.php/scientific-programme/

 

Abstract submission

https://www.ipcrg.org/tunis-2026-8-reasons-to-submit-an-abstract-before-22-february

Psorisbye: Psoriasis, Atopic Dermatitis and Otic Eczema

Psorisbye: Psoriasis, Atopic Dermatitis and Otic Eczema

 

Innovation in healthcare is built on research, evidence, and intellectual property protection. Our topical therapy development is supported by an invention patent approved by the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism (Ref. 202030824, granted on February 14, 2023).

 

This work is the result of the research group led by José Miguel Ingelmo Calvo, José Ruiz Cobo, and Mohamed Farouk Allam, and has been reinforced by multiple peer-reviewed scientific publications in the field of dermatology between 2023 and 2024.

 

1- José Miguel Ingelmo Calvo, José Ruiz Cobo, Mohamed Farouk Allam. New Topical Treatment for Psoriasis: A Case Report. Journal of Exploratory Research in Pharmacology 2023;8(3):263-265. https://doi.org/10.14218/JERP.2023.00015         

2- José Miguel Ingelmo Calvo, José Ruiz Cobo, Mohamed Farouk Allam. A Report of Three Cases with Moderate Psoriasis Treated with New Topical Treatment. Global Journal of Medical Case Reports 2023;3(1):16-20. https://doi.org/10.31586/gjmcr.2023.714

3- José Miguel Ingelmo Calvo, José Ruiz Cobo, Mohamed Farouk Allam. NewTopical Treatment for Atopic Dermatitis. European Journal of Medical and Health Sciences 2024;6(2):17-19. https://doi.org/10.24018/ejmed.2024.6.2.2067

4- José Miguel Ingelmo Calvo, José Ruiz Cobo, Mohamed Farouk Allam. New Topical Therapy for Moderate Psoriasis: An Open-Label, Pilot Study. International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Phytopharmacological Research 2024;14(2):31-4. https://doi.org/10.51847/8b1eX1xZRO

5- José Miguel Ingelmo Calvo, José Ruiz Cobo, Mohamed Farouk Allam. Innovative Topical Therapy for Otic Eczema. European Journal of Clinical Medicine 2024;5(3):1-2. https://doi.org/10.24018/clinicmed.2024.5.3.334

6- José Miguel Ingelmo Calvo, José Ruiz Cobo, Mohamed Farouk Allam. Innovative Topical Therapy for Extensive Psoriasis: A New Approach to Treatment. European Journal of Medical and Health Sciences 2024;6(6):6-8. http://dx.doi.org/10.24018/ejmed.2024.6.6.2200

The Dark Side of Long COVID-19: Impaired Cardiac Function, Quality of Life and Functional Capacity in Egyptian Long COVID-19 Patients

The Dark Side of Long COVID-19: Impaired Cardiac Function, Quality of Life and Functional Capacity in Egyptian Long COVID-19 Patients

Ghadeer Abdelhafez Abdellatef Assal , Lamyaa Said El Bagoury , Prithwish Banerje , Yasser Alaaeldin Mahmoud Abdellatif , Mona Mostafa Rayan , Mohamed Farouk Allam

 

QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, Volume 118, Issue Supplement_1, November 2025, hcaf224.078, https://doi.org/10.1093/qjmed/hcaf224.078

 

Abstract

Introduction. Long COVID-19 remains a complex health issue, with dyspnea being one of the most prevalent symptoms. While most studies have focused on its respiratory effects, its impact on cardiac function has received less attention. This study aimed to assess how Long COVID-19 affects functional capacity, cardiac function, and quality of life, providing a more comprehensive understanding of its long-term consequences.

Methodology. The present study included 34 patients with Long COVID- 19 who presented to Ain Shams University Hospitals (Cairo, Egypt) between February 2022 and December 2022, at least four weeks after acute COVID-19 infection. Patients exhibited varying degrees of initial disease severity and reported symptoms such as dyspnea, chest pain, or palpitations. Each participant underwent assessment using the Euro Quality of Life (EuroQol) questionnaire, the 6- Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and echocardiography, including two-dimensional left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS).

Results. Dyspnea was the most frequently reported cardiovascular symptom, affecting 94.1% of patients, followed by chest pain (67.6%) and palpitations (64.7%). The study population ranged in age from 18 to 67 years, with a predominance of females (85.3%). Only 2.9% were smokers, while 76.5% had pre-existing chronic conditions, most commonly atopy and vitamin D deficiency. All patients reported a significantly decreased quality of life compared to their pre-COVID-19 state (P < 0.001). Notably, 25% of participants exhibited oxygen desaturation during the 6MWT, and 20.6% had impaired GLS (defined as GLS above -16%). Patients with abnormal GLS were more likely to have diabetes mellitus, a history of oxygen therapy during acute infection, and less colchicine use compared to those with normal GLS (GLS below -18%). Furthermore, abnormal GLS correlated with reduced walking distance in the 6MWT, diastolic dysfunction, and impaired right ventricular (RV) systolic function, as indicated by decreased tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) measurements.

Conclusion. Long COVID-19 significantly affects functional capacity and quality of life. A subset of patients demonstrates subtle left ventricular systolic dysfunction, as evidenced by impaired GLS despite a preserved ejection fraction. These findings highlight the need for long-term cardiac follow-up and potential management strategies to address lingering cardiovascular impairments in Long COVID-19 patients.

 

Keywords. Long COVID-19, Dyspnea, Quality of life, 6-Minute Walk Test, Echocardiography, Global longitudinal strain, EuroQOL questionnaire, Post-COVID syndrome

https://academic.oup.com/qjmed/article-abstract/118/Supplement_1/hcaf224.078/8341257?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=false