Background: Preeclampsia constitutes a major health problem with substantial maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to detect the diagnostic efficacy of fetal Doppler in predicting adverse outcomes in severe late onset preeclampsia (LOP). Methods: A prospective study was conducted among childbearing women who presented with severe LOP and matched controls. Umbilical artery (UA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) Doppler indices including pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D) and cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) were measured. Results: All UA indices were significantly higher in the case group compared to the controls (p < 0.001). UA PI and RI were significantly correlated with all neonatal adverse outcomes except cord pH status (p < 0.05). Abnormal CPR was the most sensitive index that positively correlated with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), low 5- minute Apgar score and neonatal intensive care unit admission (79, 72.8 and 73.3%, respectively). In the same context, Abnormal UA PI and RI represented the most specific tool for predicting IUGR, low 1- and 5- minutes Apgar score with positive predictive values were 52, 87 and 57%, respectively. Conclusion: In severe LOP, UA Doppler remains the preferential indicator for adverse birth outcomes with CPR is the best index that could be solely used for predicting such outcome.

Background: Adolescence is a unique stage of human life characterized by intense physical growth and development. Making poor choices regarding dietary behavior, physical activity, and lifestyle can put adolescents at risk of several diseases. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of malnutrition among Egyptian adolescents. Methodology: A cross-sectional study in which a structured interview questionnaire was administered to 4064 young adolescents aged 10–14 recruited from 11 Egyptian governorates. Data about the participants’ anthropometric parameters, dietary patterns, and lifestyles were collected. Results: The overall prevalence of short stature, overweight/obesity, and wasting was 18.4% (95% CI 17.2%, 19.6%), 37.5% (95% CI 36%, 39%), and 4.8% (95% CI 4.2%, 5.5%), respectively. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to predict the risk factors of overweight, wasting, and stunting. Frequent eating of midnight snacks (OR = 1.368, 95% CI 1.081, 1.730), large consumption of chips (OR = 2.052, 95% CI 1.511, 2.788), and extended TV watching (OR = 1.195, 95% CI 1.038, 1.375) are significant risk factors for overweight. Wasting was less likely to occur with regular intake of vegetables (OR = 0.609, 95% CI 0.372, 0.997) and nuts (OR = 0.406, 95% CI 0.185, 0.887). Female adolescents and unemployed status fathers were risk factors associated with stunting (OR = 1.236, 95% CI 1.047, 1.459, and OR = 1.537, 95%CI 1.078, 2.190). Frequent intake of milk and milk products was less likely associated with stunting (OR = 0.682, 95% CI 0.542, 0.855). Conclusion: Unhealthy lifestyles such as extended TV viewing and unhealthy diet and snacks are associated with an increased risk of obesity and stunting in Egyptian adolescents.

Background: Preeclampsia constitutes a major health problem with substantial maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Purpose: The aim of this study was to detect the diagnostic efficacy of fetal Doppler in predicting adverse outcomes in severe late onset preeclampsia (LOP). Methods: A prospective study was conducted among childbearing women who presented with severe LOP and matched controls. Umbilical artery (UA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) Doppler indices including pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D) and cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) were measured. Results: All UA indices were significantly higher in the case group compared to the controls (p  0.001). UA PI and RI were significantly correlated with all neonatal adverse outcomes except cord pH status (p  0.05). Abnormal CPR was the most sensitive index that positively correlated with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), low 5- minute Apgar score and neonatal intensive care unit admission (79 %, 72.8 % and 73.3 %, respectively). In the same context, Abnormal UA PI and RI represented the most specific tool for predicting IUGR, low 1- and 5- minutes Apgar score with PPV values were 52 %, 87 % and 57 %, respectively. Discussion: Doppler flow ultrasound has emerged as a non-invasive tool for fetomaternal surveillance in high risk pregnancies and prediction of adverse-pregnancy outcomes particularly in a limited-resource settings. Conclusion: In severe LOP, UA Doppler remains the preferential indicator for adverse birth outcomes with CPR is the best index that could be solely used for predicting such outcome.

Background: In developing countries, the estimate of suboptimal nutrition-related morbidity and mortality among infants and young children is still very high. The study aimed at identifying the barriers to optimal infant and young child feeding practices (IYCF), assessing the impact on children’s nutritional status, and proposing solutions to improve health outcomes and reduce malnutrition in Lower Egypt. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at four primary health facilities providing maternal and child health care in two selected governorates located in Lower Egypt. A structured interview survey gathering data on maternal feeding practices related to infants and young children, clinical and nutritional status of infants, and their nutrient daily intake was administered to 235 mother–infant pairs. Results: Exclusive breastfeeding was significantly reported in 55.8% (p < 0.001), being optimum in only 8.9% of infants, and significantly predicted in mothers aged 25–29 years. Complementary feeding was initiated at ≥ 6 months in 58.3% of infants with commercial recipes being the predominant choice (p < 0.001). Cessation of breastfeeding (34.5%) was mainly associated with maternal perception of insufficient breast milk (16.2%) and significantly associated with female gender (p < 0.001), rural residence (p < 0.001), maternal age (25–29 years), parental occupation, and paternal education (p < 0.001). Calcium (58.7%), vitamin B2 (45.1%), and vitamin C (55.7%) were the only nutrients adequately consumed. Conclusions: In Egypt, infant and young feeding practices are still far from the recommended levels, particularly among rural communities and mothers aged 25–29 years. Implementing future research and health education strategies aimed at supporting appropriate infant and young child feeding practices can play a key role in promoting better feeding habits and lowering malnutrition rates.

Background: Preeclampsia constitutes a major health problem with substantial maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to detect the diagnostic efficacy of fetal Doppler in predicting adverse outcomes in severe late onset preeclampsia (LOP). Methods: A prospective study was conducted among childbearing women who presented with severe LOP and matched controls. Umbilical artery (UA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) Doppler indices including pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D) and cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) were measured.Results: All UA indices were significantly higher in the case group compared to the controls (p < 0.001). UA PI and RI were significantly correlated with all neonatal adverse outcomes except cord pH status (p < 0.05). Abnormal CPR was the most sensitive index that positively correlated with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), low 5- minute Apgar score and neonatal intensive care unit admission (79 %, 72.8 % and 73.3 %, respectively). In the same context, Abnormal UA PI and RI represented the most specific tool for predicting IUGR, low 1- and 5- minutes Apgar score with positive predictive values were 52 %, 87 % and 57 %, respectively.Conclusion: In severe LOP, UA Doppler remains the preferential indicator for adverse birth outcomes with CPR is the best index that could be solely used for predicting such outcome.