Effect of long-term glucocorticoid therapy on cardiac functions in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Background: Glucocorticoids play an important role in cardiac physiology. Chronic exposure and higher doses may cause adverse effects on the myocardium, especially in young patients receiving long-term therapy.

Objective: To assess cardiac function in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and its relation to glucocorticoid dose and therapy duration.

Nutritional rickets: vitamin D, calcium, and the genetic make-up.

Background: The prevalence of vitamin D (vitD) deficiency presenting as rickets is increasing worldwide. Insufficient sun exposure, vitD administration, and/or calcium intake are the main causes. However, vitD system-related genes may also have a role.