
Mohammed Al-BiltagiTanta University · Department of Pediatrics
Mohammed Al-Biltagi
MB.B.Ch, MSc (Pediatrics), MD (Pediatrics)
About
121
Publications
56,066
Reads
How we measure 'reads'
A 'read' is counted each time someone views a publication summary (such as the title, abstract, and list of authors), clicks on a figure, or views or downloads the full-text. Learn more
1,343
Citations
Introduction
Mohammed Al-Biltagi currently works as a professor of pediatrics; at the Department of Pediatrics, Tanta University. Mohammed does research in Pediatrics in different topics mainly cardiopulmonary and neurology.
Additional affiliations
February 2017 - February 2017
April 2015 - present
University Mediccal Center, King Abdullah Medical City, Bahrain
Position
- Consultant Pediatrics
May 2011 - November 2015
Publications
Publications (121)
Background: Resistin is an adipocyte-derived signaling polypeptide described in adipose tissue, which acts as a metabolic link between inflammation and atherosclerosis. This study aimed to assess the relation between right ventricular (RV) function assessed by echocardiography and resistin levels in recently diagnosed type-1 diabetic children.
Met...
BACKGROUND
Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health threat, and understanding local trends in bacterial isolates and their susceptibility patterns is crucial for effective infection control and antimicrobial stewardship. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has introduced additional complexities, potentially influencing these pa...
BACKGROUND
Picky eating is a commonly observed behavior among children globally, negatively impacting their physical and mental growth. Although common characteristics distinguish peaky eaters, including food selectivity, food neophobia, and food avoidance, there is no clear definition to assess this behavior. Due to the unavailability of data rega...
BACKGROUND
The relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and asthma is complex and can impact disease trajectories.
AIM
To explore the bidirectional influences between the two conditions on clinical outcomes and disease control.
METHODS
We systematically reviewed the literature on the relationship between DM and asthma, focusing on their impact...
BACKGROUND
Invasive fungal infections, particularly candidemia, pose significant clinical challenges globally. Understanding local epidemiology, species distribution, and antifungal susceptibility patterns is crucial for effective management despite regional variations.
AIM
To investigate the epidemiology, species distribution, antifungal suscepti...
BACKGROUND
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents unique challenges related to feeding and nutritional management. Children with ASD often experience feeding difficulties, including food selectivity, refusal, and gastrointestinal issues. Various interventions have been explored to address these challenges, including dietary modifications, vitamin...
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often diagnosed long after symptoms have become noticeable. This delay can make it difficult to provide early intervention, which can impact long-term outcomes. The concept of "pre-autism" highlights the phase before a formal diagnosis of ASD, providing an opportunity for earlier identification and intervention, wh...
BACKGROUND
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by heterogeneous symptoms and genetic underpinnings. Recent advancements in genetic and epigenetic research have provided insights into the intricate mechanisms contributing to ASD, influencing both diagnosis and therapeutic strategies.
AIM
To explore...
BACKGROUND
Pulse oximetry has become a cornerstone technology in healthcare, providing non-invasive monitoring of oxygen saturation levels and pulse rate. Despite its widespread use, the technology has inherent limitations and challenges that must be addressed to ensure accurate and reliable patient care.
AIM
To comprehensively evaluate the advant...
BACKGROUND
Insulin resistance and obesity present significant challenges in pediatric populations. Selenoprotein P1 (SEPP1) serves as a biomarker for assessing selenium levels in the body. While its association with metabolic syndrome is established in adults, its relevance in children remains underexplored.
AIM
To ascertain SEPP1 blood levels in...
BACKGROUND
Fecal calprotectin is a valuable biomarker for assessing intestinal inflammation in pediatric gastrointestinal diseases. However, its role, pros, and cons in various conditions must be comprehensively elucidated.
AIM
To explore the role of fecal calprotectin in pediatric gastrointestinal diseases, including its advantages and limitation...
BACKGROUND
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in social communication and repetitive behaviors. Metabolomic profiling has emerged as a valuable tool for understanding the underlying metabolic dysregulations associated with ASD.
AIM
To comprehensively explore metabolomic changes in children wi...
Microphallus/Micropenis is a rare condition with significant physical and psychological implications for affected individuals. This article comprehensively reviews micropenis, its etiology, epidemiology, and various treatment options. We conducted a thorough literature review to collect relevant information on micropenis and microphallus, as well a...
BACKGROUND
Neonatal sepsis, a formidable threat to newborns, is a leading cause of neonatal mortality, with late-onset sepsis manifesting after 72 hours post-birth being particularly concerning. Pneumonia, a prevalent sepsis presentation, poses a significant risk, especially during the neonatal phase when lung defenses are compromised. Accurate dia...
BACKGROUND
Infants' nutrition significantly influences their growth, development, and overall well-being. With the increasing demand for organic infant formula driven by the perception of health benefits and growing awareness of natural feeding options, it is crucial to conduct a comparative analysis of the gastrointestinal tolerability between org...
Autism, also known as an autism spectrum disorder, is a complex neurodevelop-mental disorder usually diagnosed in the first three years of a child's life. A range of symptoms characterizes it and can be diagnosed at any age, including adolescence and adulthood. However, early diagnosis is crucial for effective management, prognosis, and care. Unfor...
Renal tubular acidosis (RTA) can lead to renal calcification in children, which can cause various complications and impair renal function. This review provides pediatricians with a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between RTA and renal calcification, highlighting essential aspects for clinical management. The article analyzed relevan...
BACKGROUND
Down syndrome (DS) is one of the most common causes of intellectual disability. Children with DS have varying intelligence quotient (IQ) that can predict their learning abilities.
AIM
To assess the brain metabolic profiles of children with DS and compare them to standard controls, using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and correlat...
Investigating gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders relies on diagnostic tools to assess muscular contractions, peristalsis propagation and the integrity and coordination of various sphincters. Manometries are the gold standard to study the GI motor function but it is increasingly acknowledged that manometries do not provide a complete picture i...
BACKGROUND It is common for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection to occur in the gastrointestinal tract, which can present itself as an initial symptom. The severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is often reflected in the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms. COVID-19 can damage the nerve supply to the...
Background: Dietary therapies play a crucial role in managing patients, especially those who have specific types of epilepsy, display adverse effects, or are not responding to pharmacological treatments. The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat, restricted carbohydrate, and adequate protein regimen. The KD has proven to be an effective nonpharmacologi...
Grade A (Excellent): 0 Grade B (Very good): B Grade C (Good): C Grade D (Fair): 0 Grade E (Poor): 0 P-Reviewer: Masaru T, Hungary; Masyeni S, Indonesia Abstract Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of heterogeneous, multi-factorial, neurodevelopmental disorders resulting from genetic and environmental factors interplay. Infection is a signific...
Background:
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is defined as pneumonia that occurs two calendar days following endotracheal intubation or after that. It is the most common infection encountered among intubated patients. VAP incidence showed wide variability between countries.
Aim:
To define the VAP incidence in the intensive care unit (ICU) i...
Background:
Breast milk is the best and principal nutritional source for neonates and infants. It may protect infants against many metabolic diseases, predominantly obesity and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic and microvascular disease that affects all the body systems and all ages from intrauterine life to late adult...
There has been an increasing number of reported cases of acute hepatitis of unknown origin in previously healthy children since first reported on March 31, 2022. This clinical syndrome is identified by jaundice and markedly elevated liver enzymes with increased aspartate transaminase and/or alanine aminotransaminase (greater than 500 IU/L). We cond...
Abstract
Introduction
Epileptogenesis has been considered one of the most prevalent diseases affecting significant numbers of individuals worldwide. Since vitamin B12 has been reported to possess antiepileptic effects, this supports that vitamin B12 deficiency is correlated to seizure occurrence. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotect...
Pleural effusion usually causes a diagnostic dilemma with a long list of differential diagnoses. Many studies found a high prevalence of pleural effusions in critically ill and mechanically ventilated patients, with a wide range of variable prevalence rates of up to 50%-60% in some studies. This review emphasizes the importance of pleural effusion...
Play is a pleasurable physical or mental activity that enhances the child's skills involving negotiation abilities, problem-solving, manual dexterity, sharing, decision-making, and working in a group. Play affects all the brain's areas, structures, and functions. Children with autism have adaptive behavior, adaptive response, and social interaction...
Objective
This study estimates the budgetary impact of the introduction of amino-acid formula (AAF) as first-line management in the elimination diet of infants with suspected cow milk protein allergy (CMPA) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from a health-care payer’s perspective.
Methods
A global deci...
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affects all countries and populations worldwide, significantly impacting people with autism with a high risk of morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19. Approximately 25% of children with autism have an asymptomatic or symptomatic immune deficiency or dysfunction. In addition, they frequently have va...
Milk is related to many gastrointestinal disorders from the cradle to the grave due to the many milk ingredients that can trigger gastrointestinal discomfort and disorders. Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is the most common food allergy, especially in infancy and childhood, which may persist into adulthood. There are three main types of CMPA; imm...
BACKGROUND
Insulin pump therapy is a real breakthrough in managing diabetes Mellitus, particularly in children. It can deliver a tiny amount of insulin and decreases the need for frequent needle injections. It also helps to maintain adequate and optimal glycemic control to reduce the risk of metabolic derangements in different tissues. Children are...
BACKGROUND
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a prevalent cause of lower respiratory tract infections. It may be associated with hepatocellular involvement, as indicated by increased liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase (ALT).
AIM
To evaluate the rate of increased liver enzyme levels in children with acute bronchioli...
The brain and the gut are linked together with a complex, bi-path link known as the gut-brain axis through the central and enteric nervous systems. So, the brain directly affects and controls the gut through various neurocrine and endocrine processes, and the gut impacts the brain via different mechanisms. Epilepsy is a central nervous system (CNS)...
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a real challenge for humanity with high morbidity and mortality. Despite being primarily a respiratory illness, COVID-19 can affect nearly every human body tissue, causing many diseases. After viral infection, the immune system can recognize the viral antigens presented by the immune cells. This immune respons...
The transition of foods during toddlerhood and the suboptimal diets consumed in the Middle East make children susceptible to malnutrition and micro-nutrient deficiencies. Based on international recommendations, coupled with the merits of clinical studies on the application of young child formula (YCF), a group of fourteen experts from the Middle Ea...
BACKGROUND
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent gastrointestinal disorder in children and adults, which increased over the past twenty years. The Mediterranean diet is a well-known diet full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients.
AIM
To evaluate the safety, tolerability, and effects of adherence to the Mediterranean die...
Background: Recent studies indicate causal relationship between infection by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and bronchial asthma. We evaluated the incidence of bronchial asthma in children with RSV positive infection early in their childhood in a nation-wide cohort study. Methods: Children (aged between one month and 15 years) were evaluated for...
Gut microbiota has a significant role in gut development, maturation, and immune system differentiation. It exerts considerable effects on the child's physical and mental development. The gut microbiota composition and structure depend on many host and microbial factors. The host factors include age, genetic pool, general health, dietary factors, m...
BACKGROUND
Neonatal sepsis is a life-threatening disease. Early diagnosis is essential, but no single marker of infection has been identified. Sepsis activates a coagulation cascade with simultaneous production of the D-dimers due to lysis of fibrin. D-dimer test reflects the activation of the coagulation system.
AIM
To assess the D-dimer plasma l...
Cough is a common respiratory complaint driving patients to seek medical advice. Besides being a fundamental respiratory sign, it is also a crucial neurological sign. There are three main types of coughs: Reflex cough (type I), voluntary cough (type II), and evoked cough (type III). Cough is a reflex predominantly mediated by control centers in the...
Background:
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is one of the most common causes of nosocomial pneumonia in ventilated neonates. Nevertheless, its diagnosis is challenging due to the non-specific clinical parameters and the lack of sensitive biomarkers. The main objective of this study was to compare soluble triggering receptors expressed on mye...
Initial data suggest that insulin resistance (IR) is becoming more common in children and adolescents than before. IR is insulin failure in the normal plasma levels to adequately stimulate glucose uptake by the peripheral tissues such as adipose tissues and skeletal muscle, inhibit the hepatic gluconeogenesis and release of glucose into circulation...
For many years, ultrasound was thought to have no indications in pulmonary imaging because lungs are filled with air, creating no acoustic mismatch, as encountered by ultrasound wave beam. Lung ultrasound (LUS) was started in adult critical care settings to detect pleural effusion and acquired more indications over time. In the neonatal intensive c...
Autism is one of the pervasive neurodevelopmental disorders usually associated with many medical comorbidities. Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are pervasive in children, with a 46%-84% prevalence rate. Children with Autism have an increased frequency of diarrhea, nausea and/or vomiting, gastroesophageal reflux and/or disease, abdominal pain, chron...
BACKGROUND
Right ventricular (RV) function is frequently overlooked during dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) evaluation.
AIM
To evaluate RV function in children with idiopathic DCM using relatively recent echocardiographic modalities.
METHODS
We prospectively studied the cardiac function in 50 children with idiopathic DCM and 50 healthy children as a...
Background:
The central venous line is an essential component in monitoring and managing critically ill patients. However, it poses patients with increased risks of severe infections with a higher probability of morbidity and mortality.
Aim:
To define the trends of the rates of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) over four ye...
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a systemic chronic metabolic disorder characterized by increased insulin resistance and/or β- cell defects. It affects all ages from the foetal life, neonates, childhood to late adulthood. Gestational diabetes is a critical risk factor for congenital heart diseases (CHDs). Moreover, the risk increases with low maternal edu...
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presents a significant challenge to the medical profession, increasing in the presence of microbial co-infection. Bacterial and Fungal co-infections increase the risk of morbidity and mortality in patients with COVID-19. AIM To study the bacterial profile in patients with COVID-19 who need...
BACKGROUND
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presents a significant challenge to the medical profession, increasing in the presence of microbial co-infection. Bacterial and Fungal co-infections increase the risk of morbidity and mortality in patients with COVID-19.
AIM
To study the bacterial profile in patients with COVID-19 who nee...
Medical comorbidities are more common in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) than in the general population. Some genetic disorders are more common in children with ASD such as Fragile X syndrome, Down syndrome, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, neurofibromatosis type I, and tuberous sclerosis complex. Children with autism are also more prone...
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a major challenge for health systems worldwide. Molecular diagnosis is a cornerstone in the management of COVID-19. Clinicians should understand the various aspects of molecular testing that may influence their judgment and management. Cycle threshold, viral shedding, and recurrence are among the most common a...
impaired pulmonary function test. There are no studies that correlated the degree of impaired pulmonary function in children with SCD with the degree of impairment of their quality of life. Besides, it is very challenging to segregate the effect of SCD on the child's quality of life from impaired pulmonary function. Hence more studies are needed. A...
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a threat worldwide for individuals of all ages, including children. Gastrointestinal manifestations could be the initial presenting manifestation in many patients, especially in children. These symptoms are more common in patients with severe disease than in patients with non-severe disease. Appro...
Objectives:
Escherichia coli (E. coli)-induced urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection associated with frequent use of antibiotics and the increase in global antibiotic resistances. We aimed to determine the susceptibility profile of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing E. coli isolated from the urinary samples to fosfomycin...
Cough is one of the most common complaints that lead patients to see a doctor. It is not only a basic respiratory sign but also an important neurological sign. There are 3 main types of cough: reflex cough (type I), voluntary cough (type II), and evoked cough (type III). Reflex cough sensitivity may be increased in many neurological disorders, such...
Background
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is relatively common in Bahrain, and airway inflammation in patients with SCD is usually multifactorial. This study aimed to evaluate lung function and induced sputum levels of interleukin (IL)‐6 in Bahraini children and adolescents with SCD and asses their relationship with the recurrence of acute chest syndrom...
Aim:
The aim of this study was to investigate the status and effects of vitamin D supplement as adjuvant therapy in the management of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants.
Patient and methods:
Vitamin D was prospectively studied in 196 preterm neonates, 96 of them developed RDS, which further subdivided into three subgroups (su...
Purpose:
The purpose of the study is to estimate the rate of infection with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) in the main governmental tertiary care hospital in Bahrain.
Materials and methods:
All clinical samples with positive growth of CRE over 6-year period (January 2012-December 2017) were collected from the microbiology laborato...
In Bahrain, adequate epidemiological information is lacking concerning the rate of EBV infection, which could be helpful in order to develop measures to protect against EBV infections. The aim of this study, was to investigate the trend of EBV infection in Bahrain over a 15-year period, 2001-2015. The EBV serological results of 10 560 patients with...
Background:
The objective of this study was to evaluate the coronary circulation and calcification in children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis.
Methods:
A total of 50 children with ESRD and 50 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Cardiac functions and coronary blood flow were evaluated with conventional and tissue Dop...
Perinatal testicular torsion and congenital bilateral radiaoulnar synostosis are rare neonatal disorders. Four days-old male neo-nate of diabetic mother presented with painless left testicular swelling and restricted mobility of both elbows and wrist. Scrotal ultrasound revealed enlarged left testicle with small hypo echogenic necrotic areas and ab...
Background: The aim of this study was to assess the right and left ventricle functions and their strain pattern in full term neonates with sepsis and correlate these finding with the laboratory markers of neonatal sepsis.
Methods: The study included 40 full term neonates with sepsis and 40 control apparently healthy neonates subjected to examinatio...
Background: The aim of this study was to assess the right and left ventricle functions and their strain pattern in full term neonates with sepsis and correlate these finding with the laboratory markers of neonatal sepsis.
Methods: The study included 40 full term neonates with sepsis and 40 control apparently healthy neonates subjected to examinati...
Objective: The objective was to evaluate the value of cord blood cardiac troponin-T levels and tissue Doppler echocardiography in evaluation of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in infants of diabetic mothers.
Methods: A prospective study involved 60 infants of diabetic mothers and 60 healthy neonates.
Cord blood level of cardiac troponin-T was measur...
The aim was to evaluate the serum leptin level in children with protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) with and without pneumonia. The study included 60 children; 20 were controls, 20 had PEM without infection and 20 had PEM and pneumonia. They were subjected to nutritional assessments; serum leptin level, haemoglobin concentration, white-blood cell (WB...
Anxiety is a biological warning mechanism with intense feelings of fear that prepares us for action. It should be differentiated from the normal fear response. Anxiety disorders are one of the most common psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents, but they often go undetected or untreated. Childhood anxiety may be underestimated due to vari...
Objective:
The objective of this study was to evaluate cardiac function in children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on regular hemodialysis using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and correlate results with plasma glutathione level as a marker of oxidative stress.
Methods:
The study involved 30 children with ESRD and 30 healthy control...
Objective
The objective was to investigate the benefits of supplementing enteral feeding with omega-3 fatty acids in children with mild to moderate sepsis and its effects on acute-phase reactants and interleukin 6 (IL-6) level.
Methods
The study was a prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study from January 2012 to June 2014, wh...
This book describes different medical problems that children with Down syndrome can encounter. Twelve chapters written by medical experts present information about the disease and give general guidelines for pediatric care. Readers are introduced to the epidemiology and risk factors associated with Down Syndrome followed by descriptions of medical...
Down syndrome (DS) is commonly associated with cardiovascular disorders either congenital or acquired. Congenital cardiac diseases (CHDs) occur in about half of children with DS. They also are more liable to have pulmonary hypertension, mitral valve prolapse, aortic regurgitation and many other acquired cardiac conditions. Meanwhile, they are also...
Neonates with DS have many co morbidities that jeopardize this critical period of life with increased morbidity and mortality. They have more incidences of congenital heart diseases, pulmonary disorders, epilepsies, gastrointestinal anomalies, hematological problems as well as feeding disorders. They need to recognize their problems and for early i...
Children with Down syndrome (DS) are more prone to have respiratory disorders which can be categorized into congenital structural disorders of the airways and lungs, acquired disorders, and sleep-related disorders and obstructive sleep apnea. Children with DS have a high incidence of airway anomalies; both upper and lower compared to non-DS childre...
Children and adolescents with DS are exposed to significant physical, sexual and emotional developmental changes. They also often have some psychiatric problems as externalizing disorders, depression, anxiety and/or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
They also suffer from behavior and psychosocial problems in the process of their growth, such as expr...
Down syndrome (DS) is a systemic disorder affecting the whole body including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract; from the oral cavity and ending with the anal canal that are involved in the food digestion absorption and excretion. These disorders could be anatomical or functional. About 10% of children born with DS have one or more forms of the struct...
Down syndrome (DS) is a common malformation affecting the whole body with a unique craniofacial and distinctive oral feature and anomalies. These dental anomalies and the associated systemic manifestations of children with DS pose real challenges to the dentist as well as the pediatrician which necessitate a multidisciplinary team to be involved in...
Down syndrome (DS) Children are more liable for frequent sedation and anesthesia either for imaging procedure or for surgical intervention. They have many risk factors that increase the anesthesia related complications. These risk factors include cardiac, esophageal, gastrointestinal or urinary tracts, eyes, ears, and joints anomalies. There is als...
Down syndrome (DS) is the commonest chromosomal disorders in the world; affecting all countries, all races, and both sexes. It was identified since premodern art and middle ages. The risk for DS births is multi-factorial and includes both genetic and environmental factors. The prevalence of DS could be affected by different factors including distri...
Down syndrome (DS) is the most frequent chromosomal disorders in the world. It occurs in all countries, all races, and both sexes. There are many factors affecting the occurrence of DS as it is multi-factorial and includes both genetic and environmental factors. These factors include the maternal age distribution in the population, efficiency and c...
Objective
The objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1) measurement in plasma for the prediction of outcome of acute lung injury (ALI) in children that may allow early recognition of critical cases.
Methods
The study was performed as a prospective, controlled cohort s...
Adenoid is a normal part of growing up and should be respected for their important role in the development of immunity. Adenoid Hypertrophy is multifactorial and is usually simply signalling a problem that is occurring somewhere else. Adenoid Hypertrophy when significant enough can affect every part of the body specially if accompanied by obstructi...