EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF AUTISM IN REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

Vladimir TRAJKOVSKI1
Kristin VASILEVSKA2
Ljupcho AJDINSKI1
Mirko SPIROSKI3

Faculty of Philosophy
Institute of Special Education and Rehabilitation1
Faculty of Medicine
Institute for Epidemiology and Biostatistics with Medical Informatics2
Faculty of Medicine
Institute for Immunobiology and Human Genetics3

Abstract

Infantile autism is pervasive developmental disorder with abnormal or damaged psychical development manifested after the second or third year of life, with characteristics in the shift of pathological functioning in the sphere of social interactions, in communications with the environment, and with repetitive behavior.

The aim of this article is to show a part of demographic and epidemiological characteristics of the population with autism registered in the Republic of Macedonia.This research is a retrospective study, followed on the territory of the Republic of Macedonia, which covered 50 people with autism. All examined people have a verified diagnosis according to ICD-10 classification of diseases and DSM-IV criteria made in the special educational and medical institutions in our country.

From the analysis of examined autistic people in the sample it has confirmed that the prevalence of autism in RM is 0.25 people up to 10.000 inhabitants. The male gender is 2.5 times more frequent than the female gender. The mean age of patients is 11 years. The socio-economic condition does not take part in the genesis of autism. The season of birth is not connected with the appearance of the disturbance. Data for mothers disease during the pregnancy (p=0.04), as well as the pathological course of the pregnancy (p=0.02) is a risk factor for appearance of the syndrome. The pathological delivery and the complications in the perinatal period are not the risk factors in this study (p>0.05). The duration of nursing and the preliminary rejection of mother’s milk are significantly associated with the appearance of autism (p<0.01).

The results from this study may be useful as a good base for further epidemiological researching, revealing new risk factors in the genesis of autism, and for planning the prevention of this severe syndrome.

Key words: autism, epidemiological characteristics, Republic of Macedonia

Citation:Trajkovski V, Vasilevska K, Ajdinski Lj, Spiroski M. Epidemiological Characteristics of Autism in Republic of Macedonia. J Spec Educ Rehab 2005; 6(3-4):25-39.

Source: http://jser.fzf.ukim.edu.mk

Plasma concentration of immunoglobulin classes and subclasses in children with autism in the Republic of Macedonia: retrospective study

Trajkovski V , Ajdinski L , Spiroski M

Croatian Medical Journal [01 Dec 2004, 45(6):746-749]
(PMID:15578810)

Abstract

AIM: To examine plasma concentration of IgA, IgM, IgG classes, and IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 subclasses in children with autism. METHODS: Infantile autism was diagnosed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM)-IV and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 criteria. Plasma samples were collected from 35 autistic subjects, and their 21 siblings (biological brothers and sisters) who served as healthy controls. Plasma samples were separated by centrifugation and stored at -20 degrees C until the determination. Plasma immunoglobulin classes (IgM, IgA, IgG) and subclasses (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4) were determined using a nephelometer. RESULTS: Plasma concentrations (mean+/-standard deviation) of IgM and IgG in autistic children (1.36+/-0.31 g/L and 13.14+/-1.27 g/L, respectively) were significantly higher (p=0.031 and p=0.023, respectively) in comparison with their healthy brothers or sisters (1.20+/-0.15 g/L and 12.39+/-0.96 g/L, respectively). Children with autism had significantly higher plasma concentrations of IgG4 (p<0.001) compared to their siblings (healthy brothers or sisters). Plasma concentration of IgA, IgG1, IgG2, and IgG3 were similar in autistic children and their healthy brothers or sisters. Increased plasma concentration of IgG1 was found (p=0.027) in autistic males (8.06+/-2.40), as compared with their healthy brothers (5.24+/-4.13 g/L). Plasma concentrations of IgG (14.28+/-3.66 g/L), and IgG1 (9.41+/-2.20 g/L) in autistic females were increased (p=0.012 and p=0.021, respectively) in comparison with IgG (11.07+/-2.07) and IgG1 (6.37+/-3.38 g/L) in their healthy sisters. CONCLUSION: Children with autism have increased plasma concentration of immunoglobulines. Increased immunoglobulines in children with autism could be a result of impaired development of the immune system, and/or genetic factors connected with defense mechanism in these children.

ORCIDs linked to this article
Trajkovski V , 0000-0002-8369-9501 , University Ss. Kiril and Metodij, Faculty of Philosophy
Spiroski M , 0000-0001-5559-7981

Source: http://europepmc.org

FAMILY ANALYSIS OF IMMUNOGLOBULIN CLASSES AND SUBCLASSES IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISTIC DISORDER

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Abstract

Autistic disorder is a severe neurodevelopment disorder characterized by a triad of impairments in reciprocal social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and a pattern of repetitive stereotyped activities, behaviours and interests. There are strong lines of evidence to suggest that the immune system plays an important role in the pathogenesis of autistic disorder. The aim of this study was to analyze quantitative plasma concentration of immunoglobulin classes, and subclasses in autistic patients and their families. The investigation was performed retrospectively in 50 persons with autistic disorder in the Republic of Macedonia. Infantile autistic disorder was diagnosed by DSM-IV and ICD-10 criteria. Plasma immunoglobulin classes (IgM, IgA, and IgG) and subclasses (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4) were determined using Nephelometer Analyzer BN-100. Multiple comparisons for the IgA variable have shown statistically significant differences between three pairs: male autistic from the fathers (p = 0,001), female autistic from the mothers (p = 0,008), as well as healthy sisters from the fathers (p = 0,011). Statistically significant differences found between three groups regarding autistic disorder (person with autistic disorder, father/mother of a person with autistic disorder, and brother/sister) independent of sex belongs to IgA, IgG2, and IgG3 variables. Multiple comparisons for the IgA variable have shown statistically significant differences between children with autistic disorder from the fathers and mothers (p < 0,001), and healthy brothers and sisters from the fathers and mothers (p < 0,001). Comparison between healthy children and children with autistic disorder from the same family should be tested for immunoglobulin classes and subclasses in order to avoid differences between generations.

Keywords: 

Mirko Spiroski,1,* Vladimir Trajkovski,2 Dejan Trajkov,1 Aleksandar Petlichkovski,1 Olivija Efinska-Mladenovska,1Slavica Hristomanova,1 Eli Djulejic,1 Meri Paneva,1 and Jadranka Bozhikov3

1Institute of Immunobiology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, 1109 Skopje, PO Box 60, Macedonia
2Institute of Special Education and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Philosophy, Bull. Krste Misirkov bb, 1000 Skopje, Macedonia

Bosn J Basic Med Sci. 2009 Nov; 9(4): 283–289. PMCID: PMC5603683

Abstract

Autistic disorder is a severe neurodevelopment disorder characterized by a triad of impairments in reciprocal social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and a pattern of repetitive stereotyped activities, behaviours and interests. There are strong lines of evidence to suggest that the immune system plays an important role in the pathogenesis of autistic disorder. The aim of this study was to analyze quantitative plasma concentration of immunoglobulin classes, and subclasses in autistic patients and their families. The investigation was performed retrospectively in 50 persons with autistic disorder in the Republic of Macedonia. Infantile autistic disorder was diagnosed by DSM-IV and ICD-10 criteria. Plasma immunoglobulin classes (IgM, IgA, and IgG) and subclasses (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4) were determined using Nephelometer Analyzer BN-100. Multiple comparisons for the IgA variable have shown statistically significant differences between three pairs: male autistic from the fathers (p = 0,001), female autistic from the mothers (p = 0,008), as well as healthy sisters from the fathers (p = 0,011). Statistically significant differences found between three groups regarding autistic disorder (person with autistic disorder, father/mother of a person with autistic disorder, and brother/sister) independent of sex belongs to IgA, IgG2, and IgG3 variables. Multiple comparisons for the IgA variable have shown statistically significant differences between children with autistic disorder from the fathers and mothers (p < 0,001), and healthy brothers and sisters from the fathers and mothers (p < 0,001). Comparison between healthy children and children with autistic disorder from the same family should be tested for immunoglobulin classes and subclasses in order to avoid differences between generations.

Keywords: autistic disorder, immunoglobulin classes, immunoglobulin subclasses, family analysis

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Strabismus, refractive errors and nystagmus in children and young adults with Down syndrome

Antonela Ljubic, Vladimir Trajkovski & Branislav Stankovic
Ophthalmic Genetics
Volume 32, 2011 - Issue 4 Pages 204-211 | Received 07 Apr 2010, 

Accepted 23 May 2011, Published online: 05 Jul 2011

https://doi.org/10.3109/13816810.2011.592175

Abstract

Purpose: The aims of the present population-based, cross-sectional study were to examine the frequency and type of strabismus, refractive errors and nystagmus in children and young adults with Down syndrome (DS) in Macedonia and Croatia.

Methods: A total of 170 unselected children and young adults with DS aged 1–34 years were examined for ocular findings. The ocular examination included: a visual acuity assessment, cycloplegic refraction, ocular alignment and ocular motility.

Results: Strabismus was found in 45 of 170 children (26.5%), and esodeviation was the most common type. Nine (20%) had exodeviation and 4 (8.9%) vertical deviation. In 27 of 32 esotropic patients, the strabismus was regarded as acquired esodeviations. The frequency of strabismus was lowest in the high-grade hyperopia group (5%). Concerning esodeviations, fewer cases (3%) were in the high-grade hyperopia group. Most of the cases with esodeviations were in correlation with low-grade hyperopia (31%), myopia (28 %) and emetropia (16%). Hyperopia was the most common refractive error and high myopia increased in prevalence in the over 20 age group. Astigmatism was present in 72.4% of patients. Nystagmus was observed in 18 patients. Ten of 18 patients with nystagmus were associated with the presence of strabismus (9 esodeviations, 1 exotropia).

Conclusion: In our study, the high prevalence of strabismus can not be attributed to the presence of hyperopia. Our data show no association between refraction and strabismus in children with DS. Oblique astigmatism has been found to be the most common type of astigmatism in our study group.

Keywords:: Down syndrome, strabismus, refractive errors, nystagmus, amblyopia

Source: https://www.tandfonline.com

#ESIPP конференција за аутизам во Кипар

Почитувани колешки и колеги,

Сакам да ја информирам стручната јавност во Македонија дека наредната седмица на 21 март во Лимасол во Кипар ќе се одржи последната конференција во рамите на #ESIPP проектот. Истата е во организација на Autism Assessment Support Practice Center од Кипар. Партнерите од 5 различни европски земји ќе бидат таму да го презентираат програмот за едукација на родителите и најновиот документ препораки до политичарите за да им се помогне на родителите подобро да го разберат аутизмот и да ги поддржат нивните деца со аутизам. По конференцијата ќе се одржат и редовните состаноци на #ESIPP тимот. Покрај мене од Македонија ќе биде присутна уште една колешка. Во продолжение официјалниот постер за конференцијата.

Претседател на МНЗА

Higher Plasma Concentration of Food-Specific Antibodies in Persons With Autistic Disorder in Comparison to Their Siblings

Vladimir Trajkovski, Aleksandar Petlichkovski, Olivija Efinska-Mladenovska,
Dejan Trajkov, Todor Arsov, Ana Strezova, Ljubomir Ajdinski, Mirko Spiroski

Article Information
Volume: 23 issue: 3, page(s): 176-185
Article first published online: June 11, 2008; Issue published: September 1, 2008

https://doi.org/10.1177/1088357608320413

Abstract

Specific IgA, IgG, and IgE antibodies to food antigens in 35 participants with autistic disorder and 21 of their siblings in the Republic of Macedonia were examined. Statistically significant higher plasma concentration of IgA antibodies against alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin, casein, and gliadin were found in the children with autistic disorder. Plasma concentrations of IgG antibodies against alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin, and casein in participants with autistic disorder were significantly higher. IgE-specific antibodies (alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin, casein, and gluten), as well as plasma concentration of total IgE, also were statistically significantly higher in the participants with autistic disorder. Gender differences were found for select IgA, IgG, and IgE (but not for total IgE) food-specific antibodies (kU/L) in the participants with autistic disorder and their siblings.

Keywords autistic disorder, diet, family

Source: http://journals.sagepub.com 

SEX EDUCATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Olivera RASHIKJ
Vladimir TRAJKOVSKI

Faculty of Philosophy - Institute of Special Education and Rehabilitation

Abstract

All children have a need to acquire knowledge about their own body and the way it functions. Also it is neccesary to learn the rules of the society they live in, understand what is accetable, and what is unaccetable behavior. 

Starting off previous experiences we supposed that in an insufficient measure and in an inadequate way have been provided the sex education in the frames of educational institutions and families of the persons with disabilities in the Republic of Macedonia. According to that the basic assignment of the paper, using the methods of structural, descriptive and comparative analysis and the questioners as instruments, was to give detail image of the factice situation.

By the analysis of the 314 examinees, including control group, special educators and rehabilitators and parents, we determinate that the knowledge about sexual development, characteristics and sex relationships the examinees with disabilities at most acquire by the mediums and peers conversations.

The got results pointed the fact that knowledge of this topic, which persons with disabilities have, is superficial and often unexplained, where to there is misunderstanding between the persons with disabilities.

Key words:sex education, persons with disabilities
Citation: Rashikj O, Trajkovski V. Sex Education of Persons with Disabilities. J Spec Educ Rehab 2009; 10(1-2):7-24.

Source: http://jser.fzf.ukim.edu.mk

SEXUAL EDUCATION FOR PERSONS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

Aleksandar KARANFILOSKI1
Vladimir TRAJKOVSKI2

Association for Down Syndrome-Zagreb1
Faculty of Philosophy, Institute of Special Education and Rehabilitation, Skopje2

Abstract

Possibilities for intellectual and movement devel­opment of children with disabilities are part of the research that is provided within special education and rehabilitation. But we think that the forgotten component of this research that must have appro­priate principles and methods of its work is the sexual education. Our experience shows that this is not just a problem in Macedonia, but wider in the Balkan. We must have in mind that people with disabilities are intellectually and movement dis­abled, but their body hormonally develops as in any other individual. Thus, disharmony appears that causes even more problems when these people maturate. The need to satisfy the sexual urge must be appropriate and developed properly. They also develop a need for self care and life and need some decisions and activities to be involved in without their parents’ support. In their development when they are mature they want their one company that is not their mom and dad. This usually happens in the puberty. Parents often make mistakes in not recognizing their children’s needs and behave over protectively, and take care for their children more than it is needed, and they not let their children make their own decisions which can help for their inclusion in the society.

Key words: Sexual education, persons with intel­lectual disabilities, sexual development, sex
Citation:Karanfiloski A, Trajkovski V. Sexual Education for Persons with Disabilities. J Spec Educ Rehab 2008; 9(1-2):55-66.

Source: http://jser.fzf.ukim.edu.mk

Прв колоквиум МОИ - 31.03.2018

Почитувани студенти,

Сакам да ве информирам дека првиот колоквиум по предметот Медицински основи на инвалидноста ќе се полага на 31.03.2018 година. Да, добро прочитавте ќе се полага во сабота со почеток во 09:00 часот во големиот амфитеатар на ФЗФ. Заради виша сила го задржувам правото на промена на терминот, а вие сте должни да го следите овој блог како ваш информатор. Ги молам да се пријават сите заинтересирани студенти кои ќе го полагаат колоквиумот кај своите претставници од генерациите.

Актуелната генерација која го слуша предметот ќе го има 6-тото предавање во вторник на 27.03.2018 година во редовниот термин, а вежби ќе имаат заедно двете групи веднаш по завршување на предавањето, што значи дека на 29.03.2018 година втората група ќе биде ослободена од обврската да доаѓа на вежби.

Предметен наставник

EVALUATION OF THE LANGUAGE COMMUNICATIONAL SKILLS OF PERSONS WITH BROCA’S APHASIA AS A CONCOMITANCE FROM CEREBROVASCULAR INSULT

Ilija TODOROV ¹
Vladimir TRAJKOVSKI ²

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation,
PHF Health center “Skopje” – Skopje¹
Faculty of Philosophy, Institute of Special Educationand Rehabilitation²

Abstract

Persons with Broca’s aphasia socialize in society much faster, because of the early rehabilitation treatment using the speech therapy. In the beginning of the illness, the voice production is arduous and the speech is with variable prosody. The patient expresses himself exceptionally with nouns and working verbs, also using mimics and gestures.
The main purpose of the research is the evaluation of the communicational language skills of persons with Broca’s aphasia, even in the acuteness of the illness. The goal is also to examine and establish the opinion of persons with Broca’s aphasia, their family members and medical staff regarding the use of early rehabilitation treatment with speech therapy.
The basic tasks of this research are to determine whether the disturbance of verbal interaction is often followed with speech apraxia and agrammatism among the persons suffering from Broca’s aphasia. Two types of examinees are included in the research. The survey was conducted in Skopje and in a period of three months. The data gained from the research are grouped, tabulated, processed and graphically shown using the programMicrosoft Office Excel 2003. The differecnces in the data of the examinees is analyzed with Chi square test with level of sig­ni­ficance р<0.05. From the analyzis and inter­pre­tation of the results we can see that persons with Broca’s aphasia, although produce in­com­ple­te sentences, they verbalise sentences withcontent which are informative for their in­ter­lo­cu­tor and the auditory understending is less de­ma­­ged than the expressive funcion of the speech.
In conclusion, the study found that early rehabilitation treatment using speech therapy for persons with Broca’s aphasia resulted in faster improvements and better capabilities for speech-language communicational skills.

Key words: communication assessment, cerebrovacular insult, Broca’s aphasia, speech-language skills, speech therapy treatment.
Citation:Todorov I, Trajkovski V. Evaluation of the Language Communicational Skills of Persons With Broca’s Aphasia as a Concomitance from Cerebrovascular Insult. J Spec Educ Rehab 2011; 12(1-2):17-31. DOI: 10.2478/v10215-011-0002-x

Source: http://jser.fzf.ukim.edu.mk