Pediatrician Sergey Sargsyan, the head of the Institute of Children and Adolescent Health at the "Arabkir" Medical Complex, addressed questions from the Public Television Company "News" regarding Periodic disease / Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), a genetic condition prevalent among Armenians and relatively common in our population. Thanks to the dispensary control service established decades ago, cases of complications related to the disease and its consequential kidney failure have significantly decreased from 16% to 0 among children under the age of 18 with FMF.   Approximately 3600 children diagnosed with FMF are currently undergoing treatment in Armenia, including compatriots under the age of 18 residing in other countries with the same diagnosis. The doctor emphasizes that approximately 400 children receive this diagnosis annually, with a noticeable upward trend in recent years.   According to pediatrician Sergey Sargsyan, the head of the “Arabkir” Medical Center-ICAH “Periodic disease” is a hereditary disorder. Although some may refer to it as the “Yerevanian disease”, it is unrelated to the city of Yerevan. In the international classification, it is known as “familial Mediterranean fever”, affecting people from this region, including Armenians, Sephardic Jews, Arabs, and Turks, who naturally inherited the gene through centuries of mixing with different populations.   The disease can manifest with recurrent fever, abdominal pain, and may even lead to kidney failure. It is prevalent among the Armenian population, with most cases developing before the age of 20, depending on the type of gene.   Dr. Sargsyan explains, “One in five individuals has one gene, but a single gene is insufficient. For the disease to develop, two genes—maternal and paternal—must combine, in most cases.”   While in the 1990s, approximately 16% of children in our country experienced kidney complications before reaching adulthood, the current scenario has changed.    Sargsyan details, “The discovery of the gene, conducted by the Center of Genetics in Armenia, along with subsequent organizational efforts and the implementation of a unique ambassadorial model, where patients visit the center for treatment and check-ups, has led to a remarkable reduction. Today, I can report that the initial 16% has decreased a hundredfold. We now have unique cases where children develop kidney complications, at least in infancy.   The Children's Republican Center for Periodic Diseases at the “Arabkir” Medical Center provides treatment for children aged 0-18 years under the state order. Sergey Sargsyan adds, “People over the age of 18 can also receive appropriate medication and undergo monitoring at the regional health center. Various treatment and control models are available. The crucial aspect is to diagnose the disease promptly and at its earliest stage.

Dear parents, You often ask us about various diseases, their symptoms, how they’re diagnosed, and treatment options and prevention methods. Among the topics that come up frequently is Familial Mediterranean Fever, which is very common among us.  Professor Gayane Amaryan has stepped up to answer the questions on the “Novosti Armenia” website. Get the lowdown on this condition and find the answers to your questions. 

Dear Pediatricians,   Happy Pediatrician's Day! Your dedication and care for our children are invaluable. The heartfelt drawings adorning the walls of your rooms stand as a testament to the unwavering love and trust your little patients have for you—a trust that serves as the best medicine.    May your health be robust as you continue to heal and nurture our children. Embrace the pure love they radiate, finding joy in every moment of care.

  Dear compatriots, We are delighted to announce that our professional team at the "Arabkir" medical center has expanded with the addition of the following colleagues:   Ernest Lalayan, Pediatrician,  Ruben Khachatryan, Radiologist Armen Abrahamyan, Gastroenterologist and Endoscopist Liana Grigoryan, Speech Therapist   If you require our services, please feel free to register in advance:   for pediatric consultations, please call 015 400 300 and select extension 21 27,  to schedule ultrasonography appointment, please call 010 23 20 20, for GI consultations and endoscopic examinations, please call 015 400 300 and select extension 12 16, for speech therapy sessions, please call 010 26 47 62.

Sergey Sargsyan, the head of the Institute of Child and Adolescent Health and a consultant in Pediatrics at the Ministry of Health has presented brief and precise information about antibiotics.  Antibiotics do not affect viruses. The vast majority of acute respiratory diseases are caused by viruses, to which antibiotics have no effect.  Antibiotics are prescribed in cases of pneumonia, otitis media, tonsillitis and sinusitis.   The use of antibiotics without appropriate instructions can lead to allergic reactions, as well as cause specific bacterial inflammation of bowels. Antibiotics affect negatively on beneficial bacteria living in the human body.   But this does not mean that antibiotics lose their important, sometimes life-saving role. These medications are used to treat many diseases. However, there should be clear indications for prescribing, and the type, dosage and duration of the drug should correspond with the approaches of modern medicine. Otherwise, resistance to the antibiotic may develop, and it will no longer be effective in the patient’s treatment.   Read and avoid misuse and overuse of antibiotics. And most importantly, remember that antibiotics are prescribed only by a doctor.

The visits of our Swiss colleagues to various services and departments of "Arabkir" MC continue. Last week, Professor Christian Braegger, a renowned gastroenterologist, nutritionist, who previously headed the Gastroenterology and Nutrition service at the University Children's Hospital of Zurich, was the honored guest of the Gastroenterology and Endoscopy services.  During his visit, the professor conducted a workshop focused on endoscopic examinations of children, including gastroscopy and colonoscopy, as well as modern approaches to interpretation. Gastroenterologist-endoscopist Ani Hovnanyan performed 22 examinations during those days in the direct presence of the professor, benefitting from his advice and guidance throughout the procedures. Sona Martirosyan, was responsible for the anesthesia for the research. The gastroenterology service team, in collaboration with the general pediatric department, handled patient selection and preparatory work for these examinations.

  Professor Oleg Rummo and his team from the Minsk Scientific and Practical Center of Surgery, Transplantology and Hematology, paid another visit to the “Arabkir” Medical Complex. The primary focus of our 4-year cooperation is children’s liver transplantation. Besides discussing the details of new surgeries, the team also met with previously operated patients and their parents, evaluating the children’s condition.    The patient operated on during this visit was 14-year-old Rafael Khachinyan. The boy was diagnosed with liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and transplantation was indicated. The operation went successful, and Rafael is now in the post-operative recovery phase. His family is from the Tsaghkavan village in Tavush region. The total cost of operation was 19 million AMD, of which 5 million AMD was provided by the government, and the remaining 14 million was raised through the fundraising organized by the “Heath Fund for Children of Armenia”.    We are grateful for our patients, including Rafael, and all kind people who have contributed to this cause. Your donations have helped our children, their families and doctors in their difficult journey. Your support is truly invaluable. 

Sergey Sargsyan’s (head of the “Arabkir” MC-ICAH, pediatrician) advice to parents: “Vaccinations, breastfeeding and following full nutrition, so the baby can receive enough proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and minerals. Maintain good hygiene and observe the child's physical activity. Those will benefit your child’s health, ensuring that the illness is relatively mild, even if they get sick”. https://www.facebook.com/azatutyun/videos/881337332419091