DEVELOPMENT OF THE FİRST DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN'S DISEASES FROM 1924 TO THE PRESENT DAY

R.O. Beylərov; S.A. Huseynova; L.T. Resulova; B.A. Namazova; I.I. Huseynova

doi:10.28942/atuj.v6i3y2026.169

Abstract

Full article

The Department of Pediatrics, founded in 1924 by Professor O.A. Kornitsky at the N. Narimanov Children's Hospital, was the first pediatric department at the Medical Faculty of Azerbaijan University. Initially, the department had three wards with 20-25 beds and a laboratory room. In addition, the department gained the right to teach fifth-year students at Semashko Hospital on infectious children's diseases. At first, training was conducted at N.Narimanov Hospital: in the infant clinic and the University Children's Outpatient Clinic for consultations for children aged 2-3 years. During this period, the department's activities were focused on the following areas: a) nutritional disorders in infants and young children, b) discorrelative forms of growth and development of the child's body - rickets, diathesis, c) diseases of the blood and hematopoietic organs in early childhood. Classes for fourth and fifth-year students were held according to the plan at the University Outpatient Clinic and Polyclinic. During this period, the department also conducted active scientific work. From 1926 to 1930, the department's employees made numerous reports both in Baku and at the All-Union Congresses of Pediatricians (Moscow, May 1927). Journals on the study of early childhood, Moscow (Volume IV, No. 4, 1926) were also published. In 1927, Professor A.O. Karnitsky published a textbook for students and doctors entitled "Child Development and Features of Its Periods". Under the leadership of Professor A.O. Karnitsky and together with the employees of the University Children's Clinic and doctors of the N.Narimanov Hospital, the "Baku Society of Pediatricians" was created.

In 1930-1935, B.P. Brukhansky worked as the head of the department. He was also the director of the N.K.Krupskaya Institute for the Protection of Mothers and Children.

In 1935, Professor Z.A. Huseynbekov was elected head of the department. However, in the late 1930s, Z. Huseynbekov was subjected to repression and was arrested on false charges. Therefore, in 1940, the leadership of the department was entrusted to Professor C.G. Stein. Scientific research conducted in the 1930s was mainly devoted to the problem of rheumatism and regional pathology (especially malaria). In 1938, the Department of Pediatrics was transferred to the 70-bed pediatric department of the Black City Clinical Hospital No. 2. There were clinical and biochemical laboratories, an auditorium for lectures, and rooms for practical classes. Several employees of the department were mobilized into the army during the war. The head of the department, Prof. S.G. Stein, was awarded the title of "Honored Scientist" on May 11, 1942, along with several medical specialists (S.I. Velikhan, I.S. Ginzburg, V.A. Tarnogradsky) for his impeccable work and service in the field of medicine. During his leadership, the basis of scientific research work at the department was rheumatism, malaria and rickets.

Released from prison in 1956, Z.Huseyinbeyov was re-elected as head of the department and worked in this position until 1959. As a deputy of the Baku City Council, he actively participated in the political and social life of the city, and at the same time carried out large-scale scientific and pedagogical and medical work. In 1959, this department was headed by Associate Professor N. Karimova, and in 1965-1970, by Professor A.A. Namazova. Under the leadership of Professor A.A.Namazova, the Republican Cardiorheumatology Center was created in 1965-1970. In addition to rheumatism, the clinical features of vascular dystonias in children were also practiced in this center.

From 1970 to 1992, the Azerbaijan Medical University, Faculty of Medical and Preventive Medicine was located at the 2nd Clinical Hospital named after E.Efendiyev, the 7th Children's Infectious Diseases Hospital and the 2nd Children's Polyclinic. During this period, the department was headed by Professor N.A. Huseynova, who graduated from the N.I. Pirogov Moscow Medical Institute in 1948. A talented and versatile scientist, N.A. Huseynova always devoted a lot of time to the development of innovations and the improvement of teaching and methodological work in the department she headed for 22 years.

Pediatric gastroenterology became the main focus of the department. The study of diseases of the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary systems began in the early 1970s, when endoscopic, bacteriological and ultrasound examination methods were first used to diagnose and verify the spread of lesions of the gastrointestinal mucosa. This led to the introduction of scientifically based treatment methods. A dispensary observation system for sick children was created and organized. Epidemiological studies of gastrointestinal diseases among more than 20,000 schoolchildren revealed their high prevalence (22%) and structure, identified the characteristics of regional pathology and identified a group of risk factors for their development.

N.A. Huseynova's unusual way of thinking and remarkable working capacity allowed the department to conduct advanced research not only in gastroenterology, but also in other relevant areas of pediatrics. From 1992 to 2017, the department was headed by Professor N.D. Guliyev for 25 years.

In the last ten years, the research topics of the department have included " Clinical and paraclinical parallels in the syndrome of impaired intestinal absorption in early childhood" and "Study of the clinic and pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis in children", of exceptional importance in the study of these topics has been the wide application of new biochemical, bacteriological, immunological and instrumental research methods in clinical practice. New effective treatment methods for diseases of the gastrointestinal system have been developed and introduced into daily practice, which has significantly changed the treatment strategies of pediatricians, increased the effectiveness of treatment for sick children and sharply reduced the number of relapses. The medical and social significance of the proposed preventive methods for the preclusion of diseases of the gastrointestinal system is great. It has become known that in children, as in adults, gastrointestinal diseases rarely occur as a single disease and syntropy is observed.

Since 1994, the main base of the Pediatrics Department has been transferred to the K.Y. Farajova Research Pediatrics Institute. This has expanded the possibilities for conducting research on issues such as breastfeeding and hypogalactia. Hypogalactia is one of the main problems, since the lack of breast milk is a global problem in pediatrics. New information on the etiology, prevention and treatment of hypogalactia has been published in the press as teaching aids, presented at conferences, and presented in the "Health" program of Azerbaijan Television.

Large-scale work is being carried out to provide practical assistance to the population, especially refugees. For the multifaceted activity of the pediatrician, scientist, teacher, organizer, some employees of the department are highly appreciated by the health, state and government: Professor Huseynova N.A., in 1984 with the “Healthcare Excellence” badge, in 1986 with the “Labor Veteran” medal, in 1990 with the Honored Doctor of Azerbaijan, in 2010 with the “Progress Medal”, Professor N.J. Guliyev received the honorary title of Honored Scientist in 2000. In 2007, he was awarded the “Progress” medal, and in 2007 he was elected president of the Turkish World Pediatricians Association. Associate Professor S.A. Huseynova was awarded the honorary title of “Honored Doctor” by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in 2011.

From 2016 to the present day, the department continues its scientific, practical, and pedagogical activities as the Department of Pediatrics of the Faculty of Medical and Preventive Medicine. From 2017 to 2023, Professor S.Sh. Hasanov served as the head of the department. The main research areas of the department remained topical issues of neonatology and pediatric gastroenterology.

With the tireless attention and support of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan I.H. Aliyev, the opening of the Educational-Therapeutic Clinic in 2010 allowed our department to conduct classes with patient demonstrations both at the K.Farajova Scientific Research Institute of Pediatrics and at the TTK.

Currently, the department is located at the K. Farajova Scientific Research Institute of Pediatrics, Educational-Therapeutic Clinic, Educational Surgery Clinic and AMU building No. 5. Since 2023, Professor R.O. Baylarov has been heading the department. In addition to pedagogical activities, the staff of the department continues to conduct active research in the fields of neonatology, nephrology, and gastroenterology. Since 1970, 53 candidate and 4 doctoral dissertations have been defended at the department under the leadership of professors N.A. Huseynova, N.J. Guliyev, S.Sh. Hasanov and R.O. Baylarov.

As a result of the research, publications in the form of articles, educational and methodological manuals and presentations have been published at conferences and congresses held both in our republic and abroad.

Research conducted in the fields of pediatric gastroenterology and neonatology forms the basis for the creation of monographs and textbooks. Prof. N.A. Huseynova, prof. N.J. Guliyev, assoc. prof. S.A. Huseynova, assoc. prof. S.A. Abiyeva, assoc. prof. R.H. Rzayeva, assoc. prof. A.M. Hasanov, assoc. prof. Z.S. Talyshly have written the textbooks “Childhood Gastroenterology” and “Dietary Therapy in Pediatrics”; Prof. N.J. Guliyev, Prof. S.M. Gasimova, Assoc. Prof. U.A. Aliyeva are the authors of the textbook “Childhood diseases (theoretical knowledge and practical skills)”. Prof. R.O. Baylarov, Prof. A.G. Hasanov, U.K. Hajiyeva, Assoc. Prof. F.M. Mammadova are the authors of the textbook “Childhood diseases” (Part I).

Prof. G.M. Nasrullayeva is the author of several textbooks and educational and methodological manuals for students, including the book “Recurrent respiratory diseases in children”. She is also the author of the textbooks “Immunology”; “Childhood diseases”; “Clinical Immunology” (2009 and 2011); Primary and Secondary Immunodeficiency teaching methodical manual and Congenital Immune Pathology textbook, as well as the textbooks “Childhood diseases” and “Clinical Immunology” in English.

Prof. S.Z.Garayeva is the author of the monograph “Physical Development and Health Status of Early Childhood” (2022); the textbook “Childhood Diseases” (2014). Also, the employees of the department, Assoc. Prof. I.Sh. Mahmudov, Assoc. Prof. U.A. Aliyeva, Assoc. Prof. B.A. Babayeva, Assoc. Prof. A.B. Huseynova, “Acute non-specific diseases of the bronchopulmonary system in children”; Assoc. Prof. I.Sh. Mahmudov, Assoc. Prof. U.A. Aliyeva, Assoc. Prof. G.M. Hasanguliyeva, “Pathologies of the digestive system in children”; Prof. S.Sh. Hasanov, Assoc. Prof. I.Sh. Mahmudov, Assistant Prof. N.O.Mollayeva, Assistant. Prof. F.B.Amrahova, “Basic principles of emergency medical care provided to children in various pathologies”; Assoc. Prof. U.A. Aliyeva, Assoc. Prof. I.Sh. Mahmudov, “Congenital functional diseases of the cardiovascular system in children. Also Assoc. Prof. U.A. Aliyeva, Assoc. Prof. I.Sh. Mahmudov are the authors of the textbooks “Congenital heart defects, examination methods and treatment”.

Department staff: prof. G.M.Nasrullayeva, Assoc. Prof. N.A.Bayramova, prof.S.Z.Garayeva, Assoc. Prof. S.A.Huseynova, Assoc. Prof. A.M.Hasanov have repeatedly successfully delivered reports at international conferences. Some of our employees, who defend the position of pediatric education and at the same time participate in the improvement of pediatric services, are members of international medical societies. Prof. G. M. Nasrullayeva is a corresponding member of the International EcoEnergy Academy, a corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, a member of EAACI (European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology), a member of the British Immunological Society, a member of ESID (European Society of Immune Deficiency), a member of the Azerbaijan Allergy and Immunology Society.

Assoc. Prof. N.A. Bayramova is a member of the Early Childhood Development Scientific Committee of the International Pediatric Association, the editorial board of the Turkish Archives of Pediatrics journal, the International Guide for Monitoring Child Development International Committee of the International Development Pediatrics Association. She is the deputy editor of the Azerbaijan Medical Association Journal. She is the Secretary General of the Central Asian Pediatrics Union. She is the Chairman of the Scientific Research Working Group of the Azerbaijan Pediatric Society, a member of the Azerbaijan Pediatrics Assosiation and the scientific staff of the Scientific and Educational Center. The teaching staff of the department honors and remains faithful to the traditions of the pediatric community, has earned the love and respect of students.

The head of the teaching department, Assistant Prof. B.A. Namazova, was awarded the title of “Teacher of the Year” of the Azerbaijan Medical University in 2024, and Assoc. Prof. N.A. Bayramova in 2025. In addition, during decades of scientific and pedagogical work, the employees of the department have trained a large number of talented scientists and practicing doctors. The great diligence of N.A. Huseynova has allowed the department to conduct innovative research not only in gastroenterology, but also in other relevant areas of pediatrics.