Association Between Neuropsychiatric Morbidity and Streptococcal Infections in Children.

We conducted a case control study to study the association between neuropsychiatric morbidity and group A streptococcal infections in children. Twenty two cases of neuropsychiatric morbidity were compared with 64 controls. Fourteen (63.6%) of the 22 cases were positive for ASO and/or ADNB while 21 of the 64 controls (32.8%) were positive for either or both antibodies (OR = 3.428; CI: 1.15 – 10.18; P=0.026). We conclude that there is a statistically significant association between neuropsychiatric morbidity and streptococcal infection in children.

Comparative effectiveness of tepid sponging and antipyretic drug versus only antipyretic drug in the management of Fever among children: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of tepid sponging and antipyretic drug versus only antipyretic drug among febrile children. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Tertiary care hospital. PARTICIPANTS: 150 children 6 mo - 12 yr age with axillary temperature 101F. INTERVENTION: Tepid sponging and antipyretic drug (Paracetamol) (n=73) or only antipyretic drug (Paracetamol) (n=77). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Reduction of body temperature and level of comfort. RESULTS: The reduction of body temperature in the tepid sponging and antipyretic drug group was significantly faster than only antipyretic group; however, by the end of 2 hours both groups had reached the same degree of temperature. The children in tepid sponging and antipyretic drug had significantly higher discomfort than only antipyretic group, but the discomfort was mostly mild. CONCLUSION: Apart from the initial rapid temperature reduction, addition of tepid sponging to antipyretic administration does not offer any advantage in ultimate reduction of temperature; moreover it may result in additional discomfort.

Acute pancreatitis in a child with idiopathic ulcerative colitis on long-term 5-aminosalicylic acid therapy.

Acute pancreatitis is a rare but known complication of inflammatory bowel disease in adults. In children, only a few cases with this complication have been reported. We describe a 10-year-old boy with ulcerative colitis who developed acute pancreatitis while on long-term treatment with 5-aminosalicylic acid.