Effects of timing of cord clamping on neonatal hemoglobin and bilirubin levels in preterm and term infants-A prospective observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Delayed cord clamping (DCC) is a proven beneficial intervention, but the suggested timings of DCC vary from 30 to 300 seconds after birth or until cord pulsation stops. This study aimed to find the optimum timing of DCC to maximize the benefits such as an increase in hemoglobin, and hematocrit without increasing the risks of polycythemia and hyperbilirubinemia. METHODS: We conducted a single-center prospective observational cohort study. All singleton neonates with gestational age ≥ 28 weeks born at the center in the 17 months of the study period from November 2020 to March 2022 were enrolled. Participants were divided into four groups based on DCC time: group A: <60 sec, group B: 60-119 sec, group C: 120-180 sec, and group D: >180 sec. The primary outcome was the levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and bilirubin at 48 hours of life. RESULTS: Four hundred and eight neonates were enrolled. They were divided into four groups based on the timing of DCC (group A: n = 52, group B: n = 137, group C: n = 155, group D: n = 64). With an increase in the duration of DCC, there was an increase in the level of hemoglobin and hematocrit without an increase in the risk of polycythemia or neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. The benefits were best in group C (120-180 sec) and group D (>180 sec). CONCLUSIONS: DCC of ≥ 120 seconds appears to be optimal where hemoglobin and hematocrit are highest without an increase in the risk of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. The risk of adverse effects like polycythemia or neonatal hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy did not increase even after extending the time of cord clamping to >180 seconds.

Profile of cardiac lesions among laboratory confirmed congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) infants: a nationwide sentinel surveillance, India, 2016-22.

Background: The phenotypical profile of cardiovascular malformations in patients with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) is varied. We aimed to describe the profile of cardiac defects among CRS patients detected in the sentinel CRS surveillance in India during 2016-22. Methods: Sentinel sites enrolled infants with suspected CRS based on presence of cardiac defects, hearing impairment, eye signs, or maternal history of febrile rash illness. Suspected CRS cases underwent detailed systemic examination, including echocardiography and serological investigation for rubella. Cardiac defects were categorized as 'Simple' or 'Complex' as per the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute classification. We compared the distribution of cardiac defects among laboratory confirmed CRS cases and seronegative discarded cases. Findings: Of the 4578 suspected CRS cases enrolled by 14 sites, 558 (12.2%) were laboratory confirmed. 419 (75.1%) laboratory confirmed cases had structural heart defects (simple defects: n = 273, 65.2%, complex defects: n = 144, 34.4%), with ventricular septal defect (42.7%), atrial septal defect (39.4%), patent ductus arteriosus (36.5%), and tetralogy of Fallot as the commonest defects (4.5%). Laboratory confirmed CRS cases had higher odds of left to right shunt lesions (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.15-2.17). This was mainly on account of a significant association of PDA with CRS (OR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.42-2.21). Mortality was higher among CRS patients with complex heart defects (HR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.26-3.30). Interpretation: Three-fourths of the laboratory confirmed CRS cases had structural heart defects. CRS patients with complex cardiac defects had higher mortality. Detecting CRS infection early and providing timely intervention for cardiovascular defects is critical for the management of CRS patients. Funding: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt of India, through Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

Congenital rubella syndrome surveillance in India, 2016-21: Analysis of five years surveillance data.

Background: In India, facility-based surveillance for congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) was initiated in 2016 to estimate the burden and monitor the progress made in rubella control. We analyzed the surveillance data for 2016-2021 from 14 sentinel sites to describe the epidemiology of CRS. Method: We analyzed the surveillance data to describe the distribution of suspected and laboratory confirmed CRS patients by time, place and person characteristics. We compared clinical signs of laboratory confirmed CRS and discarded case-patients to find independent predictors of CRS using logistic regression analysis and developed a risk prediction model. Results: During 2016-21, surveillance sites enrolled 3940 suspected CRS case-patients (Age 3.5 months, SD: 3.5). About one-fifth (n = 813, 20.6%) were enrolled during newborn examination. Of the suspected CRS patients, 493 (12.5%) had laboratory evidence of rubella infection. The proportion of laboratory confirmed CRS cases declined from 26% in 2017 to 8.7% in 2021. Laboratory confirmed patients had higher odds of having hearing impairment (Odds ratio [OR] = 9.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.6-16.2), cataract (OR = 7.8, 95% CI: 5.4-11.2), pigmentary retinopathy (OR = 6.7, 95 CI: 3.3-13.6), structural heart defect with hearing impairment (OR = 3.8, 95% CI: 1.2-12.2) and glaucoma (OR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.2-8.1). Nomogram, along with a web version, was developed. Conclusions: Rubella continues to be a significant public health issue in India. The declining trend of test positivity among suspected CRS case-patients needs to be monitored through continued surveillance in these sentinel sites.

Efficacy and safety of levamisole in childhood nephrotic syndrome: A meta-analysis.

Present evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of levamisole in childhood nephrotic syndrome (NS), particularly the steroid-sensitive NS (SSNS), is limited. We searched relevant databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane CENTRAL till June 30, 2020. We included 12 studies for evidence synthesis (5 were clinical trials that included 326 children). The proportion of children without relapses at 6-12 months was higher in the levamisole group as compared to steroids (relative risk [RR]: 5.9 [95% Confidence interval (CI): 0.13-264.8], I2 = 85%). Levamisole as compared to the control increased the proportion of children without relapses at 6-12 months (RR: 3.55 [95% CI: 2.19-5.75], I2 = 0%). The GRADE evidence was of "very-low certainty" except for the comparison of levamisole with control, the latter being of "moderate certainty." To conclude, levamisole given to children with SSNS is beneficial in preventing relapses and achieving remission as compared to placebo or low-dose steroids. Good-quality trials are needed to provide a robust evidence in this regard. PROSPERO Registration number: CRD42018086247.

Predictors of Requirement of Inotrope Among Patients With Early Sepsis: Special Reference to Microcirculatory Parameters.

Introduction The management of septic shock and refractory septic shock is essential in preventing sepsis-related death. The handheld vital microscope is a new modality of investigation for sepsis for microcirculatory assessment. This study aimed to identify predictors of inotrope requirements among patients with early sepsis and impending septic shock with particular reference to sublingual microcirculation assessment parameters. Methodology We conducted an observational cross-sectional hospital-based study in central India. The formal sample size was calculated to be 52 patients using a convenient sampling technique. The study was initiated with ethics approval (IHEC-LOP/2019/ MD0090) with consent from the patients. We used the MicroScan (MicroVision Medical, Netherlands) Video Microscope System (No.16A00102) to obtain sidestream dark-field imaging along with the AVA 4.3C software (MicroVision Medical). Results Of 51 cases, 60.8% were women, and 39.2% were men, and the study population had a mean age of 41.0 ± 14.9 years. Patients were recruited from medical wards (64.7%) and emergency departments (35.3%). The most common site of infection was gastrointestinal (33.3%), followed by respiratory infections (25.5%) and genitourinary infections (11.8%). The quick sequential organ failure assessment score was 2.0 ± 0.1. Eight patients required inotropes, and six patients died. High respiratory rates and lactate levels were important predictors of inotrope requirements in patients with early sepsis. Sublingual microcirculatory parameters at baseline did not significantly affect the requirement of inotropes consequently. Conclusions Sublingual microscopy is a suggested tool for the management of sepsis. However, without clearly defined cut-off values, handheld vital microscopy could not predict fluid responsiveness among patients with early sepsis. Also, it would be difficult to incorporate this technology into regular practice without equipment upgrades and image acquisition software.

Burden of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in India based on data from cross-sectional serosurveys, 2017 and 2019-20.

BACKGROUND: India has set a goal to eliminate measles and rubella/Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) by 2023. Towards this goal, India conducted nationwide supplementary immunization activity (SIA) with measles-rubella containing vaccine (MRCV) targeting children aged between 9 months to <15 years and established a hospital-based sentinel surveillance for CRS. Reliable data about incidence of CRS is necessary to monitor progress towards the elimination goal. METHODS: We conducted serosurveys in 2019-20 among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics of 6 hospitals, which were also sentinel sites for CRS surveillance, to estimate the prevalence of IgG antibodies against rubella. We systematically sampled 1800 women attending antenatal clinics and tested their sera for IgG antibodies against rubella. We used rubella seroprevalence data from the current survey and the survey conducted in 2017 among antenatal women from another 6 CRS surveillance sites to construct a catalytic models to estimate the incidence and burden of CRS. RESULT: The seroprevalence of rubella antibodies was 82.3% (95% CI: 80.4-84.0). Rubella seropositivity did not differ by age group and educational status. Based on the constant and age-dependent force of infection models, we estimated that the annual incidence of CRS in India was 225.58 per 100,000 live births (95% CI: 217.49-232.41) and 65.47 per 100,000 live births (95% CI: 41.60-104.16) respectively. This translated to an estimated 14,520 (95% CI: 9,225-23,100) and 50,028 (95% CI: 48,234-51,543) infants with CRS every year based on age-dependent and constant force of infection models respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated that about one fifth of women in the reproductive age group in India were susceptible for rubella. The estimates of CRS incidence will serve as a baseline to monitor the impact of MRCV SIAs, as well progress towards the elimination goal of rubella/CRS.

Takayasu arteritis presenting with malignant hypertension; a rare manifestation of a rare disease: a case report and review of the literature.

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a chronic inflammatory and obliterative disease of large vessels, which mainly affects the aorta and its major branches. TA can lead to renal failure and renovascular hypertension in 60% of patients; it is rare in children aged <10 years and, more rarely, it presents with malignant hypertension in the paediatric age group. Here we present a case of 9-year-old boy with TA who presented with malignant hypertension and required surgical intervention to control the blood pressure. Subsequently, his medications were titrated using 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and is doing well on follow-up.

Enterobius vermicularis: an unusual cause of recurrent urinary tract infestation in a 7-year-old girl: case report and review of the literature.

Enterobius vermicularis, the pinworm, is one of the most prevalent intestinal parasites in the world. Ectopic infestations in the genital or urinary tracts rarely occur and chronic enterobiasis of the urinary tract has rarely been reported. Here we present such a case in a 7-year-old girl presenting with fever, pain in the abdomen, vomiting and burning micturition. Ultrasonography and micturating cystourethrogram (MCU) studies were normal. The ova were demonstrated from both the patient's urine and stool specimen. This child was treated successfully with Albendazole and Ivermectin.