Daily immunization services: A moral duty, not an empty slogan.

BACKGROUND: Immunization services in Armed Forces hospitals are provided once or twice a week leading to children missing important vaccines. Vaccines offered are restricted to vaccines provided under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). This system is inadequate to meet the challenge of providing 100% immunization to children in a station. Two large service hospitals were selected for provision of daily immunizations under the 'CHOICE' banner (Comprehensive child Healthcare, OPD services and Immunization Clinic Everyday), which was conducted under the supervision of the Pediatrician. The immunization delivery before and after institution of the daily immunization program was compared. METHOD: This retrospective study compares the vaccine delivery rate of two systems, namely a restricted approach providing UIP vaccines on a weekly basis and a comprehensive approach providing both UIP as well as optional vaccines on a daily basis. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in attendance at the immunization clinic, which was progressive over the years with the comprehensive approach. The delivery rates of all vaccines increased, in particular the combination vaccines. The workload per immunization session showed a concomitant decrease. CONCLUSION: Daily immunization is a better method of vaccine delivery to children, leading to a marked increase in attendance at the immunization clinic and utilization of hospital services.

To determine the frequency of subtelomeric abnormalities in children with idiopathic mental retardation.

BACKGROUND: Cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the frequency of subtelomeric abnormalities in children with idiopathic mental retardation (MR). METHOD: Multiplex ligation-dependant probe amplification technique was used to detect subtelomeric abnormalities. RESULTS: Out of 35 children, 21 (60%) were males. Family history of MR was present in 23%. Main clinical features included speech delay in all motor delay cases (83%) and non-specific dysmorphic features (77%). CONCLUSION: Associated clinical features were more in children with intelligence quotient (IQ) < 50 (P < 0.05). Subtelomeric deletion (4q35) was observed in one child.

Yunis-Varon syndrome.

Yunis-Varon syndrome is a rare, autosomal recessive syndrome characterized by growth retardation, defective growth of the cranial bones along with complete or partial absence of the clavicles (cleidocranial dysplasia), characteristic facial features, and/or abnormalities of the fingers and/or toes.

Idiopathic granulomatous hepatitis.

A 12-year-old male child reported with history of fever for last seven years. Hepatosplenomegaly, hepatic and bone marrow granulomas were the main features. Idiopathic Granulomatous Hepatitis (IGH), a rare syndrome amenable to immunosuppressive therapy was diagnosed.