Clinical and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of typhoid fever in children in the era of antibiotic resistance.

Enteric fever remains a significant public health problem in low- and middle-income countries with further challenges from emerging antimicrobial resistance. Our prospective study evaluated the current clinical and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of enteric fever in 88 children and compared it to previously established literature. Enteric fever usually presents with nonspecific signs and symptoms, with predominant respiratory complaints. A paradigm shift in the antimicrobial sensitivity pattern has been noted, with increasing resistance for first-line antibiotics and older antibiotics such as ampicillin, cotrimoxazole, and chloramphenicol showing good sensitivity. Thus, the introduction of the latter merits consideration.

Hypothyroxinemia in sick term neonates and its risk factors in an extramural neonatal intensive care unit: a prospective cohort study

ABSTRACT Objective: Thyroid functions in the sick newborns may be altered in the first week of life. Transient hypothyroxinemia has been reported in these babies, which could be due to the immaturity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis or to acute illness. We conducted this study to estimate the incidence of hypothyroxinemia and determine its risk factors in sick term newborns. Materials and methods: We analyzed free T4 (FT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in sick term neonates (≤7 days of life) admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. FT4 and TSH levels were estimated in the first week of life in all the enrolled neonates (N = 98) and then repeated at 14-21 days of life in 46 babies. Risk analysis was conducted using univariate and multivariate logistic regression, and numerical data was compared using the Mann-Whitney U test and t-test. Results: Hypothyroxinemia was seen in 10 (10.2%) of the admitted term babies. Male gender, vaginal delivery, presence of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, and need for mechanical ventilation (>24 hours) were identified as risk factors. There was a significant negative linear correlation between FT4 level in the first week of life and duration of hospital stay. Conclusion: Hypothyroxinemia is common in sick term neonates.

Hypothyroxinemia in sick term neonates and its risk factors in an extramural neonatal intensive care unit: a prospective cohort study.

Objective: Thyroid functions in the sick newborns may be altered in the first week of life. Transient hypothyroxinemia has been reported in these babies, which could be due to the immaturity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis or to acute illness. We conducted this study to estimate the incidence of hypothyroxinemia and determine its risk factors in sick term newborns. Materials and methods: We analyzed free T4 (FT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in sick term neonates (≤7 days of life) admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. FT4 and TSH levels were estimated in the first week of life in all the enrolled neonates (N = 98) and then repeated at 14-21 days of life in 46 babies. Risk analysis was conducted using univariate and multivariate logistic regression, and numerical data was compared using the Mann-Whitney U test and t-test. Results: Hypothyroxinemia was seen in 10 (10.2%) of the admitted term babies. Male gender, vaginal delivery, presence of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, and need for mechanical ventilation (>24 hours) were identified as risk factors. There was a significant negative linear correlation between FT4 level in the first week of life and duration of hospital stay. Conclusion: Hypothyroxinemia is common in sick term neonates.

Indian Academy of Pediatrics Revised (2021) Guidelines on Prevention and Treatment of Vitamin D Deficiency and Rickets.

JUSTIFICATION: The emerging literature on prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in India, prevention and treatment strategies of rickets, and extra-skeletal benefits of vitamin D suggest the need for revising the existing guidelines for prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency in India. OBJECTIVES: To review the emerging literature on vitamin D prevalence and need for universal vitamin D supplementation. To suggest optimum vitamin D therapy for treatment of asymptomatic and symptomatic vitamin D deficiency, and rickets. To evaluate the extra-skeletal health benefits of vitamin D in children. PROCESS: A National consultative committee was formed that comprised of clinicians, epidemiologists, endocrinologists, and nutritionists. The Committee conducted deliberations on different aspects of vitamin D deficiency and rickets through ten online meetings between March and September, 2021. A draft guideline was formulated, which was reviewed and approved by all Committee members. RECOMMENDATIONS: The group reiterates the serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D cutoffs proposed for vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency, and sufficiency as <12 ng/mL, 12-20 ng/mL and >20 ng/mL, respectively. Vitamin D toxicity is defined as serum 25OHD >100 ng/mL with hypercalcemia and/or hypercalciuria. Vitamin D supplementation in doses of 400 IU/day is recommended during infancy; however, the estimated average requirement in older children and adolescents (400-600 IU/day, respectively) should be met from diet and natural sources like sunlight. Rickets and vitamin D deficiency should be treated with oral cholecalciferol, preferably in a daily dosing schedule (2000 IU below 1 year of age and 3000 IU in older children) for 12 weeks. If compliance to daily dosing cannot be ensured, intermittent regimens may be prescribed for children above 6 months of age. Universal vitamin D supplementation is not recommended in childhood pneumonia, diarrhea, tuberculosis, HIV and non-infectious conditions like asthma, atopic dermatitis, and developmental disorders. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D level of >20 ng/mL should be maintained in children with conditions at high-risk for vitamin deficiency, like nephrotic syndrome, chronic liver disease, chronic renal failure, and intake of anticonvulsants or glucocorticoids.

Transient hypothyroxinemia of prematurity and its risk factors in an extramural neonatal intensive care unit

ABSTRACT Objective: Thyroid functions in preterm newborns may be altered in the first week of life. Hypothyroxinemia has been commonly reported in these babies, which could be due to the immaturity of the hypothalamic pituitary thyroid axis or acute illness. It could have a long-term impact on the developing brain of these babies. We conducted this study to estimate the incidence of transient hypothyroxinemia of prematurity (THOP) and to determine its risk factors. Materials and methods: We analyzed thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free T4 levels of 64 preterm neonates admitted in the neonatal intensive care unit. TSH and free T4 levels were measured in the first week and then at 14-21 days of life to estimate the incidence of THOP and determine its risk factors. We also estimated the incidence of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) and delayed TSH elevation in CH. Risk analysis was conducted using simple and multiple logistic regression, and numerical data was compared using the Mann Whitney U test and t test. Results: THOP was seen in 25% of the preterm babies. Caesarean delivery, presence of one or more morbidities, mechanical ventilation, birth weight ≥ 1,500 g, and gestational age ≥ 32 weeks were identified as risk factors for THOP based on simple logistic regression. In multiple regression, mechanical ventilation and gestational age ≥ 32 weeks were significantly associated with THOP. CH was seen in 2 (3.1%) babies, and 1 of these cases had delayed TSH elevation. Conclusion: Thyroid abnormalities are common in preterm admitted neonates. Mechanical ventilation is an independent risk factor for development of THOP.

Hyaline Vascular Type of Castleman Disease: Diagnostic Pitfalls on Cytology and Its Clinical Relevance.

Castleman disease (CD) is an uncommon cause of lymphadenopathy. The role of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) as a diagnostic modality in this disease is not well established. Cytological features of CD have a considerable overlap with many reactive conditions. It has subtle morphological features; which if overlooked, may miss the diagnosis. A two-year-old girl presented with cervical lymphadenopathy. FNAC of the cervical lymph node showed features of granulomatous lymphadenitis. Excision biopsy revealed the hyaline vascular type of CD. Cytological smears were reviewed carefully and revealed indicators of CD. These included capillary fragments with adherent reactive lymphoid cells, plump endothelial cells and pale pink material admixed with germinal center cells. The collections of plump endothelial cells had been misinterpreted as granulomas previously. This report highlights the subtle cytomorphological pointers of CD. Careful scrutiny for these features could aid the cytologist in differentiating CD from other reactive and neoplastic disorders, thus avoiding cytodiagnostic pitfalls. This case study reiterates an important fact that for a lymph node lesion, histopathology plays a crucial role in differentiating mimickers and renders an accurate diagnosis.

Does Malaria Co-Infection Alter the Clinical Course in Children Infected with Dengue? Analysis from 623 Indian Children Admitted with Dengue Infection.

BACKGROUND: Dengue and malaria co-infection has been reported in several case reports. We aim to study effect of malaria co-infection on clinical outcomes of dengue infection. METHODS: Records of 623 children with dengue infection, based on NS-1 antigen and IgM ELISA testing, were collected. Malaria co-infection was identified in 20 cases, based on peripheral blood smear examination. Clinical and hematological parameters were compared in two groups (malaria co-infection vs. dengue mono-infection). RESULTS: Duration of hospitalization was significantly higher in co-infected group. Significantly higher proportion of malaria co-infection cases had hepatosplenomegaly, hemoglobin ≤8 g/dl, serum albumin ≤3 g/dl, serum bilirubin ≥1 mg/dl, serum aspartate aminotransferase ≥500 U/l and serum alanine aminotransferase ≥300 U/l. Number of transfusions (PRBC and platelets) required in malaria co-infection group was higher. CONCLUSION: Malaria co-infection in dengue impacts clinical presentation, hematological parameters, requirement of blood transfusion and morbidity. High index of suspicion is warranted while evaluating febrile patients.

Transient hypothyroxinemia of prematurity and its risk factors in an extramural neonatal intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE: Thyroid functions in preterm newborns may be altered in the first week of life. Hypothyroxinemia has been commonly reported in these babies, which could be due to the immaturity of the hypothalamic pituitary thyroid axis or acute illness. It could have a long-term impact on the developing brain of these babies. We conducted this study to estimate the incidence of transient hypothyroxinemia of prematurity (THOP) and to determine its risk factors. METHODS: We analyzed thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free T4 levels of 64 preterm neonates admitted in the neonatal intensive care unit. TSH and free T4 levels were measured in the first week and then at 14-21 days of life to estimate the incidence of THOP and determine its risk factors. We also estimated the incidence of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) and delayed TSH elevation in CH. Risk analysis was conducted using simple and multiple logistic regression, and numerical data was compared using the Mann Whitney U test and t test. RESULTS: THOP was seen in 25% of the preterm babies. Caesarean delivery, presence of one or more morbidities, mechanical ventilation, birth weight ≥ 1,500 g, and gestational age ≥ 32 weeks were identified as risk factors for THOP based on simple logistic regression. In multiple regression, mechanical ventilation and gestational age ≥ 32 weeks were significantly associated with THOP. CH was seen in 2 (3.1%) babies, and 1 of these cases had delayed TSH elevation. CONCLUSION: Thyroid abnormalities are common in preterm admitted neonates. Mechanical ventilation is an independent risk factor for development of THOP.

Appropriateness of Lower Waist Circumference Cutoffs for Predicting Derangement in Metabolic Parameters Among Asian Children and Adolescents: A Pilot Study.

Waist circumference (WC) >90th percentile cut-off effectively screens children for metabolic syndrome, as some specific metabolic derangements (high fasting serum levels of insulin and triglycerides) may be better associated with lower (70th percentile) waist circumference cut off. We evaluated a subset of children and adolescents found obese or overweight following the anthropometric screening in a school-based survey. Metabolic parameters (fasting insulin levels, fasting blood sugar and fasting lipid profile and blood pressure) were compared among 3 groups of obese or overweight children divided on the basis of WC percentiles (>90th, 70th-90th and <70th). 78 children (aged 11-18 years, 45 boys) were evaluated. The proportion of participants with high triglycerides and fasting insulin among those with WC<70th (28.6%, 19%) was significantly lower than that in the group with WC >90th (76.9%, 53.8%) as well as in group with WC 70th-90th percentile (38.7%, 41.9%).

Early hematological parameters as predictors for outcomes in children with dengue in northern India: A retrospective analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Dengue presents with a variable clinical course, ranging from mild illness to potentially fatal hemorrhage and shock. We aimed to evaluate the capabilities of various hematological parameters observed early in the course of illness for predicting the clinical outcomes of illness. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of children admitted in the pediatric inpatient services of the institute with dengue between 2017 and 2019. We determined the relationships between the hematological parameters observed during the first evaluation and the various clinical outcomes. RESULTS: We evaluated data from 613 patients (age range, 26 days to 17 years). Of these, 29.85% exhibited fever with warning signs, and 8.97% had severe dengue. Lower values of hemoglobin, platelet count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and mean platelet volume, and higher values of total leukocyte count (TLC), hematocrit, and red cell distribution width variably correlated with numerous clinical outcomes-duration of hospital stay, development of complications, requirement of blood component transfusion, inotropic support, and mortality. Among the parameters, TLC ≥20,000/mL and initial platelet count ≤20,000/mL significantly associated with mortality, with odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of 11.81 (4.21-33.80) and 5.53 (1.90-16.09), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Hematological parameters observed early during dengue infection may predict its clinical outcomes in infected children. Initial high TLC and low platelet count are potential predictors of fatal outcomes in the course of disease.

Early hematological parameters as predictors for outcomes in children with dengue in northern India: A retrospective analysis

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Dengue presents with a variable clinical course, ranging from mild illness to potentially fatal hemorrhage and shock. We aimed to evaluate the capabilities of various hematological parameters observed early in the course of illness for predicting the clinical outcomes of illness. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of children admitted in the pediatric inpatient services of the institute with dengue between 2017 and 2019. We determined the relationships between the hematological parameters observed during the first evaluation and the various clinical outcomes. RESULTS: We evaluated data from 613 patients (age range, 26 days to 17 years). Of these, 29.85% exhibited fever with warning signs, and 8.97% had severe dengue. Lower values of hemoglobin, platelet count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and mean platelet volume, and higher values of total leukocyte count (TLC), hematocrit, and red cell distribution width variably correlated with numerous clinical outcomes-duration of hospital stay, development of complications, requirement of blood component transfusion, inotropic support, and mortality. Among the parameters, TLC ≥20,000/mL and initial platelet count ≤20,000/mL significantly associated with mortality, with odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of 11.81 (4.21-33.80) and 5.53 (1.90-16.09), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Hematological parameters observed early during dengue infection may predict its clinical outcomes in infected children. Initial high TLC and low platelet count are potential predictors of fatal outcomes in the course of disease.

Congenital Cyst Adenoid Malformation Masquerading as Bronchial Asthma.

Congenital cyst adenoid malformation (CCAM) is a rare congenital malformation occurring in approximately 1-4 in 100,000 births. It is classified into five subtypes with type 1 CCAM is most common subtype. The diagnosis of CCAM is usually made in infancy, and it is rare in adolescents and adults. We report a 15-year-old female, who presented in pediatric outpatient department with a history of recurrent cough since infancy. On the basis of clinical examination, provisional diagnosis of asthma was considered and patient was started on inhaled corticosteroid and long-term ß2 agonist. Lung function of the patient revealed low forced expiratory volume-1 s but without bronchodilator reversibility. Therefore, alternative diagnosis was suspected, and the patient was further evaluated with X-ray chest and high resolution computed tomography thorax. Based on radiological findings, a final diagnosis of CCAM was established. The case was highly unusual due to its atypical and late age of presentation. Acquaintance about this condition benefit clinician in making differential diagnosis of recurrent cough.

Effect of Sucrose Analgesia, for Repeated Painful Procedures, on Short-term Neurobehavioral Outcome of Preterm Neonates: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Safety of oral sucrose, commonly used procedural analgesic in neonates, is questioned. AIM: To evaluate the effect of sucrose analgesia, for repeated painful procedures, on short-term neurobehavioral outcome of preterm neonates. METHODS: Stable preterm neonates were randomized to receive either sucrose or distilled water orally, for every potentially painful procedure during the first 7 days after enrollment. Neurodevelopmental status at 40 weeks postconceptional age (PCA) measured using the domains of Neurobehavioral Assessment of Preterm Infants scale. RESULTS: A total of 93 newborns were analyzed. The baseline characteristics of the groups were comparable. No statistically significant difference was observed in the assessment at 40 weeks PCA, among the groups. Use of sucrose analgesia, for repeated painful procedures on newborns, does not lead to any significant difference in the short-term neurobehavioral outcome.

Appropriateness of using prevalent national standards for assessment of growth parameters in children from Uttarakhand.

BACKGROUND: With distinct geographical and demographic conditions prevalent in the regions of Himalayan foothills, it seems questionable to assess the children from these areas using the standards based upon growth pattern of children from major central cities of the country. To answer this question, we compared the growth parameters of apparently healthy children, attending our out-patient clinic, with corresponding median values for age from national reference data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The growth parameters of apparently healthy children were compared with the expected value for age that is, median value for the corresponding age from the recommended national reference data (Agarwal et al). RESULTS: Data from 205 boys and 200 girls, aged 5-18 years, were finally evaluated. The considerable difference was observed between growth parameters. Children from Uttarakhand were observed to be lighter, especially in older age groups and taller, especially in younger age groups, when compared with corresponding median values from reference data. CONCLUSION: It appears inappropriate to interpret the growth parameters of the children of this region in the background of index national reference.

Risk Factors for Discontinuation of Exclusive Breastfeeding by One Month of Postnatal Age Among High Risk Newborns: An Institution Based Case Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Beyond one month of age, there is generally a drop in the proportion of mothers providing exclusive breastfeeding to their infants. Infants with morbidities during neonatal period have been observed to be at higher risk of discontinuation. OBJECTIVE: To enumerate the prevalent factors behind discontinuation of breastfeeding among high risk newborns by first month of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case control study conducted at high risk newborn followup clinic of a teaching medical institute in northern India between January and May 2013. Infants were divided on the basis of continuation (controls) or discontinuation (cases) of exclusive breastfeeding at one month of age. The socio-demographic factors along with maternal and neonatal medical factors were compared among groups. RESULTS: During the study period, 112 newborns were screened. Forty seven cases and thirty eight controls were enrolled and finally evaluated. Female gender of newborn, less educated mothers and large families were observed to be associated with discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding during first month of life among high risk newborns. Requirement of parenteral fluids during hospital stay emerged as the only independent medical reason. CONCLUSION: As in healthy newborns, the socio-cultural factors overshadow the medical reasons for discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding during first month of life among high risk newborns.

Neonatal stretched penile length: relationship with gestational maturity and anthropometric parameters at birth.

BACKGROUND: It is inappropriate to use universal cut-off points to interpret stretched penile length (SPL) measurements in newborns with variable body dimensions. AIM: To assess neonatal SPL on the basis of gestational maturity and anthropometric parameters at birth. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study of SPL was conducted on stable newborns at a referral teaching hospital in north India between January and June 2012. Gestational maturity, SPL and anthropometric parameters (weight, length, head circumference and foot length) were recorded within 24 hours of birth. Variation of SPL in relation to gestational age and anthropometric parameters were evaluated using multiple linear regression models. The equation using lower confidence limits of 95% confidence intervals for the correlation coefficients provides cut-off points to define a small penis. RESULTS: Data from 1249 newborns demonstrated that penile growth follows the pattern of increase in body dimensions in newborns. SPL can be predicted best in relation to body and foot length taken together. CONCLUSIONS: SPL should be interpreted in relation to anthropometric parameters in newborns, particularly body and foot length.

Filippi Syndrome: Report of a Rare Case.

Filippi syndrome is an autosomal recessive condition characterized by syndactyly of fingers and toes, microcephaly, growth retardation and abnormal facies. We are describing a boy who presented with syndactyly, mental retardation, microcephaly, depressed nasal bridge and growth retardation. In addition he had some dental abnormalities like missing bilateral lateral incisors and delayed eruption of teeth. We concluded it to be Filippi syndrome by studying pathognomic clinical features and reviewed the literature. This is the second case report from India.

Umbilical artery pH at birth and neurobehavioral outcome in early preterm infants: A cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the following study is to determine the effect of umbilical artery pH at birth on early neurobehavioral outcome of preterm infants as assessed by Neurobehavioral Assessment of Preterm Infants (NAPI) tool. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective cohort study conducted at the neonatal unit in a tertiary care center in North India. Preterm neonates < 34 weeks of gestation were enrolled at birth and divided into cases (umbilical artery pH < 7.2) and controls (umbilical artery pH > 7.2). At 34 weeks postconceptional age, the motor development and vigor (MDV) and alertness and orientation (AO) domains of neurobehavior were assessed by NAPI and compared among groups. RESULTS: Hundred preterm neonates were enrolled in the study out of which 76 (30 cases and 46 controls) were finally analyzed. The groups were comparable in terms of gestational age, mode of delivery, birth weight and requirement of resuscitative measures at birth. There was no significant difference in incidence of meningitis, intraventricular hemorrhage, jaundice and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy among the groups; however hypoglycemia was observed more commonly among cases. The MDV score (mean ± standard deviation [SD] [95% confidence interval]) was found to be significantly lower among cases compared to controls (37.0713 ± 13.616 [32.099-42.0431] vs. 47.506 ± 14.0692 [43.367-51.655]) (P = 0.002). Similarly, lower AO scores were observed among the cases. CONCLUSION: A low umbilical artery pH at birth is a predictor of poor early neurobehavioral outcome in preterm neonates.