Vaccine and malnutrition: A narrative review.

Nearly 45% of under 5 mortality is directly or indirectly linked to malnutrition. Infection adds to the increased mortality and morbidity in these groups. Vaccination is very important in these undernourished children protecting against life-threatening infections. The goal of vaccination is to produce long-term protection by generating memory cells and the generation of antibodies. Since malnutrition is a state of immunodeficiency, the immune response to vaccines in these children is a matter of concern. We did an exhaustive search to gather more recent studies and corroborated previous findings. Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine, Haemophilus influenza vaccine, rabies, and cholera vaccine showed normal response to immunization. Measles and rotavirus vaccines were found to elicit lower seroprotection and lower efficacy in undernourished children. Data regarding response to vaccination against BCG, DPwT, Hepatitis B, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, and meningococcal vaccine was inconclusive. Although most of the studies show a normal immune response to different vaccines, excluding other confounding factors and effect modifiers had not been easy to interpret. However, with the advances in the understanding of vaccine physiology with newer immunological techniques, good-quality studies might explore the gray areas that remain untouched.

Bradycardia after pulse methylprednisolone therapy in a child-Uncommon side effect of a frequently used drug: A case report.

Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatory agents used as a mainstay of therapy in most of the rheumatologic disorders. Common side effects of pulse steroid therapy include hypertension, hyperglycemia, seizure, hypokalemia, and infection. We report a case of an 11-year-old girl with polyarticular Juvenile idiopathic arthritis who developed bradycardia following pulse methylprednisolone therapy. On day 2 of methylprednisolone infusion, she developed bradycardia with a heart rate between 50 and 60/min. ECG was suggestive of sinus bradycardia. There was no evidence of dyselectrolytemia (Na-141 mmol/l, K-3.54 mmol/l, Ca-8.72 mg/l) or sepsis. The patient did not receive methylprednisolone on day 3 and vitals continued to be monitored. Her heart rate improved after 12 hours. In the mid of infusion on day 4, again the patient had bradycardia with a heart rate of 50-60/minute. Since she was hemodynamically stable, we continued the infusion, and bradycardia resolved in the next 8 hours. On follow-up after 2 weeks, she had some improvement in joint symptoms and normal heart rate. As per Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale, the adverse reaction in our case was probable with a score of 8. Although bradycardia associated with pulse steroid therapy is benign and is usually reversible following cessation of therapy, a baseline heart rate, ECG, and electrolyte level are suggested before infusion as a cautionary measure to minimize serious adverse events.

Dyslipidemia Among Overweight and Obese Children in Jharkhand: A Hospital-Based Study.

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of common dyslipidemia among overweight and obese children between 2-18 years in a tribal region. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 151 overweight and obese children aged 2-18 years, who visited the pediatric outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Jharkhand between 1 August and 30 November, 2022. Dyslipidemia was defined as anyone of the following: a total cholesterol level of 240 mg/dL, a triglyceride level of 150 mg/dL, a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (LDL-C) of 140 mg/dL, a high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (HDL-C) of 40 mg/dL, or the use of a lipid-lowering drug [8]. Overweight and obesity were defined as per World Health Organization criteria. RESULTS: The prevalence of dyslipidemia was 63.6%. The most common type of dyslipidemia was low HDL-C + high TG levels found in 32.5% (n=49) children. The most prevalent pattern of dyslipidemia in overweight children was low HDL-C (19, 32.3%); and in obese children low HDL-C and high TG levels (39, 42.3%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence rate of dyslipidemia was high among overweight and obese children in this region. There was a positive association between dyslipidemia and body mass index.

A 13-Year-Old Male With Left Eye Swelling.

A 13-year-old male presented with a 10-day history of left eye swelling and pain. These symptoms prompted presentation to the emergency department. He had no significant past medical history and no preceding fevers or chills. He was found on examination of the eyes and the orbit to have left supraorbital erythema, edema, and pain with upward and medial gaze. Examination of the globe, fundus, and visual fields were normal. His white blood cell count was 6.2 (x1000/mm3) with an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 4 (mm/hr). Diagnostic endoscopic biopsy was performed. Here we present this case alongside clinical reasoning and diagnostic evaluation with relevant input from respective experts. This case discussion reviews the final diagnosis, as well as the corresponding evaluation and management. Diagnostic algorithms based on literature review and clinical experience are also included.

Primary pulmonary T-cell lymphoma.

Primary pulmonary lymphoma (PPL) is a rare clonal proliferation of lymphoid tissue involving one or both lungs. It is of two types, B-cell and T-cell lymphomas among which T-cell lymphoma is a rare entity and it is sparsely considered as a differential diagnosis in neoplastic lesions of the lung. Here, we are reporting a case of primary pulmonary T-cell lymphoma. PPL is a rare disease and can present with nonspecific symptoms. Radiologically, it can easily be confused with more common malignancies such as bronchogenic carcinoma with or without metastases. PPL carries different therapeutic and prognostic implications. Therefore, physicians should make every effort to achieve histopathological diagnosis before prognosticating a patient presenting with lung cancer.

Beyond reflux: the spectrum of voiding cystourethrogram findings in the pediatric population.

Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) is a widely accepted radiographic imaging technique that has been traditionally used for identifying vesicoureteral reflux in children. Given the simultaneous evaluation of the lower urinary tract that is afforded by VCUG, many common and uncommon abnormalities of the ureters, bladder and urethra can also be elucidated. Knowledge of the appearance of these urological entities may facilitate their proper identification.

Pulmonary melioidosis complicating foreign body aspiration in a young adult.

Melioidosis is caused by an environmental Gram-negative bacilli Burkholderia pseudomallei. Diabetes mellitus, occupational exposure to soil and water, pre-existing renal diseases and thalassemia are significant independent risk factors for melioidosis. A 30-year-old male carpenter and smoker had a history of accidental aspiration of foreign body 2 months prior. On presentation, he had cough with expectoration and low-grade intermittent fever for 1 month. His chest x-ray displayed left lower zone consolidation with cavitation and presence of foreign body in the left lower lobe bronchus. Bronchoalveolar lavage inoculated onto 5% sheep blood agar and MacConkey agar grew B. pseudomallei. Melioidosis due to foreign body aspiration is rare. To the best of our knowledge, there have not been reports of melioidosis infection associated with foreign body inhalation. Hence, pulmonary melioidosis can be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of foreign body with secondary infection even in immunocompetent host.

Varied foci of primary benign schwannoma of the thorax: a case series.

Schwannomas are the most common tumor of peripheral nerves. It comprises 1 to 2% of total thoracic tumor. Posterior mediastinum is the most common site in thorax. Hereby we are reporting two cases of schwannoma with different sites of origin. The classical presentation of schwannoma is an asymptomatic mass found on chest radiograph. This tumor is usually benign and slow growing. Imaging followed by histopathological examination is key to the diagnosis of this neoplasm. Resection of tumor cures the disease.

Utility of skull radiographs in infants undergoing 3D head CT during evaluation for physical abuse.

BACKGROUND: Clinical practice guidelines recommend performing head CT and skull radiographs (SR) when evaluating infants for physical abuse. We compared the accuracy of 3-dimensional CT (3DCT) and SR for detecting skull fractures. METHODS: We reviewed children <12 months evaluated for physical abuse undergoing 3DCT and SR between January 2017 and December 2018. 3DCT and SR images were blindly read by 2 radiologists. Interrater reliability (IRR) was calculated. Diagnostic accuracy was compared using McNemar's test. RESULTS: 158 infants with a mean age of 5.0 months underwent 3DCT and SR. Consensus reading identified 46 fractures (29.1%) on 3DCT and 40 fractures (25.3%) on SR. IRR was higher for 3DCT (κ = 0.95) than for SR (=0.65). 11 fractures were identified on 3DCT but not SR. 5 fractures were identified on SR but not 3DCT. There was no difference in the diagnostic accuracy of 3DCT and SR (χ2 = 1.56, p = 0.211). CONCLUSIONS: We found no difference in the accuracy of 3DCT and SR for detecting skull fractures in infants. Because 3DCT has better IRR and evaluates for both bony and intracranial injuries it is superior to SR. Omitting SRs may be acceptable if a 3DCT is performed, and would reduce radiation exposure without compromising diagnostic accuracy.

Comparison of Clinical, Radiological and Laboratory Parameters Between Elderly and Young Patient With Newly Diagnosed Smear Positive Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Hospital-Based Cross Sectional Study.

Introduction To compare clinical, radiological and haematological manifestations among newly diagnosed smear positive tuberculosis patients between Group I (Elderly >60 yrs) and Group II (Younger age between 13 and 60 years). Methodology This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted at the out-patient department of pulmonary medicine, between March 2014 and December 2017. There were 61 patients in Group I (Elderly > 60 yrs) and 110 patients in Group II (Younger age between 13 and 60 years). Continuous variables were compared using student's t-test and Mann-Whitney test. Chi square test and Fischer test was used for analysing categorical variables. All statistics were two-tailed, and a p-value of 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results The mean age for Group I (Elderly >60 yrs) was 65 ± 2 years and for the Group II (Younger age between 13 and 60 years) was 40 ± 1 years. There was a statistically significant association of cavitation with infiltrates (p = 0.007) in younger age group. Bilateral multiple zone (48, 64.86%) involvements were commonly observed in both the age groups. There was no significant difference between two groups with regard to haematological and clinical parameters. Conclusion We did not find any difference in the presentation of tuberculosis in both the groups. Radiologically, there was more of cavitating lesion in younger age group. So, they should be isolated and followed up at regular intervals.

Single-lateral cervical radiograph in pediatric trauma is equivalent to multiple views.

BACKGROUND: Cervical spine injuries (CSI) are rare within the pediatric population. Due to the significant consequences of missed CSI, children are often imaged excessively. In an attempt to decrease imaging of the cervical spine in children, we reviewed abnormal cervical radiographs (XR) to determine if the diagnosis of CSI could be made using a single-lateral cervical radiograph (LAT). Furthermore, we reviewed cervical computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to ensure there were no missed CSI. METHODS: Electronic medical records of trauma patients treated at a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center with abnormal XR findings followed by confirmatory CT or MRI between 2012 and 2017 were reviewed. All abnormal imaging on XR was compared with the LAT. In addition, all abnormal CTs and MRIs were reviewed to ensure there were no false negative XR. RESULTS: A total of 3,735 XR were performed with 26 abnormal interpretations. All bony CSI were visualized on LAT. Confirmatory imaging found 13 (50%) were false positive and 13 (50%) were true positive. Secondary analysis of CT identified 12 injuries with prior XR; 8 of 12 LAT identifying the injury and 4 of 12 false positive on CT. Secondary analysis of MRI identified nine injuries with prior XR; 5 of 9 LAT identifying the injury. The four false-negative reads on MRI were ligamentous injuries. CONCLUSION: Radiographs are commonly performed when evaluating CSI. In our population, initial assessment with a single LAT was equivalent to a multiple view XR. On secondary review, the only false-negative LAT reports were due to ligamentous injuries. This data suggests limiting exposure to LAT would accomplish the goal of reducing imaging without missing bony CSI and when ligamentous injury is suspected MRI should be the confirmatory study rather than CT. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Test, level III.

Spinal Intramedullary Tuberculosis with Concurrent Supra- and Infratentorial Intracranial Disease in a 9-Month-Old Boy: Case Report and Comprehensive Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculous involvement of the spinal cord parenchyma is an exceedingly rare clinical entity; even more so is concurrent intracranial tuberculosis (TB). Spinal intramedullary TB presents with a characteristic subacute myelopathy, with slowly progressive paraplegia, sensory deficits, and/or bowel and bladder dysfunction. Diagnosis is strongly suspected with a clinical history of known TB in conjunction with characteristic findings on magnetic resonance imaging. Management involves multiagent antitubercular chemotherapy without or with operative intervention. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present a case of a 9-month-old boy with a retrospectively recognized history of pulmonary TB presenting with fever and back tenderness found to have lower-extremity hypertonia and clonus. Imaging revealed concurrent intracranial and spinal intramedullary tuberculomas. The patient was treated for hydrocephalus with external ventricular drainage followed by T8-T10 laminectomy, drainage of abscess, and duraplasty. Parietal lobe biopsies proved the tuberculous etiology of intracranial lesions. CONCLUSION: Etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and management considerations of spinal intramedullary tuberculosis are reviewed and discussed.

Prevalence of non-cardiovascular findings on CT angiography in children with congenital heart disease.

BACKGROUND: CT angiography is gaining broader acceptance in the evaluation of children with known or suspected congenital heart disease. These studies include non-cardiovascular structures such as the mediastinum, lung parenchyma and upper abdominal organs. It is important to inspect all these structures for potential abnormalities that might be clinically important and, in some cases, may impact care plans. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of non-cardiovascular findings in CT angiography of children with congenital heart disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During 28 months, 300 consecutive children (170 males; mean age: 7.1 years, age range: 6 h-26 years), referred from a tertiary pediatric cardiology center, underwent clinically indicated CT angiography to evaluate known or suspected congenital heart disease. Slightly more than half (n = 169) of the patients were postoperative or post-intervention. Examinations were retrospectively reviewed, and non-cardiovascular findings were recorded and tabulated by organ system, congenital heart disease and operative procedure in conjunction with outcomes from medical charts. RESULTS: Non-cardiovascular findings were identified in 83% (n = 250 / 300) of the studies for a total of 857 findings. In 221 patients (n = 73.7% of 300) a total of 813 non-cardiovascular findings were clinically significant, while in 9.7% (n = 29 / 300) of patients, 5.1% (n = 44 / 857) of the findings were nonsignificant. In 38.3% (n = 115 / 300) of patients with significant non-cardiovascular pathology, the findings were unexpected and directly impacted patient care plans. Commonly involved organs with non-cardiovascular findings were the lungs with 280 non-cardiovascular findings in 176 / 300 (58.7%) of patients, the airway with 139 non-cardiovascular findings in 103 / 300 (34.3%) of patients and the liver with 108 non-cardiovascular findings in 72 / 300 (24.0%) of patients. Syndromic associations were noted in 22% (n = 66 / 300) of the patients. CONCLUSION: Non-cardiovascular findings are common in children with congenital heart disease who undergo CT angiography. Based upon our study population, if a child with congenital heart disease has a CT angiography, five out of six will have non-cardiovascular findings, while nearly three out of four (73.7%; 221 / 300) will have significant non-cardiovascular findings. Close attention to the non-cardiovascular structures in children with congenital heart disease presenting for a CT angiography is recommended as in nearly 40% of these children, findings were unexpected and directly altered patient care.

Effect of pterygium on contrast sensitivity.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of pterygium on contrast sensitivity. Thirty-six eyes with pterygium and 18 eyes without pterygium were included in the study. The size of the pterygium was measured on the slit lamp both vertically at the limbus and categorized into three groups (≤3, 3.1 to ≤5, >5 mm), and horizontally on the cornea and categorized into two groups (0.5 to ≤2, >2 mm), and the area calculated by multiplying the two measurements was then categorized into three groups (≤7, 7.1 to ≤14, >14 mm(2)). Contrast sensitivity was measured using CSV-1000E charts (Vector Vision) at 3, 6, 12 and 18 cycles per degree under photopic and mesopic conditions. The mean vertical length of pterygium was 4.41 ± 1.12 mm, mean horizontal width was 2.09 ± 0.68 mm and mean area was 9.7 ± 5.01 mm(2). Significant differences in both photopic and mesopic contrast sensitivities at all frequencies were noted between normal eyes and vertical length of pterygium >3 mm, horizontal width ≥0.5 mm and area >7 mm(2). Contrast sensitivity had significant negative correlation with all three parameters. Pterygium with vertical length >3 mm, horizontal width ≥0.5 mm and area >7 mm(2) caused a significant decrease in both photopic and mesopic contrast sensitivity at all spatial frequencies. Contrast sensitivity had significant negative correlation with all three parameters.

Eye donation awareness among medical and paramedical staff in a medical institute.

INTRODUCTION: Corneal diseases constitute a significant cause of visual impairment and blindness in the developing world. The number of corneal transplants done is far less than required due to the lack of donor cornea. A well informed and motivated medical and paramedical staff can increase the rate of eye donation by counseling grief-stricken relatives of the deceased for eye donation. OBJECTIVE: To assess the awareness of the medical and paramedical staff of a medical institute about eye donation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. A self-designed, standardized, single-response type questionnaire on eye donation awareness was prepared and circulated in all the departments of our institute. RESULTS: Of the 395 participants, 317(80.5%) were aware of eye donation, 312(80%) knew that the cornea is used for eye donation and 294(76%) knew that the ideal time for eye donation is within six hours of death. Only 286(72.4%) knew about pledging for eye donation and only 251(65.4%) consented for pledge of their eyes. Of those who did not want to pledge, 12(14.8%) had religious reasons, 9(11.1%) feared disfigurement, 9(11.1%) thought that they might be born blind in their next birth and 51(63%) had some other reasons. CONCLUSION: There is a need for regular eye donation awareness programs not only in the community but even for the medical and paramedical staff in hospitals and medical colleges. This will ultimately enhance the eye donation program in the country to help cope with the backlog in the long term.

Five-year study of ocular injuries due to fireworks in India.

To study the demographic profile, cause, type and severity of ocular injuries, their complications and final visual outcome following fireworks around the time of Deepawali in India. Case records of patients who presented with firework-related injuries during 2005-2009 at the time of Deepawali were reviewed. Data with respect to demographic profile of patients, cause and time of injury, time of presentation and types of intervention were analyzed. Visual acuity at presentation and final follow-up, anterior and posterior segment findings, and any diagnostic and surgical interventions carried out were noted. One hundred and one patients presented with firework-related ocular injuries, of which 77.5 % were male. The mean age was 17.60 ± 11.9 years, with 54 % being ≤14 years of age. The mean time of presentation was 8.9 h. Seventeen patients had open globe injury (OGI) and 84 had closed globe injury (CGI). Fountains were the most common cause of CGI and bullet bombs were the most common cause of OGI. Mean log MAR visual acuity at presentation was 0.64 and 1.22 and at last follow-up was 0.09 and 0.58 for CGI and OGI, respectively (p < 0.05). Patients with CGI had a better visual outcome. Three patients with OGI developed permanent blindness. Factors associated with poor visual outcome included poor initial visual acuity, OGI, intraocular foreign body (IOFB), retinal detachment and development of endophthalmitis. Firework injuries were seen mostly in males and children. Poor visual outcome was associated with poor initial visual acuity, OGI, IOFB, retinal detachment and development of endophthalmitis, while most patients with CGI regained good vision.

Capsular contraction syndrome following insertion of hydrophilic acrylic lens.

A 52-year-old female of Asian Indian origin underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification with insertion of a foldable hydrophilic acrylic single-piece intraocular lens which resulted in good postoperative vision. Five weeks later she presented with decreased vision and examination revealed fibrosis as well as phimosis of the anterior capsular opening. Surgical capsulotomy was performed as there was an extremely thick fibrotic membrane, thereby clearing the visual axis and improving her vision. Capsular contraction syndrome (CCS) is very rare following insertion of hydrophilic acrylic lenses. We describe a case of anterior capsular contraction syndrome following uneventful surgery and without any known predisposing factors.